It’s that time of the month where we get to know one of our amazing Swans a little better. I’m very excited to say that today is the turn of our wonderful Head of Finance, Hayley’s – known around the nest as Maths! When I asked her what she enjoyed most about working at Indigo Swan she said: “I love coming into the nest every day to work with friends who have the same values and passion. The culture and support network we have is incredible.” I couldn’t agree more with her on this one! I feel very lucky to come into work every day to be surrounded by awesome people doing amazing things all with a friendly smile and a helping hand.
One thing which is evident around the nest is Hayley’s love for Ed Sheeran, from her chosen picture on the ‘Swan Art Wall’ to her ability to answer any question relating to him in the music round of a quiz! Her excitement levels before seeing him perform last year were off the scale.
Hayley’s love for batter puddings (or Yorkshire puddings where I am from!) has also become a bit of a ‘thing’ in the office. It’s not unusual for Alex on a Monday morning to handover his leftover yorkies from his roast the day before for Hayley to enjoy. Of course, nothing beats her Mum’s batter puddings and Hayley will be the first to admit she can comfortably eat six in one sitting.
Now I think I have said this in the past, but I think you can tell a lot about a person by what’s on their bucket list. When I asked Hayley, she said: “To tour Europe on motorbikes with my Dad and my boyfriend (me as a pillion).” For those like me that don’t know what a pillion is, it’s a secondary seat behind the main seat on a motorbike. I was secretly hoping it was a Wallace and Gromit style side car, but we can dream!
As a very sociable Swan, Hayley is one of the first to jump at the chance of doing something fun outside of the nest. From night golf to launch events, she will be there and if there is food and prosecco involved even better! On the weekends Hayley loves spending time with family and friends. She’ll often be found exploring the beautiful Norfolk beaches with her boyfriend and stepdaughter.
Family is very important to Hayley which is always clear to see. Her Dad joins us on a Wednesday for our Ron’s Runners group and its easy to see where she gets her thoughtful and kind nature from. When I asked Hayley where the best place she has been on holiday she said: “I think because of the whole experience, it has to be visiting my brother who lives in Australia. It was my first time visiting the country and I got to spend some quality time with him and had some great experiences too. Including holding a koala and a tiger encounter at Australia Zoo plus spending a day on the stunning Fraser Island.”
I always like to find out things about people that not everyone will know. When I asked Hayley, she said: “I spent a lot of my teenage years travelling the UK and Europe at weekends to watch my brother race motocross. It never seemed a chore for my sister and I to go along, we loved cheering him on with Mum and Dad. It was a big part of family life.”
A hidden talent of Hayley’s which has recently been revealed, and works in our favour, is baking! She makes a mean raspberry and white chocolate cake, which doesn’t last long when she brings it into the nest. Last year we held an ‘Indigo Swan Bake Off’ and Hayley was a joint winner! Baking even features on her goals for 2020. “During 2020 I would like to read more, travel more and bake more.” I don’t think anyone would complain with Hayley baking more, but only if she brings in her tasty delights to the nest!
