Thanks to Gordon Burns for taking time to share his thoughts on being yourself within the data industry and insights into growing as a team leader. Gordon is a Consulting Manager based in East Kilbride who has been with Dufrain since 2021. Read his thoughts below.
1. Tell us a little bit about what you do?
I am a Manger with Dufrain solving complex data problems and have previous experience in many industries such as Financial Services, Engineering and HR. In my current project I manage a large data platform for a leading UK Financial Services organisation.
2. What is your favourite part of your job?
I think my favourite part of my job is getting to work on new and exciting problems as there is always something new to learn.
3. What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day for me starts by getting my children up and ready for school before getting myself ready for work. Once the drop offs are done I jump into work which normally starts with a daily stand up before splitting the day between meetings and working on various data products. In the evenings I like to spend the time with my wife and kids as well as heading to the dojo a few nights a week to work on my Karate.
4. Which company value resonates with you the most?
I think the value that resonates with me the most is “Be Ourselves”. Since joining Dufrain, I can honestly say I have been accepted everyday just for being me.
5. What would you say has been your most significant achievement or the one you are most proud of whilst working at Dufrain?
My most significant achievement to date at Dufrain would be Duffy! This is Dufrain’s internal chatbot built using Gen AI that allows our employees to ask questions and get answers relating to Dufrain and our policies.
6. Who inspires you the most within Dufrain?
Sean Kenny is someone who inspires me within Dufrain, Having worked with Sean for the last few years and seeing his story of how he was consistently worked hard and moved through the ranks while embodying our values is something I hope to emulate in my time at Dufrain.
7. Which work benefit or perk is your favourite and why?
Udemy is for sure my favourite work benefit, I was able to use Udemy to upskill in Python taking courses that without Udemy would have been rather costly. This has helped me to grow as a leader of my current team as well as work on interesting side projects.
8. What’s the best advice you can give to someone who wants to work for us?
Take a leap and be the best you can be.
9. What skill do you think everyone should learn?
Problem solving is a skill that everyone should learn. Once you do, it doesn’t matter whether you’re applying the skill to a business, technical or even personal problem. It is a vital life skill.
10. What is your favourite hobby?
Outside of work my time is mostly split 2 ways: spending quality time with my friends and family be that going for meals, doing outdoor activities or even just relaxing by the TV. My other main hobby is martial arts and as a Nidan blackbelt in Karate its something that helps to keep me fit and also keep my mind focused.
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