0345 646 5201
Katy Stenhouse, our National Partnerships Manager, is celebrating five years with People Puzzles. Her career path brought her from the corporate world and running her own business to a role that truly values her expertise and personal well-being.
What initially attracted you to the opportunity with People Puzzles?
After leaving the corporate world and running my own business, I was actively seeking out the SME space. I didn’t want to be seen as just another number. The job description for the role I first applied for (not the one I have now!) was written with such a great personality – it even joked about needing an ‘elf’ around Christmas time! That immediately signalled a strong, unique culture. The varied nature of the role, where I could get stuck in at many different levels with a small central team, was exactly what I was looking for.
In what way has working with People Puzzles helped you to thrive?
The flexibility is huge. People Puzzles was truly ahead of the curve, and working remotely from the start has massively benefited my mental and physical health. It’s the simple things, like being able to walk the dog or put the washing on at lunchtime, that have a huge positive impact on my personal wellbeing. The trust is key; there’s a real sense of ‘you reap what you sow’ here, which encourages everyone to put in their best work. My role has changed significantly over five years, and the business has supported me to remain curious, implement new software, and constantly navigate new ways of working, always thinking ahead.
Have you had one stand-out moment when you have felt lucky to work with People Puzzles?
A truly stand-out moment was when the business supported me in accessing medical care and gave me the space I needed to recover. That level of care and support truly showed me that the values here are completely real. Working with an SME, I genuinely feel seen. The work I do is visible, but more importantly, I am seen as a person, and I value that alignment deeply.
What have you found most meaningful about the work you do with our People Directors?
I see myself as a supporting wheel in the People Puzzles cog. For me, the meaning comes from recognising the tangible impact our People Directors make on their clients. Reading client testimonials and case studies reminds me that what we do in the central team directly supports them in achieving that incredible level of success. That impact feels real and hits home.
What areas are you passionate about outside of your work?
I have a few! Last year I became a Bee Keeper and I’m part of the local Bee Keeping Association in Hertfordshire. I also have a passion for interior design; I completed a diploma and I’m currently putting those skills to good use with a home renovation. My style is fairly eclectic, practical, and colourful – lots of bright, bold splashes of paint and wallpaper. Professionally, I also volunteer weekly, mentoring a young person through MCR Pathways at a local secondary school.
What excites you most about the next five years?
Professionally, it’s keeping up with technology. AI is so prevalent, and while it’s slightly terrifying, I see loads of opportunities and benefits for us. You’ve just got to ‘get on the bus’ and see where it that takes you! On the personal side, since getting planning permission for an extension at home, my weekends will be spent on the renovation project!
