This month, we are celebrating a huge milestone with one of our longest-serving team members, Tessa, who marks her eighth anniversary at Answer Digital! Tessa's journey is a true testament to our values of growth and opportunity, having joined us as a maths teacher with no coding background to become a Principal Technical Consultant and Employee Trustee.

We sat down with her to chat about her incredible career, ego-free problem solving, and living on a ship for four months.

A very happy 8th anniversary, Tessa!

If you had to describe what you do in three words, what would they be?

People-first problem solving.

Your journey from maths teacher to Principal Consultant is amazing. Can you give us a summary?

From maths teacher with no coding background to Principal Tech Consultant and Employee Trustee, it has been eight years of learning fast and stepping into bigger problems. I have been gradually stepping further out from the detail to higher-level problem solving, both in my client work and through internal initiatives like shaping our Academy and career ladder. Now as an Employee Trustee, I get to bring the employee voice into board-level conversations.

What’s one career milestone in that time you’re most proud of?

Becoming the first Academy graduate to reach Principal in 2023. It followed a challenging assignment that forced me to lead differently and rebuilt my confidence. Being recognised at that moment mattered: it closed the gap between how I felt and what I could deliver.

What’s the best thing about working with your team?

Honest, ego-free problem solving. In our architects group, it’s normal to say “I don’t know yet”, and then swarm the problem. A few years ago I asked for help on a project I felt lost in; the whole group jumped on a call, admitted the same confusion, and we solved it as a hive mind. It’s never about individuals, it’s about the collective.

What’s a fun fact about you that always surprises people?

I lived on a ship for four months at age 12, sailing around the Philippines and Taiwan. The MV Doulos was a charity-run travelling bookshop and was recognised as the world’s oldest active ocean-going passenger ship. It wasn’t luxury though - I quickly had to get used to being out of my comfort zone!

How do you like to spend your spare time?

I’m project-driven in bursts. I love bringing small visions to life, whether it's practical house DIY or just delight-making, like the matching family hoodies and custom temporary tattoos I made for when my grandma moved house after 58 years.

If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day, who would it be?

A chocolatier or working in a bakery. One day only, purely for the joy (and the “quality control”).

What is your biggest goal for the rest of this year?

This year has been about honest reflection. I have been investing time in understanding myself better and getting more comfortable with the uncertainty of life. The Employee Trustee role has been a highlight, and I’m exploring what “what’s next” might look like after my term is up, where I can contribute, add value and step into more responsibility.

A huge congratulations to Tessa on eight incredible years. Her journey, leadership, and dedication to our people and our clients are an inspiration to us all.

Thank you for everything, Tessa!