Emma Douds

Meet our Realtimer Emma Douds! 👋 Emma is our Belfast IT Contracts Manager for the UK & NI.

What do you do in Realtime?

I specialise in Contract Software Development.

Can you tell us a fun fact about yourself?

I love a pint (or 2) of Guinness.

Can you describe your career journey so far?

Fortunately, I have had a successful career journey at Realtime. I joined 7 years’ ago, and with all the training and support, I have been able to achieve my goals and reach Management level. With its ups and downs throughout my 7 years, it of course has been an enjoyable time.

What is the best thing about working at Realtime?

The team, culture, support, social calendar, and the fun!

What is one piece of career advice you could give?

Don’t let imposter syndrome stop you from achieving! Everyone has the ability to achieve the best, put your mind to it and it will happen. Imposter syndrome effects most of us and it can unfortunately hinder success. Work through it and talk through it.

How do you stay motivated?

Working from home has become the new norm – and many struggle sometimes to stay motivated, including myself.  As I work from home most days, I have a strict working routine to ensure that I get my work completed each day. I started this when covid forced us all to stay at home. I love routine, going to the office was my routine. So, I had to develop a structured routine that mirrored my regular workday.

I set myself “sprints” throughout the day, and ensure I take regular breaks to fuel up and re-focus. I re-evaluate my day at mid-day, and I set myself up for the afternoon. In recruitment it can be hard to “plan” your day, as something may happen that changes your priorities. I establish boundaries between work and personal life. I have clearly defined working hours and this helps to create a clear separation between work time and leisure time, ensuring I have dedicated periods for rest.

Staying connected and maintaining regular communication and interaction with colleagues helped me feel connected to my work and enhanced motivation and a sense of belonging.

Best piece of advice for aspiring leaders?

• Build Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication is a fundamental skill for leaders. Work on your ability to listen actively, articulate your thoughts clearly, and adapt your communication style to different audiences.
• Seek Feedback and Learn from Mistakes: Actively seek feedback from others, both positive and constructive, to understand your strengths and areas for improvement. Embrace failure as a chance to learn and grow
• Lead by Example: Be a role model for your team by demonstrating the behaviours and values you expect from others. Act with integrity, display a strong work ethic, and make ethical decisions. Your actions will inspire and motivate those around you.
• Delegate and Empower Others: Recognise that you can’t do everything on your own. Delegate tasks and responsibilities to your team members, empowering them to take ownership and develop their skills. Provide guidance and support while allowing space for autonomy and growth.
• Continuously Build Relationships: Invest time and effort in building relationships. Building strong relationships enhances your influence and expands your opportunities for growth.

Remember, leadership is a journey that requires ongoing self-reflection, learning, and adaptation. Embrace the challenges, be open to feedback, and continuously strive to develop your skills and capabilities as a leader.

Get in touch with me:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 (0) 2895 211 121
LinkedIn: Emma Douds