Catrin Lewis
Tell us a bit about you.
Hello, I’m Éireann! An Enterprise CSM based in Sydney, Australia! Hailing from Ireland (you probably guessed from my name), I’ve been lucky enough to call this wonderful country home for the past 11 years. Find me most weekends in a dog park with my Frenchie Bruno or on a rooftop with a champagne or cocktail (Margarita) in hand.
I joined the RG family about a year ago and have truly loved the last 12months. Having come from a Client Success background in the HR industry, Reward Gateway was on my radar for a while because I loved the Mission of helping companies attract, engage and retain their staff.
I have learned so much personally and professionally and I love that I get to partner with some of the biggest companies in Australia, New Zealand, and globally to work with their HR Leaders in bringing their Employee Engagement Platform to life for their people. It's wonderful to be able to be a part of their journey and help businesses engage their people and provide them with our SaaS technology that creates a seamless, effective and impactful way to recognise and reward the efforts of every employee, every day!
Can you tell us why you Love Your Job?
I love my job because I actively play a part in helping HR leaders bring their employee engagement platform to life. Each client platform is customised and branded to the specific needs of the client, and every client has different challenges and to be able to help them solve their challenges is rewarding.
Aside from that, I love the people I work with every day, both on my direct team and in the wider business. From day one, everyone was very welcoming and kind. It’s a fun place to work, we celebrate diversity and everyone can bring their true, authentic selves to work. RG is on a mission to make the world a better place to work and I’m proud to be a part of the journey.
What made you want to join Reward Gateway?
It was the Mission that initially caught my eye. Helping HR leaders make their place a better place to work for their employees is something special and we are lucky enough to have a direct part to play in that.
Doing my research on RG before I joined, I noticed that the Senior leaders personally responded to all public comments from past or present employees (Glassdoor) which I thought was incredibly impressive. For senior leaders to personally take the time to acknowledge and proactively respond to the comments and take on board the constructive criticism spoke volumes to be. It shows the company actually care about their people!
I also loved the technology and the product offering for our clients such as SmartSpending and Reward and Recognition!
What advice would you give anyone interested in applying?
Check us out on Socials, LinkedIn, visit our website and read for yourself all the great things RG has to offer. Doing your own research will really give you a great insight into whether we’re the right place for you. If you are thinking about applying - we are all a very welcoming bunch, reach out to anyone on LinkedIn for a chat or even a coffee!
What opportunities are there for career development?
We have full access to LinkedIn learning which I try to dedicate at least one or two hours per week. The mini-courses are a great way to refresh and sharpen our skills.
I have been able to participate in various development courses including Inclusive Recruitment for Hiring Managers and Interviewers, Diversity and Inclusion. Most recently, I joined as the EPIC Network Lead for the LGBTQI+ Network. This is a very new role for me and I’m super excited about working with the other EPIC Network leaders on ways we can effectively drive the key components of the RG DE&I strategy forward in Australia.
RG is growing globally and with that comes a lot of opportunities to move internally, or progress and take on more responsibility within direct teams. As headcount continues to grow within the Client Success department, senior and team lead positions will be available. There are other pathways and opportunities to take on leadership roles within the EPIC Networks in AU.
How do you see us Pushing the Boundaries in the next 12 months?
I’m excited about the new product enhancements and product updates. We are constantly looking for new ways to improve our existing product suite to keep up to date with the ever changing employment market. With the recent acquisition of MoveSpring I’m excited to hear how this new technology will provide our customers with even more tools for their employees in the well being space.
Which value do you feel you live the most?
Out of the eight values, the value I most live is “We are Human”.
Emerging from the past two years, covid has really taught us a lot of lessons about life and the world of work as we know it (or used to know it). “We are Human” is a gentle reminder to be kind and patient. Be it a client, a peer or a manager, we are ALL human and we all need a little help sometimes! (My big green energy comes out). It's a value, that I feel really enforces the people-first culture at Reward Gateway.
What’s the culture and Leadership team like?
Culture is one thing we can often take for granted yet it is one of the most important elements for the success of a team and business. From the day I started, I knew my team and RG was the right fit for me. Everyone was warm, and welcoming. They continue to be incredibly supportive both on a professional and personal level. We have a diverse team with people from many different walks of life and we enjoy taking time out to share experiences over coffee. It’s a great environment because we all have mutual respect for each other built on trust RG is inclusive, diverse and fun. It's where everyone can work together and still have fun along the way!
On the days we are in the office, we’ll often go out for lunch or dinner and plan team activities at least once a quarter (if not more). Connection is key, and collaboration is essential.
One thing I have observed from the Leadership team is a “lead by example” mentality that really flows top-down, and is evident in all interactions and communications. I love that they listen to what we have to say and act.
Senior leaders are approachable, responsive to outreach, transparent and most importantly human! From weekly communication blogs on company updates on Boom!. I love the concept of “Doughnut time” with Doug our CEO and I look forward to our weekly blog posts on everything from company-wide initiatives to the weekly theme song.
What are your favourite benefits?
Hard question. We have SO many great benefits here at RG which I always get excited about telling my friends and family. If I had to pick one… it would be our Book Benefit, where we get to purchase unlimited professional books, podcasts, magazines and one non-professional book each calendar month!
To make it even better, we have the RG book club where we can get involved in the discussion, rate and share our favourite books. It’s a really great way to engage with other RGers globally and get to know one another and our interests.! I personally love and use the book benefit each month - there's nothing more satisfying than sitting in the sun with a cup of coffee and a new book in hand!
How would you describe our approach to flexible, hybrid working?
Another reason why I love my job (and RG) is the flexibility is provides me. Reward Gateway recognises that everyone has a life outside of work and flexible working is no longer an added “perk” but an essential part of how we all work.
We have the freedom to work from home, in the park, in a cafe, wherever! The office is open whenever we want a slice of the social vibes or for when we have team events (which I’m a big advocate for). I typically work from home 3 or 4 days a week (depending on what I have going on) and I enjoy going into the office a couple of times a week, be it for a client lunch or just to catch up with others for an after-work drink.
Flexibility is key and RG offers that to all employees.
If you're keen to learn more about our Client Success team and what opportunities there are for you to join and work with our talented team visit rg.co/careers.