Championing People in Tech
At Retro Rabbit/Smartek21, we talk a lot about the employee's “journey”, but for me - it’s personal. It’s about building genuine connections, understanding what motivates each person, and being a steady support as they navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with doing meaningful, high-impact work.
As People Champion’s, we have the privilege of walking alongside some truly incredible people. And I don’t just mean supporting them at work, we get to know the stories behind the roles, the people behind the projects. I love hearing about their pets, their hobbies and their family traditions. Those chats help me truly understand them, not just as employees I support, but as individuals with stories, passions, and lives beyond the job.
One of the things I’m most proud of in my role is that I get to be the consultants’ voice in the company. When they speak to a People Champion, whether it’s something they’re excited about, frustrated with, or just curious to explore, we listen. And we take it seriously. We carry their stories, their feedback, their concerns into spaces where decisions are made. It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly, and it’s one I’m truly honoured to have.
But being a People Champion isn’t only about tough conversations and policy questions. It’s also about growth. I love seeing the consultants thrive, especially in the fast-paced world of software development and product design, where project needs shift quickly and high-quality delivery is expected every time. Whether they’re solving tough backend challenges, leading design sprints, or rolling out new features for clients, I see the effort and creativity. Trust me, we’re paying attention. We aim to ensure that hard work gets seen, wins get celebrated, and goals stay on track. And when things aren’t going as planned? That’s okay too. We are here to help you figure out what’s holding you back, to have honest conversations, and to be your accountability partner when you need a push in the right direction.
In an industry that’s constantly evolving, with new frameworks and technologies, client expectations, and team structures, staying relevant can feel like a job in itself. That’s why we focus on supporting your development, whether it’s through upskilling, access to learning platforms, or just talking through your next step. If you’re unsure where to go next, let’s figure it out together.
Of course, work isn’t everything. Life happens. It gets messy, beautiful, stressful, and surprising. And in all of that, the People Champions are here for the human moments too. Sometimes that means helping you navigate a tough patch. Other times it means just being a safe space to talk things out. Whatever support looks like for you, I will show up with empathy, consistency, and care.
Whether it’s helping you connect at a company event, explaining how to apply for leave, or just checking in when something feels off, the People Champions are here - not just to support your role, but to walk alongside you as you grow, adapt, and find your way.
So if we haven’t chatted yet, come say hi. I’d love to hear about your dog, your weekend plans, or that new recipe you tried. Because every journey at RetroRabbit/Smartek 21 is unique, and the People Champions are here to make sure yours is supported, celebrated, and shaped with intention.
