Meet the Team: Diana Voaides

Name: Diana Voaides

Job Role: Customer Engagement Manager

Length of service: 1 year

What attracted you to TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods (formerly Muddy Boots)?

I initially came across Muddy Boots back when I used to work for the Air Ambulance, and with sustainability being a passion of mine, the company immediately piqued my interest. The vision and culture at Muddy Boots aligned with my values, so when an opportunity came along I didn't hesitate to apply.

Tell us a bit about you and your work history?

I'm a people person and community driven, I've always tried to incorporate these aspects into my day-to-day work. My background is predominantly in account management. This encompassed looking after blue-chip corporate and public sector clients in the leasing industry, developing corporate partnerships for a charity which helped to provide critical care across the Midlands- and manage large accounts in the sustainable food packaging industry.

What does your typical working day look like?

My morning starts with me trying to convince my German shepherd that just because I'm home, it doesn't mean we can play all day, and I do indeed need to work in order to pay for his lavish lifestyle.

After I've grabbed a coffee, I kick start my working day by getting organised. I'm typically in meetings with the team and other colleagues, catching up on projects we're working on. Apart from assisting customers and working towards joint objectives, a part of my day is also occupied by training. Generally, this consists of delivering live training to new and existing customers, or creating content to aid product adoption, such as instructional
videos. Somewhere halfway through the day, I try to take my lunch outside with my dog.

What's an interesting fact about you?

I love adrenaline filled activities such as riding motorbikes or kickboxing. However, on a rainy day you'll find me indoors reading a good book or a manga.

Who would be your ideal dinner party guest and why?

Stephen Fry. I find him to be a brilliant, insightful and witty character, who would no doubt make any party memorable!

What's your favourite food?

Watermelon. If I didn't need the rest of the nutrients, I'd happily eat watermelon all day!

What makes you passionate about food / farming?

Growing up in a former communist country, food wasn't always readily available. As a child, I spent a lot of time on my grandparents farm, helping out on the fields or looking after the animals. This has made me appreciate food that much more, and is also partly responsible for my interest in sustainability.

The other side of food that I enjoy is it's unique quality of bringing people together or transporting you back in time to a memory through one bite.

Any skills or talents that people don’t know about?

I'm skilled at DIY and love taking on new projects such as giving a new lease of life to old furniture.

What advice do you wish you’d been given early in your career?

Perception is important. Being driven and having good intentions can sometimes be misconstrued, so be aware of how your actions can be interpreted by others.

Finish this sentence: on Sunday mornings you usually find me...

Having a lie in. I'm a night owl and this is normally the day I can catch up on sleep! However, if the weather's nice I'll be on my bike to find a nice café for coffee and brunch!

What’s one item you can’t leave your house or apartment without?

Outside the usual keys, phone, and sanitiser, I'd have to say lip balm!

Describe yourself in three words...

Passionate, practical, organised. 

What publications do you regularly read or what book are you reading now?

I'm currently reading "Goodbye, Things: On Minimalist Living". An interesting read on leading simpler, happier, more fulfilled lives by having less.

You can connect with Diana on LinkedIn here.