FlexCareers welcomes talented product manager

FlexCareers welcomes talented product manager Please join us in welcoming Nicola Handley to the FlexCareers team as our new and highly talented product manager.   With extensive experience gained from senior roles at both Microsoft and Symantec, Nicola will be focused on enhancing our existing FlexCareers technology offerings and bringing new products to life. We talk to Nicola about her career background, why she loves flexibility and her passion for all things sailing. To kick things off, could you tell us a little bit about your career background? Ive been in IT for most of my career, starting out as a java developer and then moving into product management. Ive been lucky enough to have worked in some fantastic companies with some talented people in various places around the world. Ive built everything from new incubator products to multi-million-dollar e-commerce platforms. What attracted you to the new product manager role at FlexCareers? Part-time, truly flexible product manager roles don’t come around very often. So when I registered with FlexCareers to explore my career options, little did I know I’d find this role internally which allows me to combine my love of product managing with helping others to break out of their 9-5 jobs. Only in this way can people truly find work life balance without making any real sacrifices. Working in a company with people who are passionate about the need for flexibility at work and who truly embrace it is amazing. What will your role entail on a day to day basis? I’m currently absorbing all the information I can from internal and external sources to then help convert this knowledge base into new FlexCareers product features and functions. I’ll be working closely with FlexCareers’ team of developers to implement, release and test new features. What’s the number one thing you do to make sure you get the most out of your day? I spend the first 30 minutes of the day quickly scanning emails, refreshing my to-do list in order of priority and then start at the top. How flexible is your new role and how does it fit into your life and routine? Ive always had flexible full-time roles with global companies where I was required to work early mornings or late nights collaborating with colleagues around the world. But Ive never worked in a part-time corporate role before and my biggest concern was that it would be a full-time role disguised as something part-time and flexible. I needn’t have worried as my responsibilities and deliverables are very clear. I spend one day a week in the office and the rest of the time I work from home which suits me perfectly. This genuinely part-time role also allows me to pursue my passion for all things sailing as I work as an instructor at Manly Sailing School later on in the afternoons. Where did your love of sailing come from? I learnt to sail single handedly on Capris and Lasers when I was living in Los Angeles. Some Irish friends introduced me to the sport. I moved onto larger yachts racing in LA and now around Sydney Harbour. I now teach kids after school and also adults on the weekends. I just love being out on the water. Earlier this year I spent two months sailing from New Zealand to Tonga and to Fiji which was incredible. What are some of the things you do to take time out and recharge? Other than sailing, I love to put my feet up and read a good book â€" although I do find this hard to do when the outdoors is calling! Personal motto Do what matters and do it well Workplace pet hate People coming to the office when they are sick Favourite lunch spot Anywhere they serve a good  affogato! Thanks for your time Nicola and welcome to the FlexCareers team!