Who are you and what is your role?

My name is Jonathan Dolby and I am the Marketing Director here at Microlise. I am responsible for all of our external and internal marketing activities, ranging from managing the brand and events – including our annual Microlise Transport Conference – right through to internal communication.

How has your role changed since you joined Microlise?

In the five years I have been here, I would say the role has changed hugely. When I joined, the marketing team was relatively small, and the company was primarily UK-focused. Moving to the current day, the team has grown a lot to support Microlise’s growth, and we’re far more international in our outlook as well.

Therefore the key responsibilities, challenges faced, the way we work etc have all evolved a great deal over the past five years. It’s all very positive in the sense that we’re constantly changing and developing.

Why have you stayed at Microlise for the period you have?

Simply put it’s a great place to work.

The culture is fantastic – there’s a great bunch of people working at the company, and our core values are a true reflection of what we’re about. As I’ve mentioned, the company is growing and evolving, and therefore the things we were working on five years ago aren’t the same as what we’re doing today – that change and evolution is great for personally, as it means learning and developing all the time.

Microlise is also a great size of company to work for. We’re big enough to be able to do some really interesting things, but small enough that we can be agile and move quickly. As a privately-owned business, where the business owners are part of the management team, it’s easy to quickly discuss new ideas and get approval to go ahead. The management team are very supportive where new ideas will add value. There’s a real opportunity for people joining to come in and make a difference, which perhaps isn’t the case in huge companies with complex management structures and approval processes.

How would you describe the culture at Microlise?

I would say that the culture is really well defined by our core values. Since I have been here, I have found my colleagues to be friendly, helpful, professional and focused on developing the business in a whole variety of ways.

In my role, I am reminded each year of the value of our culture when we run the Microlise Transport Conference. So many people across the business get involved to support what is a huge event. It wouldn’t be possible without that support, and it’s symptomatic of the values of the team.

What has been your career highlight during your time at Microlise?

Tough one – there have been a few! There are three I immediately think of…

Firstly, in 2015 when we ran the Microlise Transport Conference, the marketing team was quite new and it was a huge challenge to take on – running an event for 1,000 people and building the entire thing from scratch. I will always remember sitting at the back of the theatre when the opening video played to a packed room, feeling immense pride at the way it had come together. I don’t think I have ever been so tired in my life by the end of that day!

Secondly, travelling to Oman to film a product launch video with a partner in the Middle East was a great experience. Running around the desert in 40+ degree heat, while locals complained it was too hot to work, was unexpected, as was managing the huge crew we amassed who all wanted to be involved and help, often hindering, though with the best of intentions.

And lastly, my involvement with Transaid – the charity Microlise supports. I was responsible for getting Microlise involved initially and that involvement has seen me travel to Zambia last year for a cycling challenge, which was amazing and tough in so many ways. Those of us on the ride have established bonds to last a lifetime. I am off to Malawi in 2020 for another 500km-in-five-days-challenge which will be another incredible adventure.

I’ve also loved seeing people around me develop and grow. One member of my team in particular progressed beyond recognition, personally and professionally, and it was a privilege to be part of that and see that development unfold.

What would you say to people who are thinking of joining Microlise?

If you want a join a company with great aspirations, where you can make a real material difference and play a crucial role, it’s the place for you.

I’ve genuinely loved working here and can’t speak highly enough of the experience.