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Watch the full interview with Elin Almbrandt.
When Elin Almbrandt joined Simms & Associates in 2022, she was looking for an opportunity to focus fully on project management.
Having previously worked with UKG’s HR Service Delivery module, she was ready for a new challenge and a role that aligned with her long-term career goals. Simms offered exactly that, along with something equally important: flexibility.
“With a young daughter, it was very good to be able to work from home and have that flexibility,” she says.
At the time, the company was much smaller than it is today, with around 40 employees. But what stood out most to Elin was not the size of the business — it was the culture.
Even before officially joining, she remembers being invited to the company’s annual gathering and immediately feeling welcomed.
“My first impression was that it was very warm and welcoming,” she recalls.
That feeling has remained unchanged throughout her four years with the company.
“It’s a company leading with the heart.”
Growing through challenges
While Elin has remained in project management since joining Simms, the role has provided plenty of opportunities for growth.
Some of her most valuable lessons have come through navigating complex customers situations and challenging project environments. Those experiences have pushed her to think differently, adapt her approach and strengthen her communication skills.
“I’ve had to learn how to see different perspectives and really flex my communication,” she explains.
Naturally organised and detail-oriented, Elin learned that not everyone processes information in the same way. Understanding how different people prefer to communicate has helped her work more effectively with both colleagues and customers.
“It’s been a challenge and a good learning.”
The experience has also influenced how she approaches situations outside of work, encouraging her to consider different viewpoints and communication styles in everyday life.
A collaborative culture
As Simms has grown, Elin has seen the company become more structured and organised. Rather than reducing flexibility, she believes that structure has helped support it.
“It actually gives Simms Associates the support to be flexible and deliver great service,” she says.
What has remained constant, however, is the collaborative culture.
“It’s very collaborative,” she explains. “If you reach out to someone, they will always answer.”
For Elin, that willingness to help one another is one of the defining characteristics of the business.
Working remotely has also highlighted the importance of maintaining personal connections. One lesson she did not expect to learn was the value of taking time away from tasks to connect with colleagues.
“I’ve learned that I don’t always have to be efficient,” she says.
From informal conversations to social initiatives, she appreciates the effort Simms makes to bring people together, even when they are working from different locations.
Looking ahead
Four years after joining, Elin remains passionate about both her role and the company.
Project management, she says, has become her professional home, offering the challenge and variety that keep her engaged and motivated.
“It makes me evolve, learn and grow.”
The flexibility of the company, opportunities for development and ability to contribute ideas are all reasons she continues to enjoy being part of Simms.
Looking to the future, Elin is excited by the opportunity to help the business continue evolving while maintaining the high-quality, flexible service that has always defined it.
As Simms celebrates its tenth birthday, employees like Elin demonstrate that growth is not only measured by the size of the company, but by the people who continue to learn, contribute and grow alongside it.