Alex’s career journey from Fast Stream to COO of the Catalyst Team: “Work hard – play hard”

Alex describes her career path from the Fast Stream to Chief Operating Officer of the Catalyst Team.

Everyone has heard the expression “work hard – play hard,” but its applicability in the workplace is frequently questioned. Alex, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Catalyst Team, highlighted that this is not the situation at the jHub:

It’s definitely one of the most dynamic, energetic, fun places I’ve worked. The work you do is tangible and impactful. You’re really empowered and it’s a lovely group of people.

Alex joined to Defence Digital after completing a number of Fast Stream roles, and it was here, she says, that the jHub came into focus:

I was working in Defence Digital and heard about the jHub and thought it sounded amazing. I began working with the team as part of a loan before transferring it into a full-time job.

Now the Chief Operating Officer of the Catalyst Team, Alex is responsible for promoting the jHub’s advantages across Defence. This comprises the dissemination of information, lessons learned, tools, and Defense-wide comprehension.

However, according to Alex, such a large undertaking demands a synchronized team effort:

The leadership put a particular emphasis on being a team and investing in team dynamics. We have social events, and when we work together we bring our ideas and projects into open forums.

The jHub’s community approach to work not only promotes involvement, but also generates conversation and encourages workers to ask questions. It encourages employee empowerment, which Alex attributes to the organization’s approach:

We work more as a principle-based organisation rather than a rules-based organisation. Whilst there’s a lot of respect, there is definitely open forum for challenge. Everyone is viewed as equally valuable, and their input is equally important.

So, what does Alex like most about working at jHub?

The people. They genuinely all care for each other and don’t just want the best for the jHub but for everyone working in it.

Alex concluded our chat with a straightforward advice for anybody considering a job in the jHub – Apply.

It’s probably one of the most interesting and empowered places you can work in Defence, and one where you’re given the opportunity to make the biggest impact in any area you care about.

You can find more information about working for the jHub and their new Innovation Fellowship by reading the Innovation Fellowship Launches article.