We’d love to introduce you to one of our newest recruits, Salma Ali, who impressed us with her cool head and positive attitude. Salma has been with ClearSpace for nearing 4 months now and we’ve loved having her on our team. We spent some time with Salma to find out what makes here tick and who inspires her the most.
What is your role at ClearSpace?
Officially my job title is Project Coordinator. I joined ClearSpace early summer 2021.
What does your role entail on a day-to-day basis?
I project manage anything from our filing and storage audits to logistics for an office relocation. Day to day, I spend most of my time onsite with our clients and then report into the office at St Paul’s to work on data analysis or occasionally from home.
Is working from home here to stay?
I think it’s here to stay and I hope this is the case. I think employees proved that productivity levels weren’t affected by remote working and many businesses thrived. Obviously some businesses struggled economically but some good things have come out of the pandemic; work/life balance is one benefit and getting to spend more time at home with your family without work suffering is so positive. Agile working isn’t new, it is just finally mainstream and to think that companies implemented it within the space of weeks is shocking and it’s shame it didn’t happen earlier.
What attracted you to ClearSpace Group?
I’d been project managing for 6 years in a different sector on software development and integration projects. I wanted to challenge myself in the move management industry. Also, it made sense as I knew that since COVID there’d be a demand for ClearSpace’s service offering and I wanted to be a part of that and to help it grow.
What is the last book you read?
I love to read. I think the last book I read was ‘The Help’ which is set in 1950’s America. It basically tells the story of maids working in affluent households at that time and their challenges of overcoming racism.
What is your signature dish to cook at a dinner party?
It’s a lamb biriani, saucy and full of flavour.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
It was from my Dad and it was: “The sky is not your limit” – a play on ‘the sky’s your limit’, in other words, you can go beyond what you think or what other people think. He always encouraged me to push myself personally and professionally.
What’s your favourite party game?
It’s a card game called Mafia. You serve the cards and you’re either a civilian or mafia and you have to bluff to win. I’m good at telling who’s bluffing.
Where is your favourite place in the world?
It’s Wales and it’s where I’m originally from. I was actually born in Swansea and every time I go back to visit, I appreciate it more and more.
What are you most proud of in your career?
In my first job nearly 20 years ago I was hired as an office junior which mainly involved making coffee for the staff but by the time I left the company, I was the Managing Partner’s right hand assistant. Fast forward 10 years and I project managed a CRM platform build from scratch. Those are spotlight moments for me and what I have taken from those is to always stay motivated and put 200% into everything I do.
Who has inspired you in life?
Definitely my parents. I’m proud to say they’re entrepreneurs – they’ve had property businesses, restaurant businesses and their work ethic is very inspiring. Work hard and you will succeed. They always had time for family and that balance was always there which is how I would like to be.
Salma is a part of the ClearSpace London team who help organisations to change for the better with their workplace services. To find out more about the team, visit our About Us page.