In Your Shoes - Paula Muir

Monday

I love a Monday, after recharging at the weekend Monday often sees me wearing my finance hat and getting organised for the week ahead, today is no different. Behind every successful business is a lot of work that nobody really sees, and keeping on top of the finances is a big part of my role. I make sure suppliers are paid on time, customer invoices are processed promptly, and everything is running as it should.

It's probably not the most glamorous part of the week, but it's one of the most important. Keeping the business healthy means, we can continue looking after our customers and our staff and investing in our future.

Throughout the day, I'm also on hand to support the team with any operational issues that arise.

Tuesday

This morning after catching up with the team and checking what's on the agenda, I went out to a site visit in Montrose for the interiors part of our business. I love this part of the job because it's about much more than measuring a room for furniture. It's about understanding how people work, what challenges they're facing and what they really need from their space.

Once I'm back in the office, it's time to turn those conversations into proposals. I enjoy taking a blank canvas and creating practical, stylish workspace solutions that fit both the customer's vision and their budget.

Wednesday

By today, there's usually plenty happening across the business. Today I'm working closely with our internal sales team, helping plan installations, discussing customer projects and making sure everything is moving in the right direction, with a lot of events on at this time of year there are a lot of projects looking for everything from promotional merchandise, to exhibition furniture and signage, outdoor shows mean gazebos and flags, its nonstop and this takes a bit of coordinating.

Our furniture delivery arrived today from one of our key partners so that’s always a busy day checking everything in and preparing it for install.

No one person makes Astute work. We rely on each other every day, and I'm incredibly lucky to work with a team that's always willing to go the extra mile. There's a real sense of pulling together, especially when deadlines are tight.

Thursday

After a cup of coffee and a pastry, today is another customer-focused day. I had to refine a furniture proposal after helping a client make those final decisions before placing an order.

One of the best parts of my job is seeing a project evolve from an empty office into a finished workspace where people genuinely enjoy coming to work. I try and pop out for a walk at lunchtime when I get chance, there are some beautiful walks around our office and it’s great for your mental health! After lunch some HR tasks needed attention, so I got on with these, all while looking at that sunshine through my window wishing I was back outside!

Once that was finished, I popped out to pick up ice lollies for the team.

Friday

Fridays are all about tying up loose ends before the weekend. We check progress on current projects, confirm deliveries and installations and make sure everything is lined up for the following week.

Of course, here at Astute everyone mucks in where they're needed. If that means helping the sales team, supporting the warehouse or even jumping into the van to make a delivery, then that's exactly what I'll do. Job titles don't really matter when there's a customer to look after.

That's probably the biggest thing I've learned over the last 25 years. Leadership isn't about sitting behind a desk, it's about being part of the team, staying approachable and being prepared to roll your sleeves up whenever needed.

And that's exactly why I still love what I do.