Why Qualtrics – Sally Winston – EX Solution Strategy – London

What is your 'why'? How does Qualtrics connect to your ‘why’?

When I embarked on a degree in psychology I thought I wanted to work in mental health or criminology, but soon realised that you can make a big difference to more people in the world of Occupational Psychology. People spend most of their life at work; I strongly believe that if we can get everyone to a place where they enjoy what they do and where the companies they work for treat their people like their most important asset, the world will be a better place. Outside of work I'm a mum to the most awesome little boy; the struggle to balance is very real but I want to make sure that he's proud of me and that I set a great example for him and for other women in business. You can be successful and work in a senior role in companies as a woman and still be a great mum too.

What attracted you to Qualtrics in the first place?

As an expert in Employee Experience (EX) I wanted to work for a company that truly lives what it preaches and that is passionate about enabling companies to create great conversations with their people.

What was the turning point where you 'had to have the job'?

Meeting Qualtrics' EX Leader was a key moment. I knew immediately that this is a person I wanted to work for - his passion for the company and drive to do brilliant things (but in the right way) really stood out in our conversations.

What does your day look like?

I'm only in week 2 but can see already that each day will involve working across multiple teams and on multiple things - helping clients see the value we can bring to them, educating the teams on EX and turning everyone into Subject Matter Experts, and working with lots of different groups to help grow the business.

What is your favorite part of your role?

Working across teams of people who all have different specialties and areas of brilliance but are all focused on the same end goal. I also love talking with clients and hearing about their strategic goals and challenges and then working out how we can best support them to deliver.

Any tips for someone who is considering a role at Qualtrics?

Be yourself. The chance to work for a company as successful and brilliant as this one could lead people to try to fit a mould but I think it's so important to be clear about what drives you, what motivates you, and what you're passionate about. If you're yourself and the recruiters at Qualtrics think you'll be a brilliant fit for the culture, you'll be really happy here.

What surprised you most about working at Qualtrics?

The extent to which the company practices what it preaches. As someone who specialises in EX I know a lot about how company culture works. Our values, TACOS, are completely embedded in everything the business does and are a genuine representation of the culture here. You don't get to see this quite as clearly during the interview process as you do when you arrive. It's fundamental to the success of the business.

What made you want to get into research?

I started out as a research expert in EX because I loved Occ Psych at uni and quickly moved into roles which focused more on selling. I enjoy meeting lots of different people and helping them see how our product can fit with their needs.

What are your aspirations in career/life?

I'm fairly senior now in my career and also new to Qualtrics so I'm not sure on the path I'll take. For me the main focus is on helping a brilliant group of people to become brilliant experts in EX who are passionate about growing that bit of the business.

What is your top #LifeHack?

Always bring your full self to work. Be open about what motivates and drives you and the things that scare you too. If you're open with people they'll be open with you too and you'll build much better relationships.

	Sally Winston is a Manager in our EX Solution Strategy team, based in London. Prior to joining Qualtrics, she held various roles at ORC International. She holds a Bachelors from the University of Manchester in Psychology.