Thanks to James Sharples for taking time to share his thoughts on why he resonates most with integrity and the importance of people skills. James is a Wakefield based Senior Consultant who has been with Dufrain since 2017. Read his thoughts below.
1. Tell us a little bit about what you do?
It would probably be easier to tell you what I don’t do. Not a lot. I’ve worked on lots of different projects all revolving around data. From managing BAU ETL processes to Data Led Assurance projects, with a smattering of Data Discovery and Decisioning thrown into the mix. My current title is Senior Consultant.
2. Can you tell us a few details about the favourite part of your job?
I enjoy getting deep into the data and the processes that create it. My last project was really interesting as we got to pick apart existing processes in order to check whether they were working correctly. We were able to provide valuable insights for the client that would both resolve underlying issues and provide a financial benefit.
3. What does a typical day look like for you?
I get up around 5am, have breakfast then get out of the house for a run. When I get back, I get prepared for the day and log on. I usually check emails, diary and look at the list of tasks for the day. The rest of the day usually revolves around meetings and that day’s tasks. I’m also a people coach, so an important part of my day is ensuring that my team is supported and happy. If I’ve got time I’ll also support our profile team, talking to new members of staff and checking that new submissions. At the end of the day I’ll prepare my workload for the next day, grab some tea and then decide what I’m going to do that evening.
4. Which company value resonates with you the most?
Integrity. Sometimes it’s difficult to tell a client or a colleague that things aren’t quite like they expect. I think it’s a bit of an art form to get it just right however the rewards are huge. On my last project, our open and honest conversations led to a deep trust between the client and ourselves.
5. What would you say has been your most significant achievement whilst working at Dufrain?
There have been lots of achievements since I joined Dufrain and it’s difficult to identify the most significant of those. I’m most proud of the outstanding feedback that the team I led got on our last project.
6. Who inspires you the most within Dufrain?
There are lots of names I could put here, but the truth is I’m inspired by everyone. There’s always someone to learn from or live up to.
7. Which work benefit or perk is your favourite and why?
Private Health Insurance. With everything that happened last year to me, I appreciate this probably more than most. It’s even better than the policies I had at previous employers as it gives you quick access to a GP if needed.
8. What’s the best advice you can give to someone who wants to work for us?
Apply.
9. What skill do you think everyone should learn?
People skills. There are lots of technical skills that you can learn and become an expert at, but being able to communicate with people at all levels is invaluable. Understanding a client’s needs, gaining their trust and delivering value all come from the conversations we have.
10. What is your favourite thing to do outside of work?
I used to say Gaming, my Xbox profile will tell you I have far too many hours invested in Destiny 1 and Destiny 2 but that’s no longer the case. A case of Bell’s Palsy and high blood pressure made me reassess everything.
My actual favourite thing to do outside of work is to get out of the house. You’ll catch me either walking or running every day as a way to get fit.
I’m currently running 10km every day (ok not every day, I ran a half marathon distance at the weekend), plus I do a Parkrun every weekend. So far it’s helped me lose 4 stone (and keep it off), get my blood pressure back to normal and make me a statistically above average runner.
Best of all, it’s encouraged my daughters to go on their own journeys to get fit.
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