‘Behavioural design? Behaviour change? What’s that?’ I thought…

I was interviewed in the boardroom, overlooking the sun-drenched, iconic Liverpool waterfront. Stunning. My pre-interview nerves were soon calmed by the friendly demeanour of the interviewers. Who were these coders, bloggers and communication experts speaking so passionately about their organisation? After a second meeting with the energetic and passionate CEO, I was inspired. Thrilled to be offered the position of Business Development Executive, I accepted without hesitation.

After finding a welcome pack on my desk including stationery, chocolate, and a mug with my name on it, my first day involved an introduction to the team, including Georgie, the office dog, and a lunchtime game of pool with my new colleagues. The following week began with ‘Chill and Chat’ - a shared Monday morning breakfast of freshly made pancakes, croissants and coffee around the wooden kitchen table. ‘Breaking bread’ together as a team, we shared our recent successes of contract wins, and work we’d been asked to pitch for, while planning our strategy for the coming weeks.

‘I think I’m going to like it here’ I thought. I was wrong… I loved it!

‘How has this great culture come about? What drives it?’ I asked myself.

In my first month, my new colleagues and I were invited to ICE’s ‘Natural Leaders’, the leadership retreat course at ICE’s farm on the gorgeous Cumbrian fellside. Natural Leaders uses sheep and sheep dogs to develop leadership skills. While I was sceptical at first, it turned out it was the perfect setting to really get to know my new colleagues. I learnt what makes my colleagues (and myself!) tick. I formed a deeper connection with them than I had with some of my former colleagues who I’d worked with for years. It was incredible! It even transpired that I was a distant relative of one of them!

A couple of months later, it was time for the Christmas do. After finding a Maltesers advent calendar on my desk, the morning was full of hilarious yet purposeful team building activities, an informative and inspiring presentation from the board, and a group discussion to co-create ICE’s new website, followed by an all-expenses paid afternoon at one of Liverpool’s best restaurants.

At last, my question was answered. What drives ICE’s unique culture? It’s the people. The talent. Celebrating each other’s differences, while being bound by common values and a shared vision. Skillsets spanning Communications and Engagement, Social Marketing, Design, Digital, Behavioural Insight, Organisational Development, Leadership & Culture, and Healthy Lifestyle Services experts. They all come together to deliver unrivalled behavioural design and implementation for the public sector, be that helping to reduce inappropriate attendance at our hospitals’ A&E departments or helping our citizens to stop smoking or lose weight.  This is all done in tandem with the sharing of ICE’s values: Integrity, Passion, Bravery, Creativity, Success and Fairness.

My time at ICE has been incredible, and I’m proud to have been part of something so creative. As I embark on my next chapter, returning to my roots of recruitment, I hope to take my experiences and knowledge with me, and to - as our ICE leader kindly bid me - ‘enjoy life’s journey and go well.’

If you’re an experienced Business Development professional with a demonstrable track record in an autonomous and targeted sales environment, and you’d like to explore becoming part of team ICE, please send your CV and a short covering letter today to recruitment@icecreates.com