Our Sidekicker community is made up of people from all walks of life. Their backgrounds, their passions, and their stories are part of what makes them so good at what they do. Ben is a Geography graduate turned NZ Sidekick turned Sidekicker guru. He loves the ever evolving environment of working in a start up and looks forward to creating more positive change within the company.
See why he loves what he does.
Where were you working before Sidekicker?
I was actually a full time Sidekick! I found Sidekicker online whilst I was exploring casual work options. My first shift was at Spark Arena and 36 shifts later, I found myself working in the Sidekicker office in Auckland!
Tell us something unique about yourself
I am not one to sit still…I walked 800km in 30 days, completing the Camino de Santiago in Spain a few years ago (highly recommend!) And last month my team and I walked the Oxfam Trailwalk 100km trail in New Zealand in 27 hours raising over $3,000 for life changing projects in the Pacific.
How did you land your job at Sidekicker?
I applied for a weeks casual work from the Sidekicker App, to help with the launch of the warehousing category in Auckland. To cut a long story short, Jacqui Bull (Co-founder) asked if I could stay a bit longer, Ellie (NZ GM) spoke to me, Tom (Co-founder) spoke to me and here I am now writing this! One thing I have learnt is that things happen very quickly in the Sidekicker world!
Coolest thing you’ve done at Sidekicker?
I feel like there have already been a lot in the short period of time I have been a part of the team. Socially, the coolest thing has to be the laser tag evening in Auckland where Caitlin (NZ Sidekicker Co-ordinator), Jacqui and myself took the ‘most improved’ title victory over the dream duo of Ellie and Carl. Within the office, the coolest thing has to be meeting some of Sidekicker’s awesome clients.
What was your first job?
It feels like a very long time ago now, but still is very vivid in memory. I started off my working life as a paperboy. I used to leave home at 6.30am on my push bike and cycle down to my local village shop to collect my papers. I mostly remember getting really wet, the crazy dog at number 23 and the kind old dear who always left a sweet treat out for me.
What did your career pathway look like?
Most of my career has been within retail management, both in the UK and in NZ, within seasonal businesses. I have also had some great experience within the events sector working on some mass participation team events.
What did you want to be when you were younger?
I always thought I would be a teacher. Probably because most Geography graduates end up teaching eventually!
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone who wants to work in a startup?
In my short time at Sidekicker I would say the best piece of advice to someone considering working in a startup would be to be flexible and adaptable. No two hours are the same, let alone days. It is all about being able to adapt quickly and go with the flow of what needs to be done right here, right now and what can be saved for tomorrow.
Why do you love what you do?
I have always been a firm believer that a big part of any job is the people you work with, especially when there are only four people in your office! It has been amazing getting to know the NZ team and great to be virtually meeting the Aussie teams. Everyone shares the passion for and commitment to Sidekicker; and it is awesome to be a part of that team. I am excited for the future as I have already seen how quickly things are changing and being developed to improve experiences for all.