Anne was nominated by her colleagues for truly representing our ‘exceed’ value. She is always willing to help her peers, and with her ability to go above and beyond in all that she does, she acts as a positive influence on those around her.
Anne, what is your role at Covalen?
Telesales Agent for our utility client account.
How long have you worked with our company?
Since January 2015.
Overall, what impact do our Covalen Values have on your working life?
I find our company values to be very inspirational and I really believe in them because they challenge the individual. When I began to embody our company values within my role, they challenged me by pushing me a little outside of my comfort zone. The campaign that I work on with our utility client is a very important campaign to me, and I realised that as a team, we really are brave, proud, and wise—and we exceed our business targets.
These values not only support you in your professional life, but they can transcend into your personal life too. They are vital going forward because they are an important part of our future with Covalen. On the whole, I think they are wonderful values to live by.
How did you feel about firstly being nominated as an “Exceed” Value Champion, and secondly receiving the Covalen Value Champion Award?
I was very proud. And then to win the award! Our team have won awards at The Irish Sales Champion Awards, and I also received an individual award at that event in 2017. To be awarded as a Covalen Value Champion for our ‘exceed’ value and to be recognised on this level throughout our organisation feels wonderful. I really am very proud.
Anne, how did you feel about seeing some of the comments from your peers?
They’re very touching. I try to keep a happy balance on all levels, between training team members and buddying up with new starters. I prioritise meeting my targets so that when new trainees join our team, they can look at me, either to beat my targets or to think, ok, so that’s what I need to do, I need to follow that example.
In my view, every target is there to be broken. I wouldn’t be where I am without our Managers and Support team. They have been an absolute inspiration to me. They have motivated me to do my best.
I believe that if you have inspirational characters on your team, you have to bring your A-game and motivate yourself to bring it to the highest possible level. Covalen is a wonderful company and I always try to aim for that type of excellence in everything I do.
Describe what ‘exceed’ means to you, and how this value impacts your working life?
To me, exceed means you always have to aim for the best, and to be the best you can possibly be. And in order to do that, you have to put in a lot of effort and a lot of hard work. At the same time, you need to set realistic expectations for yourself as well as others. All of our values are significant as they tie into one another. You have to be brave, you have to be proud, and you have to be wise in order to exceed or achieve a certain target or level. For me, it’s very important that I exceed within our company and to not only exceed my own expectations, but other peoples’ expectations of me.
I’ve always been a competitive person, whether it’s been in sports or in employment. I believe that competition is healthy. If I set myself a challenge and I overcome and exceed that challenge, I feel that others should follow suit. I try to instil our values when I’m training colleagues or buddying up with new starters to help them build momentum and perform beyond their goals.
A strong team is not just about one player, it’s about encouraging others to face their challenges and exceed.
Anne Mulcahy
Telesales Agent
Tell me about your journey with Covalen so far.
In 2015, I started working with Covalen on an insurance project for a technology client and after a few months, due to my people skills, I was asked if I’d like to transfer to another account, a sales campaign for a utility client. I agreed, and I hit the ground running. I absolutely loved it. It’s a wonderful campaign to be a part of, and I’m very happy here to date.
Anne, how have you maintained a strong work ethic and what are your greatest motivators?
My work ethic stems from the people that are around me. I had a very strong family background. My father especially believed that “hard work is its own reward” and I always aim to smash every target. The people around me influence me hugely because they have the same kind of outlook, especially the Managers and Support team. A colleague of mine—who has worked alongside me for several years—has been a tremendous motivator and support. It’s people like these who inspire me to go above and beyond. I see them as friends, not just colleagues.
What advice would you give to a colleague who needed to handle a big challenge?
I’d say treat it like a jigsaw puzzle. Get the small pieces in first, and don’t try to work on your own. If you find it difficult, try to brainstorm. Speak to a senior member of staff, or your support team to help come up with ideas so that you can break the challenge down as much as possible, and ultimately, you will find a solution and achieve your goal.
What do you like most about working at Covalen?
The people and the culture. I find people are very approachable, friendly and likeable. We are all aiming and striving for the same thing. I think Covalen is a great brand and is well-liked within the business community. I feel very proud and privileged to work for Covalen for the past seven years…and long may it continue!
