Our people are what makes Transparity special. So, we’d like to introduce you to some of Team Transparity so you can get to know the people who make it all happen and get their take on Winning from Anywhere®. Introducing, Marco Durante, FastTrack Manager.
Background and a bit about you
Hi there! My name is Marco and I am from Italy. I am a big fan of books and often spend my free time lost in a good graphic novel or Manga. When I’m not reading, I enjoy gaming with friends and spending time with my wife and two daughters.
In addition to my love of literature and gaming, I am also extremely passionate about Microsoft technology. I have always been interested in the ways in which technology can improve our daily lives, and I love learning about the latest and greatest developments in the field, particularly the Microsoft FastTrack program.
How has Winning From Anywhere® impacted your work and home life?
Winning from Anywhere has definitely had a big impact on my work and home life as a dad. One of the biggest benefits has definitely been the increased flexibility. It has been an absolute game-changer for me because it has given me the ability to relocate from the UK to Portugal, which is my wife’s country of origin.
The idea of being able to live in such a beautiful and vibrant country, whilst still pursuing my career, was really appealing, and this was made possible thanks to Transparity and the flexibility of Winning from Anywhere. Not only has Winning from Anywhere allowed us to relocate to Portugal, but it’s also enabled me to overachieve on all of my targets. The possibility to create my own schedule and work in a way that suits me best has been a huge advantage, and I’ve been able to be much more productive and efficient, as a result, Transparity is among the most respected Microsoft FastTrack Ready Partners in the UK.
In addition to the professional benefits, Winning from Anywhere has also allowed us as a family to truly make the most of our time in Portugal. We’ve been able to fully immerse ourselves in the culture and really get to know the country and its people. It’s been an incredible experience for our family, and we feel so lucky to be able to call Portugal our home.
How have you found embracing the Winning From Anywhere® way of working?
Just like every way of working, there are pros and cons. Particularly for me, a big plus has been the lack of a commute. Not only does it save me money, but it’s also been nice to have that extra time in the morning to spend with my family. I feel like I’m able to be more present and available for them, which is really important to me.
Initially, I found it difficult to separate work and home life, as it was tempting to respond to that email or check that other notification after working hours! Overall, I’d say that Winning from Anywhere has had a lot of positive impacts on my work and home life. It definitely had its challenges too, but the benefits definitely outweigh any downsides from my personal experience.
How have you found building relationships with colleagues while Winning From Anywhere®?
Even though we are all working remotely, I am lucky enough to have a great relationship with my manager and the rest of my colleagues at Transparity and at Microsoft. I can honestly say that it has made a huge difference in my success as a FastTrack Manager.
One of the things that I appreciate most about everyone at Transparity is their availability. Everyone’s always accessible and willing to lend a listening ear, which has been especially important as we navigate the challenges of working remotely. Particularly I need to give a shout-out to my manager as he’s been incredibly supportive and understanding of the unique challenges that come with Winning from Anywhere, and has always been willing to find creative solutions to help me be as productive as possible.
It’s great to have realistic and achievable goals and it challenged me to grow both personally and professionally. All of these factors have contributed to our success as a FastTrack Ready Partner, and I believe our strong working relationship has been a key factor in this success.
What would you tell future Team Transparity members about Winning From Anywhere®?
I would tell future team members that Winning from Anywhere can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it’s important to be prepared for the challenges that it can bring and work with their manager to find strategies for overcoming them.
Transparity is great at supporting its own workforce and offers the flexibility to work from our new hub if that suits you best.
What’s your favourite thing about working at Transparity?
There are so many things that I love about working for Transparity, it’s hard to choose just one! If I had to pick, I’d say that my favourite thing is the sense of community and support that exists within the company. I feel like I am part of a team that is truly invested in my success and well-being, and that has made all the difference in my experience of working here. Whether it’s the opportunities for professional development or the support that I’ve received during the relocation to Portugal, I feel like I have a network of people who have my back.
Another thing that I love about working for my employer is the focus on innovation and growth. I feel like I am constantly learning and growing as a result of the challenges and opportunities that I am given, and that has been incredibly rewarding for me.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
As a father to two young girls, family is extremely important to me and I strive to be a positive role model for them. In my free time, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and participating in activities that we can all enjoy together.
I enjoy going to the gym and staying active. I find that working out helps me to clear my mind and stay energized, and I love the feeling of accomplishment that comes with pushing myself to be my best version.
I am also passionate about cooking, and Italian food is one of my specialities. There is something so satisfying about creating a delicious meal from scratch, and I love being able to share my culinary creations with friends and family.
Whether I’m at the gym or in the kitchen, I always try to make the most of my spare time and find activities that bring me joy and help me to relax and unwind.
