7 minute read
For the latest episode of our ‘Meet the Team’ series, we had a discussion with Becky Patterson, Marketing and HR Manager. Based in our UK office, Becky plays a vital role in overseeing the firm's internal operations. In this edition, she shares her favourite aspects of working at Xperate, the challenges she faces, her goals and ambitions, and much more.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at Xperate.
I joined Xperate in January 2022, as one of the first employees, in an Executive Assistant role. I was brought in to handle everything that wasn’t technical, such as accounts, HR, marketing, and general support for the UK Directors Simon Hill and Mark Garnish. My role was to knit everything together, ensuring the business ran smoothly as we grew.
In the early days, I was juggling many different responsibilities and as Xperate expanded, it became clear that to support the company’s continued growth, my role needed refining. So, in January 2025, I stepped into my current position as Marketing and HR Manager, allowing me to focus on these areas at a higher level.
Now, I leverage my experience to drive Xperate’s internal operations, ensuring we have the right processes in place while constantly honing and developing my skills in both marketing and HR. I work closely with our team, making sure staff feel supported and happy. A big part of my role is being reactive - every day brings something new, whether it’s attending board meetings, handling confidential contracts, or brainstorming fresh ideas to help the business evolve.
I love the variety of my work, and I take pride in being the go-to person when people have questions. Many have said that everything seems to go through me, and they see me as the “nucleus of the business”. It’s a role I truly enjoy, and I’m always happy to help wherever I can.
Why did you want to join Xperate?
In 2020, the company where many of Xperate’s current team worked was sold. In November of that year, after spending 20 years there, I decided to take a well-earned break from the working world. I’ve always been someone who gives my best to everything I do, so taking a year to recharge was the right decision.
In September 2021, Mark reached out for a catch-up, and during that conversation, he shared his plans for Xperate. He and Simon Hill wanted me to be part of the journey, believing I’d be the perfect fit for an Executive Assistant role. After a year away from work, that call gave me a huge confidence boost - it reassured me that my skills and experience were valued.
Over three years later, I’m very proud to be a part of Xperate’s journey. I’m incredibly grateful to Mark and Simon for trusting me from the very beginning, for giving me the opportunity to grow with the company, and for their continued support.
Where would you like to see Xperate in 5 years?
I want to see Xperate continue to grow while maintaining the amazing culture we’ve developed. As businesses expand, it can be challenging to preserve a natural, people-focused culture - sometimes it starts to feel forced. But at Xperate, that’s never been the case, and I want to ensure we solidify our values as we evolve.
People have always been the most important part of the business, and that should never change. Our personable approach is what sets Xperate apart, and I want to see us continue delivering that, both internally and to our clients.
The growth we’ve experienced so far has been phenomenal, and that’s entirely down to the incredible team we have. Making sure every staff member feels valued will always be a top priority because when people feel supported and appreciated, they thrive - and so does the business.
What do you think makes a great workplace culture?
For me, trust is the foundation of a great workplace culture. It’s about empowering our staff to do their jobs, and just as importantly, ensuring our team has confidence in the leadership. Without trust, even the best culture can start to break down.
Xperate is on an exciting growth trajectory, with significant resources being invested to drive that expansion. To keep moving forward, staff should have confidence in Simon, Mark, and the leadership team to make the right business decisions and implement the most effective processes. That trust creates stability - when people believe in the business and its direction, they feel secure, engaged, and excited to be part of the journey.
Equally, leadership must trust the team. Micromanagement puts staff off, while autonomy empowers people to take ownership of their work. Giving staff the freedom to make decisions, share ideas, and even make mistakes is key to growth - both personally and as a company.
If I had to sum up Xperate’s culture in three words, they would be: trust, empowerment, and respect. Our people feel empowered to take initiative, and their contributions are always valued. That’s what makes Xperate such a fantastic place to work.
How do you help ensure employees feel supported and engaged?
Communication is key to ensuring employees feel supported and engaged. It’s important that people know I’m approachable and always available to talk. Showing empathy and being relatable plays a huge role in that - I want my colleagues to feel comfortable reaching out whenever they need to.
I’m lucky to have worked with many of the Xperate team before, which has helped me build strong relationships, but no matter who I’m speaking with, I always strive to be open, authentic, and approachable. I visit the office once a week, mixing up the days whenever possible so I get the chance to check in with different colleagues, and maintain that personal connection.
Acting with integrity is something I take very seriously. People know they can come to me with complete confidentiality. That’s why I’ve recently signed up for a Mental Health at Work course. I want to deepen my understanding of the warning signs of mental health struggles so I can better support my colleagues. Becoming a mental health first aider will allow me to signpost people to the right resources and ensure they feel heard and supported.
What do you enjoy most about Marketing for Xperate?
One of the things I enjoy most about marketing for Xperate is seeing how people respond to what we do. There’s something incredibly rewarding about working on a project and then witnessing real engagement - whether it’s positive feedback, interaction on a campaign, or even seeing how our efforts contribute to new business opportunities.
I really enjoy working on creative and innovative ideas, and I love the challenge of finding new ways to showcase Xperate’s personality and expertise. Marketing is all about connection, and knowing that my work helps build those connections makes it all the more fulfilling.
I also really enjoy collaborating with Xperate’s external marketing team. Working together, we bring fresh ideas to life and continuously look for ways to enhance our brand’s presence.
What challenges do you face in your role and how do you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges in my role is juggling all my tasks while still being available to support colleagues when they need me. I like to help people in the moment, but with so many interactions throughout the day, it can sometimes be tricky to fit everything in - there are never enough hours!
I’m naturally proactive and always want to make sure things are done correctly. While this attention to detail can add extra time, I take pride in perfecting my work. I often joke that I’m thorough and annoying at the same time, but ensuring everything is done properly is important to me.
To stay on top of things, I rely on writing everything down. I’m a big fan of the old-fashioned notepad and pen. Having visual evidence of tasks and deadlines is essential for keeping things on track!
How do you unwind outside of work?
I really value a healthy work-life balance. I give 100% during working hours, but I also thoroughly enjoy my time to unwind. Having that separation allows me to recharge and be at my best, both professionally and personally.
One of my biggest passions is sport, particularly women’s sports. I’ve been following the Lionesses for over a decade and love seeing how much women’s football has grown. I’m also a huge tennis fan and try to attend as many tournaments as possible - both in the UK and around the world - in fact, I’ll be visiting Roland Garros for the first time in May.
Another hobby of mine, which surprises many, is entering free competitions - I enter around 50 a day! It’s not just about winning, but the luck of what you win. Over the years, I’ve won amazing prizes, from a £5,000 TUI holiday gift card to a signed Girls Aloud T-shirt, and I love sharing winnings with family and friends.
I have a huge passion for travel and set a goal to visit 50 countries by the age of 50. I’m nearly there with 47 visited so far with two new destinations booked for later this year! One of my favourite countries is Singapore, which I visited for my 40th birthday. I loved the culture, the mix of old and new architecture, and the immaculate cleanliness of everything. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to go back one day!
Connect with Becky on LinkedIn here.
