Roda meets...Claire Farren
Claire Farren
Claire is an expert in productivity and operational management. After running her own productivity and leadership training business for several years, Claire joined Spindogs as Director of Operations in 2021. At Spindogs she leads all client delivery and is responsible for developing and delivering the long-term operational strategy, ensuring objectives are achieved by driving productivity through efficient, streamlined processes that result in the cost effective and timely delivery of projects.
1. How do you approach designing strategy for your organisation?
I always start with looking into the future and defining what success means to us, before working back into the practical steps, objectives and approaches that will get us there. A big part of that process as an agency is defining who we want to be working with, and how we can best help our clients succeed. We look at a 3-5 year timeframe initially and refresh our plans each year.
2. What were the biggest challenges you faced when implementing your strategy?
Communication! It is so important to make sure that everybody is on the same page and completely understands our vision and how we plan to get there. We can then align behaviours and expectations around our strategy, and follow through on them.
Even if everyone has seen the strategy, you have to take the time to articulate on an individual and team level to bring people with you.
3. How do you ensure your plans and priorities are understood by teams across the organisation?
Repeat, repeat, repeat! We use the various comms channels from email, Teams, Slack, 121s, all-hands and team meetings to keep repeating the key messages and demonstrate our commitment to the strategy through our actions and decisions.
I have found that refreshers are needed over the first 12-18months of launching a new strategy, a ‘once and done’ approach simply doesn’t work.
4. What resources do you use to help you perform better at work?
Mentorship has been crucial in my journey and is how I learn best. I find the opportunity to hear first-hand from people who have been there and ask questions really powerful.
As a productivity expert I really enjoy podcasts (not just because they are time efficient...I usually listen whilst driving or walking the dog!), in particular Mel Robbins and Brene Brown. There are some episodes I regularly re-listen to, for example Mel Robbins podcasts on hacking for next day productivity and managing stress responses have had a huge impact on me.
5. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given, personal or professional?
Firstly was to slow down, and I still struggle with this! My gut response to any issue is to go at it 100%, I like to fix things. Now I know that consciously slowing down can help me direct my energy better and respond in the right way.
Secondly is to trust my gut. Whenever I’m going through a challenge I’m sure to listen to how I’m feeling, which is a direct connection to my values. If it feels wrong it’s usually because I feel my values are being challenged, and I know I need to take action.
6. In the last five years, what new belief, behaviour or habit has most improved your life?
Fear management. I used to let fear drive my emotions and feelings. Three years ago I went on a fear management course and it changed my behaviours. I learnt how fear can be a teacher, and managing it better has made me more comfortable dealing with the inevitable challenges I face in helping to lead a growing agency.
7. What are the worst recommendations you hear in your profession or area of expertise?
I hate being told to delegate more! It just doesn’t align with my belief in adding value to the people I lead. I prefer to collaborate rather than delegate, and this is how I show up best, trying to leave people in a better place and investing in their development.
8. What has been the most worthwhile investment in yourself that you’ve ever made?
Spending the time to define my boundaries, values and aspirations. I used to find it hard to have conversations about my career aspirations, salary expectations, when I would work, what I would work on etc.
I decided that I wanted to be a Mum and have a successful career and realised that I needed clear boundaries to do both in a way that worked for me. Managing my own needs and expectations before others keeps me balanced, and comfortable with the choices I have to make.
9. When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Break away. I have to change my location in order to change my mindset. I have to leave the room or space I'm in and get outside to change my headspace and regain focus. I procrastinate if I stay in the same space.
10. If you could, knowing what you do today, what advice would you give to yourself at 18 years old?
Stop trying to please everyone else. Looking back, I can see that I spent a lot of energy and time putting others first, to my detriment. Now that I have learned to put my needs and feelings forward I can prioritise my own energy.
I'm the opposite at work and at home...I need structure at work but thrive on freedom at home.
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