As part of our ‘Getting to Know’ series of blog posts, we’re talking to central members of the LEO Learning family so you can get to know them a bit better. Today we’re talking to the head of LEO Learning’s Creative Studio, Holly Leong.
Describe your role at LEO Learning.
I head up the Creative Studio, which means I’m responsible for overseeing the smooth running of a 50-plus strong global team made up of animators, filmmakers, visual designers and elearning builders.
I define processes, cost creative elements of projects, manage the managers and advise anyone and everyone on the creative disciplines. I also make it my aim to ensure a positive working culture and keep a happy department.
Which part of working at LEO Learning do you love most?
I love solving problems and, in doing so, making a positive impact for the people I work with. Seeing the thanks and difference I can make for my colleagues is so rewarding.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
I’m really proud of my career at LEO Learning. I started in 2011 as a Digital Designer and have worked my way to the Senior Management Team in six years (with four promotions along the way!). These include:
- Digital Designer (3 months) – I was offered a promotion soon after joining.
- Art Director (4 years) – I led the creative side for many clients (including British Airways, Dyson and Lloyds Banking Group). I also helped closely with the design of our award-winning sister company, elearning content authoring tool gomo.
- Visual Design & Moving Image Manager – I helped grow the team from 14 to 29 permanent employees.
- Creative Studio Director – Nowadays, you’ll find me overseeing a Studio of nearly 50 permanent employees.
On the personal side, I started running four years ago using a couch to 5k app… and just kept going! I completed my first half marathon six months later. I also have an advanced riding level qualification (IAM) for my motorbike.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve overcome?
Delivering a large-scale public sector learning programme in 2017. I had to build a strong department in order to deliver the project, which was mammoth in scale. At times, I directly line-managed 50 people. The deadlines were demanding and the programme was huge, but we did it.
What are the three things you can’t work without?
- Talented colleagues. Being surrounded by great people who are experts in their own fields.
- My health. Staying fit and healthy is what keeps me positive everyday – I’ve got to have those eight hours of sleep. I enjoy running and walking, and spend most my holidays hiking around the English countryside/mountains.
- My MacBook Pro – I’d be lost without it.
As a kid what did you want to be when you grew up?
I loved The X-Files, which led to my dream of being a forensic scientist and doing autopsies. Think I got a little sidetracked with that one…