A coffee with Leanne Pearson, Jayva’s Global Technical Operations Manager

It’s been a while since our last ‘coffee with’ blog so we’ve quizzed our project management guru, Leanne Pearson, on everything from her thoughts on why Jayva’s different to who she’d share a coffee with, and much more besides.

What’s your business/professional motto?

I always say, “it is what it is”. What I mean by this phrase is you can’t plan for everything. It’s fine to put some plans in place but you must also allow for things not working out the way you anticipate. Challenges arise. Life happens. Roll with it and deal with it.

How do you make contacts which are useful for business?

As the person responsible for coordinating installations of LEAP Legal Software in the UK and Ireland, the majority of my contacts in the workplace are LEAP clients passed to me at the time of handover in readiness for Jayva’s implementation support.

These clients are nurtured. Even rollouts from three years ago return for additional services such as new starter and refresher training. As overall project manager, I look after these clients, make sure they’re recommended the right services and assigned to the right people. I’m the first point of contact throughout the entire process and these contacts are my contacts for life.

Which individual has inspired you the most in your business life and in what way?

Our CEO Nicola Moore-Miller is my major inspiration as she’s calm, professional and shows nothing’s too much to handle. She lives life fully inside and outside of the workplace. In a work setting, she’s caring of staff and their wellbeing. She’s the type of manager I always hoped I’d have one day.

What’s your proudest achievement in business?

Having hailed from a non-project management background, I’m now managing projects for law firms with up to 130 users. I’ve learnt and developed my project management skills quickly. Currently, I’m doing a management diploma. I’m on fourth assignment so there’s not long to go until completion next May. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and the direction I’m heading in.

What do you think makes Jayva different?

Jayva has a family feel that’s unlike other businesses in a typically corporate setting. Employees here aren’t just deemed to be a number. Nicola is a friend personally and professionally. This is a unique characteristic not often found in companies.

What’s Jayva’s greatest asset?

Our people are amazing, not just for their knowledge and experience which sets Jayva apart from its competitors, but also for its family ethos and way we’re always there for each other. No one’s ever on their own. We’ve got each other’s backs. Clients have better experiences as a result of everyone being involved in their care.

How does Jayva benefit from the unique skillset you bring to the business?

We use Monday.com for account and customer relationship management. I’m now the resident Monday.com expert. Being organised and creative has helped me to build and adapt the system into the mega platform it’s become in our business. We can plan and manage projects effortlessly as Monday.com contains an array of internal documents to standardise client touchpoints along every step of every project.

Coupled with written procedures for guidance to staff during project stages, it’s easier for everyone internally and better for everyone externally. Both employees and clients are happier. I’ve undertaken creation of these internal procedures and guidelines on my own initiative.

Give one tip for a successful business.

Business success is all about the people. So, you should choose staff wisely, tap into their skills and let them do their job. Also, getting to know your co-workers personally is beneficial as you know you’ve got people you can trust and rely upon.

Do you dress up or down for business?

What I wear for work depends upon if I have internal meetings (casual clothes) or if I’m attending in-person events such as LEAP partner days (smart clothes). To meet virtually with clients, I tend to wear something smart-casual like my Jayva-branded polo shirt.

If you hadn’t gone down your chosen career path, what would you be doing instead?

I absolutely love interior design so I’d probably be working in this area. I’m a big fan of colour and maximalism. I hate white, minimalist rooms. Funnily enough, I’ve recently moved into a new-build house. I’m unable to decorate for a year while everything settles. The white walls are driving me crazy!

What item(s) do you always have with you?

My pet dog, Dexter, sits next to my desk in my home office all day long. I don’t go far without him.

At what time of day are you most creative or inspired?

Afternoons and evenings are better for me creatively as I’m not a morning person. After a few coffees, I’m good to go.

When do you take your coffee break – morning, afternoon, evening? And where do you take it?

I drink coffee while working. First thing in the morning, I make a coffee, take it to my desk, turn on my computer and get started on the day. I drink two or three coffees only – no more, as I’ll develop a headache. To avoid headaches from happening, I move onto drinking tea part-way through the day.

Espresso, americano, latte, cappuccino, macchiato, flat white, frappe – what’s your coffee of choice?

My go-to choice is latte, courtesy of the Nespresso machine at my home office.

Who would you most like to have a coffee with?

I’m not a starstruck-type person so I wouldn’t necessarily want to have a coffee with someone famous. I’d actually like nothing more than having a coffee with my gran who passed away when I was ten years old. I’ve never had an adult-to-adult conversation with her. I have so many happy childhood memories of my gran. She took me to places and spent time with me while my mum had to work two jobs. So, my gran would be my ideal coffee companion.

How do you relax outside of work?

I go dog walking daily with Dexter. I’m also interested in crafts, punch needling especially. My partner is Leon Vallely who works at Jayva too. Together, we play video games to chill out.

What’s the most inspirational book you’ve ever read?

Nowadays, when I get time to read, I enjoy books about vampires, crimes and thrillers.

What’s your favourite film?

I’ve watched and rewatched Quentin Tarantino’s True Romance many times. A little like Pretty Woman, it’s about a hard-working girl who’s rescued by a knight in shining armour after being hired as an escort – with lots of crime and gore built in.

More ‘coffee with’ blogs, anyone?

To access earlier blogs and meet other members of Team Jayva, read our Q&As with Jacqui Bettio, Piet Bourke, Will Penrice, Joe Sclafani, Chris Nelson, Viona Retkowska, Rosa Pelaez-Vinuela and Susan Rodgers.