Reaching 10 years at any company is special…
Reaching 10 years at a company that’s grown from seven people into an award-winning agency delivering hundreds of thousands of professional training programmes? That’s something truly worth celebrating.
Dan joined GuyKat as an apprentice, a decade later, he’s shaped our visual brand and been part of the company’s journey every step of the way.
We asked him to reflect on what’s kept him here, what’s changed, and what he’s learned over the last 10 years.
10 Questions for 10 years with GuyKat:
What’s kept you at the company for 10 years?
The thing that’s kept me here for a whole decade is the same thing most people would probably say is their favourite part of working at GuyKat… the people. There’s such a lovely culture of respect, support and fun. I’ve been made to feel at home from day one, and that hasn’t changed in 10 years. It’s rare to find a place where you genuinely enjoy the people you work with, and that’s what’s made the time fly by.
Can you share a funny or memorable moment from your time here?
On the way home from visiting a partner company, Emma, Jayne and I managed to miss our connecting flight. The next flight wasn’t for 10 hours,so after about 30 minutes of aimlessly wandering around the airport, we claimed a booth and set up camp… and didn’t leave it until boarding. At the time, it felt pretty grim, but looking back, it was hilarious and actually a great bonding experience.
What’s one thing that’s changed the most in the company since you started?
When I started, there were just seven of us and, honestly, we just got on with things. That works when you’re tiny, but once you start to scale up, it definitely doesn’t. Now we’re a well-established company working with some of the largest brands on the planet and a clear purpose. Seeing that growth has been incredible.
Do you have a go-to strategy for surviving busy periods or stressful projects?
I’m fortunate in that I don’t naturally get too stressed by work. I’m quite pragmatic about what can realistically be achieved in a given timeframe. I prioritise, set expectations clearly, and if something doesn’t fit, I’ll push back, delegate, or ask for help. I’m very aware of my own capacity, and I’d always rather underpromise and overdeliver.
How do you celebrate milestones or achievements at work?
I tend to keep things fairly low-key. In fact, I haven’t actually done anything to celebrate 10 years yet! For general achievements though, a trip to The Gosta (the pub next door to the office) is usually involved.
Has there been a project or role that surprised you in a good way?
My role within the marketing team has definitely surprised me in the best way. I became the owner of GuyKat’s visual brand, which means I now have a say in anything related to how we look and present ourselves. I’ve loved taking ownership of that and shaping how we appear externally. I’ve learned so much along the way, and it’s been incredibly rewarding.
What’s one quirky tradition at the company you’ve come to love?
Halloween! Dressing up for Halloween isn’t that unusual but if it falls on a weekend, we don’t skip it, we just move it. That means turning up to the office on a completely normal weekday in full costume. Commuting in full Joker makeup or sitting in traffic wearing a witch’s hat definitely earns a few confused looks, but once we’re all together in the office, it’s just great fun.
Who or what has inspired you the most during your time here?
On the actual day of my 10-year anniversary, I sent a message highlighting the only people who’ve been here longer than me (the real old-timers). David Brannon, whose enthusiasm for his work is genuinely inspiring. Hannah Quinton, who supported me so much at the beginning and, if anything, even more now. And Guy, who took a chance on me as an apprentice with zero experience. I hope he agrees it was a worthwhile risk.
How do you keep things interesting and avoid getting stuck in a routine?
I’ve made sure to get involved in lots of different areas of the business. Anything related to design, I somehow manage to have an opinion on, whether that’s branding, marketing, office design, the website, Docebo pages or merch. I love keeping my role fresh by branching into anything that allows me to be creative.
If you could give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?
I’ve always had a bit of imposter syndrome. But after 10 years, I have real experience under my belt. So I’d tell myself to speak with confidence and trust that experience because I’ve earned it.
Summary
Dan’s story is more than a 10-year milestone. It’s a reflection of what happens when you combine opportunity, ownership, creativity and the right people around you.
And because he hasn’t quite got around to celebrating properly yet, we’re hoping this blog does the job for him! Commemorating everything he’s achieved, contributed and helped shape over the last decade.
If you’d like to:
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Work somewhere where culture genuinely matters → Take a look at our open roles.
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Partner with a team that’s grown with purpose and professionalism → Get in touch with us.
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Learn more about GuyKat → Read our Story.