This month, we’re celebrating Joe Asher, one of our brilliant Senior Business Analysts, as he marks three years with Answer Digital! Since joining through the academy route in 2022, Joe’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring, and it’s no surprise he was shortlisted as a Prolific North Rising Star in 2024. Let’s take a moment to celebrate Joe’s achievements and get to know the person behind the post-it notes.

Joe’s role in three words

When asked to describe his job, Joe chose:
Detail-orientation, listening, articulation
—three skills that perfectly sum up what makes him a fantastic BA.

Joe’s journey at Answer

Joe joined Answer in 2022 as an Academite, switching careers into Business Analysis. In just two years, he hit a personal goal by being promoted to Senior BA, and along the way has received three promotions in total.
Being nominated for the Rising Star in Tech Award is the cherry on top of an already impressive trajectory.

Joe’s proudest moment? Becoming a Senior BA within two years—a goal he set when he made the bold decision to change careers. He made it happen through hard work, curiosity, and a collaborative mindset.

The best thing about the team

Joe has huge respect for his fellow BAs and Designers, describing them as experienced, knowledgeable, and—most importantly—approachable.
“When anyone has an issue, we all chip in to help,” he says. “I’ve been lucky to receive that support, and I’m proud to offer it to others now too.”

An unexpected early job

Before getting into tech, Joe had a slightly different kind of hands-on role—sorting fruit in a food factory.
His job? Opening 25kg bags of vacuum-packed sultanas and pulling them apart by hand so they could go into muesli. “I loved it,” he says, “and some days I wish I could go back and do that for a day or two!”

Favourite travel spot

Joe’s favourite destination is Montenegro, which ticks all the boxes: stunning scenery, friendly locals, and—most importantly to this Yorkshireman—“cheap as chips!”

A fun fact that might surprise you

Joe is part of a very exclusive club—he’s scored a penalty at Bramall Lane’s Kop End, home of Sheffield United.
Granted, he was an 8-year-old mascot at the time, but as he says, “it still counts!”

How he spends his spare time

If you’ve spoken to Joe recently, you’ll know he’s passionate about running. It’s his screen-free sanctuary, helping him stay active and supporting his mental health.

A dream job swap for a day

Joe’s choice? Ray, his old sultana-sorting teammate from the factory. Sometimes you just want a break from complexity and a return to something simple, tactile, and satisfying.

Biggest goal for 2025

Joe has been on an amazing 15-month weight loss journey, and he’s now closing in on his final milestones. It’s a deeply personal goal and one he’s smashing with the same focus and determination he brings to his work.

From fruit factory floors to stakeholder workshops, Joe brings humility, ambition, and a great sense of humour to everything he does. We’re incredibly proud of how far he’s come and can’t wait to see what he tackles next.

Happy 3-Year Anniversary, Joe—and congratulations again on your Rising Star nomination! 🌟