My life on the edge

Lockdown – the edge way

Ten days in and suddenly everyone’s world was turned upside down as the first lockdown hit. Confined to my home in Oxford, I started worrying. However, very soon it became apparent that edge was pushing through. Our famous lockdown routine helped reset our mindset and became an inspiration for others. I will never forget our first Zoom workouts, WhatsApp walks around the neighbourhood, Wednesday Zoom games with team Evoke and Arrow Planning… we held it together, even though we were miles apart. When my Wi-Fi stopped working, Hannah appeared at my doorstep with her phone as a hotspot instead. Sarah would always give me a call to chat about my mental health, which helped enormously – especially since I had just moved to a completely new city. I felt like part of a new family, one that was resilient, stuck together and could achieve anything.

Our new Zoom routine quickly became productive and I learnt so much in such a short period of time. Whenever I was struggling, Hannah or Sarah would jump on Zoom and start a co-working session, simulating the office environment where I could ask questions or listen to what others were working on. My job quickly became much more complex, so I was able to start helping to create masterplans, taking the lead on projects, and bringing my ideas into the documents I was working on. During the pandemic, edge was there for me, and I was there for edge.

As the months went by Covid became our new reality, which meant we treasured each and every occasion where it was legally possible to briefly see each other in person! Our summer drinks in Oxford, edge’s 2-year anniversary and our Christmas lunch were joyful events to remember.

Growing and glowing

During and after lockdown, edge managed not only to survive but also thrive, and it wasn’t long before our team grew again! Astrid, Sarah, Sophie and Charlie joined the team, and suddenly there were eight of us! edge was ready to invest time and resources into making sure the team and each of its ladies were flourishing, both professionally and personally, and that’s when our fantastic team coach Julie joined us. Starting in the spring of 2021, we embarked on a journey to get to know one another, learning to work as a team and with our differences, as well as learning more about ourselves, our ambitions and individual strengths. As a result, edge became a place where each unique personality is celebrated, appreciated and given the space to reach its full potential.

In October 2021, our third Birthday arrived and it felt empowering to celebrate a challenging couple of years and the growth of our team. After Covid cancelled our 2nd year party, we were more than eager to make the 3rd year party count – and we had the best time celebrating with our friends and colleagues.

Covid or not – edge is always there

This is true even if you are getting married, which was my case in the summer of 2021! Even though restrictions did not make it possible to take my edge gang to Czechia to celebrate with me, everyone was there on the day (courtesy of Zoom!) with a glass of prosecco in hand and a personalised Zoom background, so the party could begin!