At CluneTech, we have an extensive Milestone Recognition Programme that rewards employees that choose to build a long and successful career with us. As part of this programme, we love celebrating and sharing the stories of those reaching major milestones with the company.
This month we caught up with Izabel Garabedyan, Quality Manager & Internal ISO Auditor who has been on our team for 20 years.
At CluneTech, we have an environment where I’ve never had any issues whatsoever in expressing my opinion. I’ve always been provided with space to experiment with my ideas and bring them to life.
My favorite thing about working here is the people. I’ve met wonderful people here. Some of them have become good friends and some of them became, and are, friends for life. I cannot imagine my life without the people I’ve met here, and I’ve met a lot! They’ve all participated in my self-exploring process of becoming who I am now. All my colleagues rock!
My greatest achievement may sound a bit abstract but here it is – when I started with CluneTech I didn’t want to feel restricted in the same position for all of my time here doing the same set of tasks as the years went by. I’m grateful I was given the opportunity to explore other avenues and positions, oftentimes in unchartered waters. I am delighted to say that I feel very happy where I am now thanks to these opportunities.
I’ve witnessed all the historical periods of the company since its arrival in Bulgaria – starting from a single entity named ESS, all the way up to the now conglomerate of companies known internationally as CluneTech. Every step of this journey from ESS to CluneTech has been a massive achievement for all involved. During my time, I witnessed ESS transform into a solid group of companies; leaving the old times behind and launching into the corporate world; very much like the transition from teenager to adult. It was amazing to see the group evolve and deal with bigger clients while also witnessing how our clients had grown in numbers significantly since the beginning. The rise of the global pandemic highlighted how we as a team could still work together in less than ordinary circumstances to continue to deliver for the business while working from home in the same efficient manner as always.
Sometimes I get nostalgic to see how far we have come and to think of my early years with the business. Oh, my… Which is self-explanatory as I had little to no wrinkles, my knees were intact, and twelve shots were nothing! Not the case anymore, kids!
I once stopped an airplane at Gatwick airport for an employee of ours who was running so late they missed all chances whatsoever to board. I talked to the Gatwick tower and got her on the plane never the less. So, the rest of my achievements would be nothing compared to that eccentric one! Joking. I’ve participated in great projects; I’ve always enjoyed being apart of the “special forces” and “pioneers” who were let me explore and experiment throughout my career with CluneTech so far.
The one challenge I have never been able to overcome was speaking with clients on the phone. And I never will – it feels like an oath, like a curse… It is what it is though - I like it that way.
I feel I need now to quote our own Mr. Joe Healy to ground my answer here. We’ve had a situation once; I had messed up something and I was very nervous and started to apologize. Joe told me: “Izzy, it’s not about the problem, it is about the solution.” Ten minutes later, I solved the problem whatever it was and kept that advice in my pocket applying it in all areas of my life.
So, to answer the question, I have enjoyed all of my projects or tasks that were mind provoking. I really enjoyed tasks that involved problem solving by mobilizing my own creative resources and from that, matching all the pieces of the puzzle together.
I will contribute with a simple “Have fun” and always do something that you enjoy. Just do not forget to enjoy as many elements of your life in general along the way as possible because it is of limited duration.
Also, 20 years pass by in the blink of an eye – trust me on that.
