From loving life in her adopted city of Leeds, to fulfilling the telecom needs of Yorkshire residents, Ecaterina Rusulshi talks 5G, family life and career dreams with MG…
Firstly, thanks for agreeing to speak to us Ecaterina, to get us started, please could you tell us a little about how you came to work with Manning Global?
Hello, thanks for choosing to interview me! I was first introduced to Manning Global when I started working for Huawei. Your company came highly rated by my work colleagues, and as I work a consultant, it made sense to choose you. It was a wise decision as all the staff at MG are so friendly and helpful.
You work as a Noticing Manager, how did you enter this profession?
I first started working in the Streetworks Department at Virgin Media five years ago. There I gathered a lot of knowledge and experience; which I then put in to practice in my current role as Noticing Manager.
What are your main duties for this role?
I am currently working on Huawei-Virgin Media Project Lightning, which is the biggest project of fiber optic distribution and installation in Yorkshire, UK. My days are very busy in the Leeds office as I am the only one who does this job. The main duties for this role include: running reports, distribution of sub-contractors for projects, liaising with local authorities for continuation of works, investigation of defects and fixed penalty notices. I also oversee all the notices and permits required for every individual street used in the project, in accordance with the New Roads and Street Works Act.
What are your top three KPIs for this role?
- Quantity (how much of the delivery plan is achieved)
- Quality (all works completed should be left defect free)
- Time (achieving SLA’s in due time)
What’s the most enjoyable part of your job?
Being part of a fun and dynamic team; all of us are doing unique jobs and there is lots to learn.
What’s a typical working day like at Huawei?
Crazy but also very interesting! Some days it gets quite intense – especially when you’re managing live works on site.
What qualities do you need to succeed as a Noticing Manager?
Organizational skills – there’s always lots of to-do lists – good communication with all parties involved and a great eye for detail. Also, you need lots of training on ETON and bedtime reading of NRSWA, Code of Practice for Inspections and other useful publications that form the Bible of the Noticing Manager!
What is your opinion of 5G and how do you feel it will benefit the telecommunications industry?
5G is the future of telecoms! Everyone will benefit from using 5G; both in business and in their personal lives. They’ll be a lot less cables for a start! 😉
Which project are you most proud of?
I would say Project Lightning as it’s the biggest and hardest to manage. I am proud to walk the streets of Leeds and see kilometers of fiber optic tracks installed, as it means a thriving economy and faster internet.
Your work is based in Leeds, UK, what do you like most about the city?
I have lived in Leeds for the past five years and I can safely say it’s the best city in the UK! The ability to live and work in a modern city, and to be so close to so many things happening culturally and economically, is just amazing!
Are there any other cities in the world you would like to work, if so, why would you like to work there?
An office on the beach in the Caribbean would be nice! (a girl can dream ;-))
Speaking of dreams… what was your dream job as a child?
I did not have a dream job, however my parents wanted me to become a doctor.
What’s your biggest professional goal this year?
The successful completion of Project Lightning.
Who do you most look up to in life?
I wouldn’t say I look up to anyone in particular – I do my best to be my own hero.
If you could listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Fly me to the Moon by Julie London.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
My biggest hobby is spending time with my family; having a son doesn’t give me much free time! I also love to read and have a keen interest in photography.
What was the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Always expect the worst and you’ll never be disappointed.
If you had one super power, what would it be?
Omnipresence: being in multiple places at the same time.
Finally, what’s your life motto?
‘You’re only here for a short visit. Don’t hurry, don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.’ Walter Hagen.
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