In the Limelight: Our Tom

When did you start at innocent? 

September 2022 

And what’s your role here? 

Supply Chain Business Intelligence Manager 

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? 

I always wanted to be an architect/engineer, designing and making things for people to use. 

If you had to explain what you do to a 10-year old, what would you say? Asking for a friend. 

I help innocent use data they already have. There’s a lot of numbers behind making sure our smoothies are available on shelf, and taste great. 

What’s been your innocent career highlight? 

Winning the Best Newcomer award at the end of 2023 was an amazing feeling and I’m not sure what would top it! Although I have to recognise the amazing end-to-end project team that I was a part of for a year, some of the best memories I’ve ever created. If you’re wondering what that is. We created a team of people to make sure we have control of our business, knowing where we put all that banana that went into the smoothie you had at lunch. There's lots of moving parts behind blending fruit, so having the tools to quickly see where everything is at, is pretty essential to keeping a business like ours going.

What’s the best thing you’ve learned whilst working here? 

You are only as good as your ability to take others with you.   

Are there any affinity groups, clubs, schemes, or any other ongoing activities you’re a part of? 

I play with the innocent football club every Tuesday. I think team sports are a great way to develop skills that are valuable on and off the pitch. And for making friends which make work that little bit more fun.

If you were a piece of stationary, what would you be? 

One of those uni-ballpoint pens. Not sure if they’re a reflection of me but they are my favourite pen. And pretty reliable too. I've still got a few from my first year of uni.

What’s your top tip for getting settled into a new company? 

It’s probably a cliché, but get involved. I’m a big advocate of being present and there in the moment. I think it really helped me put names to faces and develop my relationships inside and outside my team at innocent. I find I work a lot more collaboratively when I’ve got a feel for the people I work with. 

Hats off for winning the Best Newcomer award, Tom. Can you tell us a little bit about what you think got you nominated in the first place? 

I think it’s because I’m super passionate about computer science and data. I love to see others realise the capability of tools available to them, and often we don’t even use those tools to their full potential. So, when someone wants to learn more or needs some support, I’ll be there for them! I think it's important to foster people’s interest. It may turn into something bigger than you could’ve ever imagined.  

At innocent, we offer scholarships for personal growth twice a year. With the winners picked by your fellow co-workers. 

Well done on getting chosen for one. Can you tell us a little bit about what you used the money for? 

The scholarship is a fantastic opportunity offered by innocent, where you can apply for some money to go work on something completely not related to your job. I know people who've used it to go make their own pair of skis, learn to make butter, or even write a cookbook. I’m using the prize to help my aunt fix up her new house and learn some new building skills! Hopefully none of it falls down… 

Last question. What's one bit of advice you'd give yourself when you were little? 

Stay curious, be bold and back yourself.