Life at AQ with Carolyn Coates

At Anderson Quigley, we often talk about what we do, and as our company grows, we also want to share who we are. This series will showcase our team members, introducing their roles and what life at AQ is like.

You can learn more about our team here, and if you'd like to be part of our team, you can find out more here.

1. Which aspect of your role do you feel the most excited about?

I like to help people, and I get real satisfaction from the fact that we are helping to find great people for organisations that have an impact on society, and also helping people find their next great job!

I also love the fact that I get to work on such a wide variety of searches and speak to lots of interesting people. I generally focus on roles within the Higher Education sector which in itself is really varied. For instance, one month I might be doing a search for a Dean of Faculty or an obscure Professorial role, and I have to get my head around a particular academic discipline, or it could be a professional services role where I have to, for example, get to grips with the challenges associated with student recruitment or an academic registry.  I also regularly work on roles in other sectors, such as the NHS or schools, so I get to learn about lots of different roles and sectors and that keeps my role interesting. 

2. Since you joined AQ, how has your career been developed by the business? How have you been able to grow over the years?

I see myself as a career researcher and it’s great that AQ respect that, but the roles I work on are so varied that I learn something with every search. At AQ, you are supported to develop if you have ambitions to progress your career, but your contribution to the business is also recognised and valued even if you don’t have ambitions to progress.

Outside of my core role, I'm also able to get involved in broader discussions about things like how we can improve our database and inclusion, equality and diversity. I like the fact that at AQ your input is welcomed, no matter what your role in the company is.

3. Many companies adopted hybrid working in response to the pandemic, but AQ was created with hybrid-working policies and practises in place, how have those policies enabled you to achieve a stronger work-life balance?

AQ was definitely ahead of the curve in terms of its approach to hybrid, which means that we’ve been able to attract people to join us who are based all over the country. They take a view that your fit with the organisation is more important than you being physically in the office.

I’m based in Wales and have worked remotely for over 12 years so when the pandemic hit remote working wasn’t new to me. Working from home means that I’ve been able to adapt my working pattern to fit in around family commitments. I’ve been able to drop my son at school every morning and still be at my desk for 9 a.m. and also be here when he comes home from school to hear about his day. I’ve also been able to amend my working pattern as he has grown up and childcare needs have changed, and that flexibility has been really important to me. 

4. AQ consistently reviews its benefits package, which now includes, for example, a menopause policy, a one-month sabbatical after 5 years service and equal parental leave and enhanced pay. How has the benefits package made a positive impact on your life at work and outside work?

I was one of the first AQ employees, so I’ve seen the benefits package grow and develop over the last 6 years.  A lot of thought has been given to offer benefits that suit people at all stages of their lives, so there’s something for everyone. We’re really well looked after with things like eye care and flu vaccination vouchers, and we also have some fantastic social get-togethers throughout the year.

I reached 5 years service last year, so was able to benefit from the month-long sabbatical. I spent the summer with my son, travelling and catching up with friends and family. I haven’t had a whole month off since I left school, so it was great! 

5. Your career has spanned several organisations; what is different about your role at AQ?

There are a few things which make AQ a really special place to work. I’ve worked in a few executive search firms before, and as a researcher didn’t feel that my contribution was recognised - more focus was given to the success of fee earners. However, at AQ, your contribution is valued and recognised, whatever your role might be.

However, for me, what makes AQ special is the people. We’re quite a diverse group with different skillsets and personalities, and lots of different nationalities too. I feel really lucky to have such a friendly, fun, supportive group of colleagues. There’s no sense of hierarchy here, and there’s a good sense of fun with lots of social events, from quizzes to bake-off competitions and a few bigger social events throughout the year when we all get together.  We’ve just completed a months’ challenge to walk 58 miles to raise money for Refuge and it’s created lots of healthy competition!

I consider many of my colleagues to be good friends, and you don’t get that in many organisations.  I think that says a lot about AQ’s people and culture.

Learn more about Carolyn, including how to contact her here.