Don't quote me

Warren Keith, lead developer in the digital, information and technology directorate

How long have you worked here at NICE?

I’ve been here about 3 and a half years, which just exceeds my previous record for holding a job down.

What do you like most about your role?

I’m trusted to manage my own workload and investigate solutions. This way of working makes me feel empowered. It's hard to imagine working somewhere more prescriptive ever again.

What 3 words would you use to describe your job?

Challenging, creative and educational.

What’s the best part of working in Manchester?

Warren likes the exotic feel of Manchester

I'm working from home at the moment, but I'm normally based in Manchester. I love Manchester city centre. Being from Liverpool, it feels like a little London and the accents you hear in the street are just different enough for it to feel a little exotic.

The Hilton hotel in Manchester overlooking the ship canal

Warren likes the exotic feel of Manchester

A person using a calculator with one hand and holding a document with the other

Warren started out as a bookkeeper

What was your first job?

My first job was basic bookkeeping for my girlfriend's sister. I was self-employed and it paid very well for the time.

Warren started out as a bookkeeper

Where is your happy place?

A 2 and a half hour nap on the bed with my wife, toddler and cat all present.

What talent would you most like to have?

I’d love to be able to draw without the need to trace. I’m just simply not prepared to put the effort into practicing.

What book would you recommend to others?

'Exhalation', by Ted Chiang. Beautiful short stories about concepts that I’m sure I’m not bright enough to fully understand.

Warren recommends the short stories in Exhalation by Ted Chiang

What would be the first thing you’d do if you won the lottery?

I’d set up a computer literacy course that senior delivery managers could attend for a very small fee. Only joking! I would not charge them.

If you could be a superhero for the day, who would you be and why?

I’d be Imran Azad, who is a lead developer in my team. His positivity, capability, willingness to help and impeccable grooming are heroic traits to have.

It would also help to balance out my reputation as the grumpy one.

The book cover of Exhalation by Ted Chiang

Warren recommends the short stories in 'Exhalation', by Ted Chiang

Warren recommends the short stories in Exhalation by Ted Chiang

Lisa Hooley, senior learning, OD and talent manager (special projects) in the finance, strategy and transformation Directorate

How long have you worked here at NICE?

Six months, although it feels like I've been here a lot longer (in a good way!).

What do you like most about your role?

The variety. Each day is different and brings its own opportunities and challenges.

What 3 words would you use to describe your job?

Rewarding, demanding and enjoyable.

What’s the best part of working from home?

Some of my previous roles have involved long commutes. Working from home has given me the chance to spend more time with my husband, Alex and my youngest son, Dan (my eldest son, Tom, moved into his first home just before the first lockdown).

It'll be good to come into the Manchester office soon too. I can meet my team and other colleagues face to face. I've also missed the amazing breakfasts in Federal!

What was your first job?

Customer service adviser at the Halifax Building Society. Before that, I helped sell greeting cards on my friends dad's market stall in Hyde.

Where is your happy place?

Abersoch, in North Wales. I love being there and being close to the sea (or in it) makes me feel so energised.

What talent would you most like to have?

I’d like to be able to pick up and be fluent in different languages very quickly. I’m learning Welsh now (the northern Welsh dialect) and can have a very basic conversation, but I’m finding it tough! Also on my 'things to do' list is learning Hungarian, as my dad was from Hungary.