We’re kicking off our new 10 minutes with series with Sarah Fletcher, the newest addition to our Account Management team.
Sarah joined us in October 2024 and has an extensive share plan background. We delved into her career history, what she hopes to bring to Eximia, and her tips for building strong client relationships.
How did you get into account management?
My journey into account management has been a natural progression, as I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of managing complex projects and building meaningful relationships.
I’m highly organised and enjoy getting involved in understanding the client’s needs, from developing the initial brief to overseeing design and delivery. The variety in this role keeps things exciting and offers plenty of opportunities to continue learning, adapting, and gaining valuable insights from colleagues, suppliers, and clients, which I find both motivating and rewarding.
Did you ever have an alternative career path?
I’ve always had a passion for cooking and originally dreamed of becoming a chef. However, my aspirations were short-lived after a work experience stint in a professional kitchen – specifically in the lobster preparation section!
While it was a valuable experience, it quickly made me realise that my true strengths and interests lay elsewhere and more suited to a different career path.
Fortunately, I found other ways to unleash my creative flair, and I still enjoy cooking and baking – particularly when it comes to creating ‘show-stopping’ birthday cakes for friends and family.
What excites you about the share plan industry?
It’s always evolving, with new challenges, trends, and technology popping up all the time. It’s what keeps things interesting! I’ve been lucky to work with a variety of global clients from different industries, each with their own unique share plan and reward offerings.
With 20 years’ experience in the industry, I’ve seen considerable changes – from the introduction of new share plans to the need for adjustments in response to shifting financial climates. My passion lies in internal communications, as it’s incredibly rewarding to be involved in initiatives that directly impact employees, shaping their understanding and perception of their reward offerings in a positive way.
Do you have any career highlights?
I’ve been fortunate to work on some fantastic projects, helping clients navigate complex messaging for diverse audiences to boost employee engagement and raise awareness of their share plans.
One of my proudest moments was working on a large-scale share plan rollout for a multinational company. The project involved close collaboration with teams across multiple time zones to deliver a solution that truly resonated with employees. It was a real team effort, and it highlighted the power of effective communication and collaboration in achieving successful outcomes.
This project was particularly rewarding as it went on to win an industry award, which was a great recognition of the hard work and dedication put in by everyone involved.
What can Eximia clients look forward to with you onboard?
Clients can look forward to a friendly, collaborative, and solution-oriented approach. I bring a strong blend of technical expertise and creative experience, which allows me to help engage, educate, and empower employees effectively.
Most importantly, I focus on building trusted relationships with clients to help communicate the true value of their share plans. By understanding the employee journey and the dynamics at play throughout the plan lifecycle, I save clients time and effort. They won’t need to explain how their plans work or simplify complex terminology – I can do that for them and their employees.
What’s your top tip for building strong client relationships?
My top tip is to just be yourself. I believe in being open and honest, really listening to what clients need, and being upfront about what’s achievable within their timeframes and budget. This approach helps build trust and sets the foundation for a long-term, collaborative relationship.
Did you enjoy our first in our new series? Don’t miss any of our upcoming interviews – look out for more throughout the year.
Want to connect with Sarah? Join her on LinkedIn.
