#BehindtheSelfie: Alice Jakins, facilitator at Work Smarter

Could you briefly explain what your role entails?

I equip next-generation leaders with tips and techniques to master smarter ways of working so they can meet project deadlines, be more efficient, and experience joy in the work they do. I do this through interactive group learning sessions and workshops.

What’s really behind your selfie?

Do you mean what is it like living next door to me? Who is Alice?!

It’s funny, I get told all the time how good I am at order and structure in the workplace but my brain is a bit quirky. I’m calm on the surface, but I have a super busy curious mind beneath the coolness. Oh and I do love some good humour!

Growing up, what did you want to be?

Honestly, I had no idea what I wanted to be when I was growing up.

How did you end up doing what you do now?

It’s a combination of all the years of work experience spanning publishing, digital media and digital project management. I took the plunge and went solo initially working as a freelance project manager. This later grew into practical ways of working workshops, the People & Process programme and group learning/facilitation.

When you founded your business… , what did you hope to achieve?

I wanted to continuously learn and grow in my career and experience a better work-life balance. I also wanted to earn the same money working for myself. I succeeded on the continuously learning and growing part and on the work-life balance, but only in year four did I earn what I would’ve in a corporate.

What has the journey been like?

Super bumpy with potholes along the way. I’d describe it as colourful and challenging, forever moving forward with a guiding push from family, clients and work collaborations.

What excites you most about your career?

That after four years I finally have a clearer vision, mission and business goals. That I continue to learn and grow by helping others learn and grow. That I’m not in this alone. That there will always be a market for working smarter.

What has been the highlight of your career?

Collaborating with Belinda Murray of The Bill Murray, a company that helps businesses all over the world improve their way of working. The Covid-19 pandemic got the two of us on a daily Zoom call sharing our business ambitions and unpacking our different products and services. We co-created our People & Process Program which has been a great commercial success but also has made work incredibly “joyful” for me.

When you're not busy working, what do you do? How do you socialise these days?

Our Boston Terrier is taking up a lot of my attention these days. I get my fix too with these regular beach and mountain walks. Other than that I enjoy spending time with family, friends and my cactus plants side-gig.

What are you watching/reading/listening to at the moment?

I love a good crime documentary. I’m reading Emotional Agility by Susan David and I enjoy listening to anything Latino-like on Apple Music.

What does 2022 have in store for you?

On the work front it is to grow partnerships and commercials, also experimenting with smart tech to accelerate better work experiences. On the personal front, it is to plan a few weekends away, play guitar and get back into my jogging.