Meet our Team: Joanne Brown

About Joanne

Joanne Brown is Motia’s Change and Continuous Improvement Manager, helping teams across the business find better, simpler ways of working. Having spent more than 19 years with the business, Jo has built experience across sales, retention, operations, and business support before moving into her current role, where she focuses on driving positive change and continuous improvement.

Let’s start with your role, what do you do at Motia?

I'm a Change and Continuous Improvement Manager, helping teams find better, simpler ways of working.

No two days are ever the same, but I spend most of my time working with different people across the business, solving problems, improving processes, and keeping improvement projects moving forward. It’s a role that keeps me busy and gives me plenty of variety.

How long have you been with the business?

Just over 19 years.

Tell us about your career journey

I joined the business in 2007, starting out in Sales before moving into Customer Retentions.

During my time there, I worked my way up from Assistant Account Manager to Team Leader. In 2021, I moved into Operations, initially working in Business Support, before taking on my current role as Change and Continuous Improvement Manager in April 2024.

It's been a great journey, and I've been lucky to work with lots of different teams and gain experience across several areas of the business.

What has been your proudest moment?

One of my proudest moments was project managing the rebrand that brought FCS and Cubo together to become Motia.

It was a really exciting step for the business, and I was proud to play a part in such a significant milestone. Seeing all the hard work come together and being involved in such a key moment for the business made it a particularly rewarding experience.

How has Motia supported your development?

Motia has given me lots of opportunities to grow and develop throughout my career.

I've been able to take on new challenges, move into different roles, and build my skills across several areas of the business, which has helped me get to where I am today.

Have you had any mentors or people who have influenced your career?

I've worked with some brilliant people over the years, and I've picked up something from everyone along the way.

From managers to teammates, their support, advice and encouragement have all played a part in helping me grow and develop in my career.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

The most rewarding part is seeing the positive impact of a change.

Whether it's making a process simpler, saving people time, or improving the experience for colleagues and customers, it's great to know you've helped make a real difference.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Juggling lots of different projects and priorities at the same time.

There's always plenty going on, so I try to stay organised and keep things moving. That said, the variety is one of the things I enjoy most about the role, so I wouldn't have it any other way.

What is the best thing about working at Motia?

Without a doubt, the people.

I've had the opportunity to work with so many great colleagues over the years, and there's a real sense of support, teamwork and friendship that makes Motia a great place to work.

How would you describe the culture?

The culture at Motia is really friendly and supportive.

People are always willing to help each other out, and there's a real sense of being one team. It's a great place to work, where you're encouraged to get involved, try new things and develop along the way.

What makes Motia different from other places you've worked?

People who care, work together, and are always looking for better ways of doing things.

If you could switch roles with anyone for a day, who would it be?

Any role that's completely different from my own, just to see what a day in someone else's shoes looks like.

Tell us a bit about life outside of work

I was born in Leeds and grew up just outside Hull before returning to Leeds, where I now live with my 13-year-old daughter.

We don't currently have any pets, although my daughter is doing her best to convince me that a puppy should be our next family member!

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends.

I'm also a member of the Leeds Irish Choir, which combines my love of singing and socialising. A recent highlight was a trip to Galway with around 100 choir members, friends and family for a memorable few days of music and fun.

Any hobbies, interests, or hidden talents?

Singing is definitely a big part of my life, and being part of a choir has given me the opportunity to combine music, travel and spending time with great people.

Quickfire round

Favourite way to unwind?
Taking a long walk, then settling down with a good Netflix drama or documentary.

Favourite food and drink?
You can't beat steak and chips with a nice glass of red.

Favourite holiday destination?
Anywhere hot and sunny. An all-inclusive resort with a pool, sunshine and cocktails is hard to beat.

Favourite TV show?
Line of Duty.

Favourite film?
The Shawshank Redemption.

Dream dinner guest?
Ant and Dec. I think they'd be such a good laugh.

What is the best piece of career advice you have received?

Step outside your comfort zone.

The best opportunities often come from saying yes to something that feels a bit scary.

What would you tell your younger self?

Make mistakes, learn from them, and keep going.

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