Humans of dxw: from a love of counting to balancing more than just books
My role is about grounding the vision in commercial reality and sometimes challenging existing ways of thinking
I didn’t follow a traditional route into finance. I didn’t go to university, and I didn’t grow up dreaming of balance sheets. What I did have, early on, was curiosity, a willingness to get stuck in, and a surprising enjoyment of counting money. That combination has shaped a career spanning manufacturing, advertising, branding, and digital agencies — and eventually led me to dxw.
Learning by doing
I started out on a modern apprenticeship in manufacturing, choosing a practical route that allowed me to work during the day and attend college at night. Later, while working full-time, I completed the CIMA qualification, a long and demanding process that ran alongside jobs in advertising, design, and branding.
Much of that work was with small businesses, where I was involved in many different parts of the company. This really suited me as I’m naturally inquisitive and enjoy understanding how a business fits together, not just the numbers. I found that one of my strengths is that I’m good at fixing things, seeing problems and working out how to make them better. This mindset eventually led me into more senior finance roles, including CFO at the digital agency Positive, before I joined dxw.
Learning how to manage people
My first management role came early, around the age of 23, leading a small team in advertising that included a management accountant and treasury staff. I enjoyed the mix of responsibility and development: helping people grow, gain confidence, and build their skills. But like many first time managers, I learned quickly that not everyone thinks or works the same way. At the start, I’d assumed everyone had the same mindset I did. Over time, experience taught me how to adapt my approach for different people. At dxw, I’m lucky enough to manage a small but brilliant team so I can take a less hands-on approach with day to day running and can be there in more of a support and mentor role.
Why dxw felt different
What attracted me to dxw wasn’t the job title. It was the values. In previous roles, I had seen businesses where everything ultimately came back to money, maximising income, pushing profitability and chasing growth at any cost. That never really sat comfortably with me. I believe money should be the outcome of a successful business, not the sole objective. At dxw, I found something different: openness, transparency, and a focus on building a sustainable, healthy organisation that does good work. My role is about grounding the vision in commercial reality and sometimes challenging existing ways of thinking to ensure we’re as sustainable as we are ambitious.
Drawing clearer boundaries
Earlier in my career, I often struggled with work-life balance. I am highly career-driven, often at the expense of my own wellbeing. After one particularly stressful role, I took several months off, worked with a coach, and reassessed what actually mattered to me. That reset shaped how I work now. I plan my week on Monday mornings with gym time being a non-negotiable. Urgent requests are questioned, not to block progress, but to understand what’s actually needed and when. At weekends, work apps on my phone are turned off entirely, with exceptions only for genuine emergencies. These boundaries let me do my job better.
Looking ahead
Over the next year, my goals are a mix of practical and aspirational. At home, there’s renovation work to tackle and I really want to take more holidays. Professionally, I’m working with a mentor to keep growing through clear, practical steps towards what I ultimately want from my career. For me, that balance between ambition and sustainability isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s essential. And at dxw, it feels like I’ve managed to find that balance.