Meet Our Team – Kristina Irving

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at Immense?

I’m the Solutions Delivery Manager, which means I Iook after all of our external delivery for clients and collaborators. This includes all of our budgets, our suppliers and our internal resources. I work with our technical teams to make sure we are delivering to time, budget and quality.

What is a typical day like for you at Immense? 

Busy! As a project manager I have to organise a lot of different workstreams. This includes planning work with partners, discussing progress with clients and making sure our product is being developed in a way that meets their requirements.

I’m also conscious that we are quite a technical company – I really enjoy helping my colleagues develop better skills in project management.

How did you find out about Immense and become involved in the company?

I previously worked with our Managing Director, Eifion, at another company. He contacted me whilst I was on holiday in Nepal as Immense were looking for some project management expertise – I jumped at the chance to work with him again!

What’s the best part about working at Immense?

The people! There’s a massive sense of teamwork and pride about what we’re trying to achieve. Everyone is really supportive and willing to help each other – everybody is willing to muck in to get the job done, even the CEO!

What would you say is the most challenging part of the job?

I’m not a specialist in transport modelling, so it can be challenging to be the interface between really technical engineering teams and our clients. I work really closely with our technical leads to ensure that we don’t just deliver the tech, but also what they need, when they need it.

What has been your biggest career achievement?

I spent 7 years in the Royal Signals, serving overseas and an operational tour of Afghanistan. My time in the Army instilled a sense of drive and determination, and most importantly teamwork. We always worked together to get the job done in difficult situations. I also learnt a lot about management that I’ve been able to transfer to my later career.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

When I was younger, I really enjoyed acting, singing and dancing. I loved theatre and wanted to perform in the West End! It’s never too late…if you ask any of my team they’d probably say I still have a flair for the dramatic.

What is the best bit of career advice you have ever been given?

It’s not so much the advice but the support – I had a Staff Sergeant in the Army who always believed in my abilities. That spurred me on to always do better, and I’ve taken that drive with me.

What do you think the future of mobility looks like?

We’re already seeing a lot of future mobility through innovation – connected, autonomous. We’re working on a lot of this at Immense – my little cousins think I spend all day playing with robots!

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the industry in the current climate?

We’re spending so much time on the tech, our biggest challenge is making sure the infrastructure and regulations are ready. If we don’t have that, we can’t take advantage of everything else on offer.

When you’re not working, what are your hobbies and interests?

Ted. I love taking my 4 year old rescue Patterdale Terrier (Ted) out. I like nothing more than grabbing a map and going on a long walk! He was really shy when we first got him from the shelter, but he’s become such an amazing part of my life – I recommend everyone to consider a rescue dog!

If you were stuck on a desert island and could take three things with you what would they be?

Ted, a hot tub, red wine (screwcap)