As we all know, working from home can be a challenge, and as we started 2022 working remotely; the addition of new recruits created some interesting obstacles. Steve Lasenby has joined the GTA University Centre as part of our Programmes Managers team, and has hit the ground running despite unusual circumstances!
We spoke to Steve to offer some insight into his background and experience…
Welcome to the team, Steve! It’s not been the ideal way to start your new role, but we’re delighted to have you. How have you found settling in remotely?
Yes, an interesting start to my new role! It has been a mixture of working from home, training at the GTA office and meeting new clients. I am grateful for the support I have received from everyone at the GTA.
Tell us a bit about your professional background and what strengths you can bring to our team at the GTA…
I have previously worked in retail banking and fund administration. More recently, I have been operating my own businesses which are in the retail, property and hospitality sectors. Therefore, I have an insight into finance industry operations, as well as knowledge of the skills and attributes required to operate businesses successfully.
How do you spend your time outside of work? What are your main interests and hobbies?
I like to keep up to date with business and financial news, listen to music, watch movies and I enjoy most sports, particularly football and cricket. I avidly follow my hometown football club, Carshalton Athletic. To keep fit, I play tennis, jog, play football with our two boys Daniel and Alex, and enjoy long walks with my wife Vanessa and Archie the dog.
When it comes to life at work, what have you become most passionate about?
I have a passion for excellent customer service which originated when I started working in retail banking and continued with my own customer-facing businesses. I believe that providing top quality customer service is paramount to a successful outcome for all.
Is there anything in particular that you are most looking forward to in your new Programmes Manager role?
I am looking forward to being part of the GTA team, meeting clients and promoting existing training courses, as well as exploring ideas for new training courses and qualifications that will fulfil the future requirements and aspirations of all our clients.
To end on something light, tell us three things that are on your bucket list…
• Visit as many countries as possible.
• Go to as many sporting events and music concerts as I can.
• Buy Carshalton Athletic Football Club and eventually get them promoted to the Premier League!
We look forward to introducing Steve properly to our clients soon and having him as part of our team in what is going to be another busy year.
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