Seven years, a brief interlude in Athens, and countless projects later, James Williams, our Senior Content Manager, continues to shape the narrative and experience of employees worldwide through Benivo's innovative platform. Today, we're peeling back the layers to showcase the creativity, dedication, and impact James brings to Benivo and the global mobility industry.
A Story of Dedication and Creativity
James Williams embarked on his Benivo journey over seven years ago, not counting a seven-month volunteering stint with a refugee support charity in Athens. Even during his time away from the official payroll, James' commitment to Benivo's mission didn't wane, as he continued to contribute through contracting work. This blend of professional dedication and humanitarian efforts speaks volumes about James' character and values.
Memorable Milestones
When asked about a standout project, James reflects on the hyperlocal content currently being developed for Benivo's employee platform. This initiative marks a significant evolution from country and state-level resources to city-specific advice, making employee relocations smoother and more personalized than ever before. Another highlight includes creating a bespoke content experience for interns at one of the largest IT companies, a pioneering approach that has set a new standard for client solutions at Benivo.
A Day in the Life
James describes himself as a morning person, "who doesn't even drink coffee", leveraging his peak creativity and productivity from the early hours of the day. A typical day involves prioritizing tasks, collaborating across teams, and diving deep into content strategy and creation. This routine underscores the multifaceted nature of his role, extending beyond writing to encompass strategy, client solutions, and product development.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
In an ever-evolving field, James is committed to continuous learning, particularly in UX writing and AI developments. He emphasized the importance of staying updated with global mobility industry trends and enhancing his skill set to meet the dynamic demands of his role and the broader industry.
The Benivo Difference
For James, the people and culture at Benivo stand out the most. He cherishes the collaborative spirit and talent that define the company, creating an environment that's both enjoyable and inspiring.
"Benivo has always had a knack for finding talent with winning personalities, who are just a pleasure to work and collaborate with on projects."
James also highlights Benivo's role as a problem-solver in the global mobility industry, offering innovative solutions that address real-world challenges for clients, employees, and vendors alike.
Career path inspiration
"I’ve always loved writing, or more accurately creating experiences through writing, which people can engage with and get a lot out of. I studied English at university, then moved to Toronto where I got my first writing role for a local neighbourhood magazine which was expanding from four neighbourhoods into thirty-two. I wrote about inspiring “leap of faith” stories from owners of independent businesses who had followed their passions, like banking professionals turned healthy butchers, and security guards turned tribal art shop owners. This is when I truly understood how writing can be rewarding, not just for me the person writing it, but for the people it reaches. "
Best Career Advice Received
"You only ever grow as a person when you step out of your comfort zone.
Actually, that was from a book I read about marathon running but I’ve absolutely taken it on board as advice when it comes to my career. It led me to become a magazine editor in Toronto, a customer service manager running an outsourced office in Warsaw, and now content manager for Benivo."
Beyond the Desk
"People who have been at Benivo long enough will probably remember this, but I trained to run a marathon in Ghana to help raise money for international charity Humanitas, who were building a school in a remote village with no prior access to education. Alas, I couldn’t run because I came down with the flu and fever. I was devastated at the time but within a few hours, I came to realise I’d already achieved more than I ever hoped to from the trip, which included teaching creative storytelling to the children. And of course, raising money for their new school! I made a vow to return one day and run that darn marathon.
Bonus facts: I’ve paraglided off the mountain next to Mont Blanc and bungee jumped in Hungary. Oh, and I used to live in a multi-story car park."
A Legacy of Impact
James' journey at Benivo is a testament to the power of writing and creativity in driving meaningful change. From enhancing employee relocation experiences to pioneering industry solutions, his work embodies the essence of innovation and collaboration. As James looks to the future, his story is far from complete. With a commitment to excellence and an eye toward the next horizon, James is poised to continue shaping the future of global mobility and employee engagement at Benivo.
As we spotlight James' contributions and journey, it's clear that his impact extends far beyond the written word. Through dedication, innovation, and a heartfelt commitment to making a difference, James not only elevates the Benivo experience but also inspires us all to pursue our passions with purpose and determination.
In conclusion here is James' favorite quote:
“Nothing you ever do with all your heart is done in vain” - a quote from Stefan Zweig’s World War 2 memoir ‘The World of Yesterday’.
A reminder that if you fill your day doing what you love then it’s been a day well spent.
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