This edition of our Spotlight On series features Nicola, Operations Manager at arrt. With a strong background in accounts and a practical, hands-on approach, Nicola is central to the team’s operational and strategic efforts. She thrives in her dynamic role, combining problem-solving, planning, and collaboration to help the company move forward.
Background and Career
Nicola’s interest in numbers and problem-solving began at school, sparking a lifelong affinity for financials and mathematics. She explored various paths at Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow University, and Strathclyde University, where she gained valuable insights into what truly drives her professionally. This foundation naturally led her to a career in accounts, where she honed her expertise in managing finances and analysing data.
Over time, Nicola’s career evolved into operations, a field where her adaptability and ability to take on varied responsibilities have become her niche. “Working in small teams suits me perfectly,” she says. “I enjoy getting involved in different areas and building relationships — it keeps things interesting and rewarding.”
Recently, Nicola completed a diploma in marketing with the Digital Marketing Institute, adding a new dimension to her role. “Learning something new and applying it straight away has been so rewarding,” she shares. Always eager to grow, Nicola is now exploring her next challenge, with AI emerging as an area of keen interest. “It’s becoming a bigger part of my daily work, and I’d love to understand it more deeply,” she adds.
Life at arrt
As Operations Manager, Nicola works closely with arrt’s founders and decision-makers, helping to shape processes and support strategic goals. Her role is dynamic and varied, balancing day-to-day operational needs with long-term planning and problem-solving.
“I really value the opportunity to contribute across different areas of the business,” Nicola says. “It’s exciting to know that what we’re building together has a real impact.”
Nicola is particularly enthusiastic about arrt’s product development journey, which she describes as both challenging and rewarding. “Being part of something innovative and seeing how every piece comes together is incredibly fulfilling,” she adds.
Collaboration is a key part of Nicola’s role, and she’s quick to highlight her close working relationships with Alejandra and Steve Gray. “Alejandra is my Swedish Sagittarius partner in crime. We work so well together and bring out the best in each other,” she says. Nicola also values the experience and insights of Steve, arrt’s Head of Product Development, recently making recommendations for a family trip to Wales which turned into a memorable holiday.
Remote working has also been a significant positive for Nicola. “It allows me to balance work and family life while staying connected to a fantastic team,” she says.
Beyond the Office
Outside of work, Nicola keeps busy with her family. Weekends are often spent traveling to football matches for her son, rain or shine. When she has time, she loves walking and exploring new places around Scotland — particularly autumn in Glasgow, when places like Kelvingrove Park come alive with vibrant colours.
Nicola also enjoys family traditions like Friday movie nights and game nights, where quizzes and board games are a regular feature. A fan of pop culture, she loves TV shows like Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, and Stranger Things. Music is another constant, with 90s and 00s R&B, Hip-Hop, and Pop being her go-to playlist while working.
She enjoys travel and sees it as a way to recharge and explore new places. She’s visited destinations like Egypt, Jordan, and India, alongside European favourites like Paris and Rome. “I enjoy getting away to reset and discover new places,” she says, with one eye on New York as her next holiday destination.
Nicola also has fond memories of the boyband era, which she calls a defining time of her younger years. “I was all in on the 90s fashion—double denim, butterfly clips, you name it,” she laughs.
Looking Ahead
Nicola’s curiosity and adaptability mean she’s always ready to embrace new challenges. She’s particularly excited to continue contributing to arrt’s growth and innovation. “It’s great to work for a company that values its people and aims to make a real difference,” she says.
To learn more about the people and stories shaping arrt, explore our previous Spotlight On features with Steve and Alejandra, and keep an eye out for future editions highlighting inspiring individuals both within and beyond the company. You can also visit our news page for updates on our latest projects and team highlights.
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