"Into the Spotlight" with Marianne Brits-Strodl

In our final edition of this "Into the Spotlight" series, we introduce Marianne Brits-Strodl , Group COO at BI:PROCSI . Marianne is also CEO of our sister company, Dataru , an AI-driven SaaS platform that will make big waves in 2023 and beyond.

Over the past three years, Marianne has been an integral part of BI:PROCSI 's journey, witnessing and contributing to our continuous growth and success. We are excited to have her share her insights and firsthand experience working at BI:PROCSI. Her unique perspective sheds light on the incredible transformations and achievements we have accomplished as a team.

We want to thank those in the BI:PROCSI 's team for participating and all for the support, thoughts and feedback during this "Into the Spotlight" series. Rest assured, there are more stories from our team that we look forward to sharing in the near future!

Hi Marianne!

What do you do at BI:PROCSI?

My role at BI:PROCSI is multifaceted and encompasses a range of responsibilities. My key focus is the day-to-day running of the business and working closely with Daniel Haville , BI:PROCSI's CEO & Founder, to make decisions and establish strategic goals that drive the company's growth. As we scale, I am dedicated to continuously assessing our people, processes, methodologies, and tools to ensure we can effectively handle rapid growth while delivering top-quality services to our clients. I also lead in implementing relevant tools, systems, new processes, and methodologies to enhance all areas of our business.?I have a deep passion for talent management. I'm responsible for ensuring we hire the right people, keeping our team engaged and sometimes in check (;)) and?guiding their personal development.?

Could you share what you think is the secret sauce, the key to BI:PROCSI's success?

At our core, we uphold the principle of emphasising quality over quantity. We firmly believe in upholding the highest standards of excellence, even if it means declining certain projects rather than compromising on delivering exceptional results. This commitment to excellence, combined with our ability to swiftly generate impactful outcomes, sets us apart from our competitors.

Likewise, our approach extends to our team. While it may have been possible for us to have a significantly larger team, we have deliberately chosen a strategy that focuses on recruiting only the most exceptional individuals - which takes time and effort and doesn't happen overnight.

What do you enjoy about working at BI:PROCSI?

Without a doubt, it's the people at BI:PROCSI that make it truly special. It's rare to encounter a group of individuals so determined to succeed, both personally and for us as a company. While we make it a point to hire the best talent in their respective fields, egos have no place in our organisation. Everyone is willing to go above and beyond their job descriptions to get the job done. Even more refreshing is that nobody takes themselves too seriously, which creates an enjoyable work environment.

What would you say sets this company apart from others you've worked for?

Having had the privilege of working with some remarkable organisations, what truly distinguishes BI:PROCSI, is the genuine appreciation we have for each individual's contribution and the collaboration within the team. We recognise and value each person's direct impact on our company's growth. Our team members consistently strive not just to excel in their roles but also are committed to delivering exceptional service to our clients.

How would you describe the company culture?

We are a team of passionate individuals determined to make a mark, one SQL script or line of code at a time. We are risk-takers, unafraid to challenge the status quo and push boundaries to find groundbreaking solutions. Our team fosters a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable admitting their mistakes because we believe learning and growth happen together. We share a common vision and work collaboratively, united by our pursuit to be the very best.

How would you describe the work-life balance at this company?

Recognising that many of our team members have responsibilities outside of work, such as small kids, we prioritise work-life balance at BI:PROCSI. We place a high value on allowing our team to manage their personal and family commitments alongside their work responsibilities. We don't clock watch; instead, we empower our team members to plan their day to accommodate their responsibilities. In addition, we offer early finish Fridays, providing extra time for our employees to engage in activities they enjoy.?

What kind of opportunities for growth and development have you had while working here?

The opportunities for growth and development at BI:PROCSI are genuinely boundless. I can personally attest to this, as my own growth within the company is a testament to the endless possibilities. We believe that individuals are only limited by their aspirations, and we provide unwavering support for their career paths. This support includes mentorships, unlimited L&D budgets, coaching, and formal training when required. We are committed to helping each team member reach their full potential.

How would you describe the management style?

We avoid micromanagement at all costs. We carefully select individuals we trust to do the job efficiently and effectively. As SMT, we acknowledge that we may only sometimes be the smartest people in the room, and we welcome suggestions from individuals with diverse experiences and perspectives. We prioritise honesty, transparency, and prompt resolution of any issues. We focus on setting our team up for success instead of failure because we firmly believe that we succeed when they succeed.

What kind of benefits and perks does the company offer that you appreciate?

One of the benefits that our team highly appreciates is our remote-first work approach. As mentioned, we understand that each person has a life outside of work, with commitments to their families and personal interests. By prioritising remote work, we provide the flexibility for our team members to effectively manage their responsibilities and maintain a healthy work-life balance. This approach enables them to fully engage in their personal lives and hobbies while delivering outstanding results for our company.

Enabling an unrestricted investment in learning and development not only empowers our team members to enhance their skills and knowledge but also allows them to progress at a pace driven by their aspirations rather than being limited by budget constraints.

How would you describe the team dynamics and collaboration within the company?

The team dynamics and collaboration at BI:PROCSI are exceptional. Our team members join us because they recognise the opportunity to learn and grow from others. As mentioned earlier, we purposefully hire individuals who excel in different areas to complement one another's strengths. The level of collaboration and collective strength within our team is truly remarkable. We work together seamlessly, leveraging our diverse experience, skills and perspectives to deliver outstanding outcomes for our clients.

Why should anyone want to join BI:PROCSI and not any other company?

Our value proposition and the stage we are currently in make us a rare find in the market. Joining our organisation means aligning with a company that truly values its employees, fosters growth and development, and prioritises delivering exceptional results to clients. Our supportive and collaborative culture, commitment to work-life balance, and endless opportunities for personal and professional growth set us apart. Trust me when I say that joining BI:PROCSI is a decision you won't regret.

As a successful woman in tech, what advice would you give young women wanting to progress?

Embrace your passions and set ambitious goals. Continuously develop your skills and expertise. Seek mentors and allies to connect with who can provide guidance and support. Build your confidence, believe in your abilities and don’t be shy from showcasing your achievements. Challenge biases and stereotypes that might hinder your progress. Take calculated risks and embrace all challenges, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and take on new challenges. Seek opportunities to lead projects or teams, even if they may seem daunting at first. Never give up.

Lastly, when you are not planning world domination with Daniel Haville , what do you do for fun?

While my free time is limited due to growing two businesses, I enjoy graphic design, and I'm a freelance music photographer for various UK publications when I get a chance. It provides me with a creative outlet and something I'm passionate about. You can see some of my photography here

Buy a donkey, Marianne!

Till next time!

To find out what current roles we are hiring for, keep an eye on the careers page on our website.