A Day in the Life of – Grace Teager

I started with Mortgage Brain in 2019 as a Researcher, and it’s been an enjoyable rollercoaster ride ever since. Now, as a PMO Analyst, I’m part of a dynamic Project Management Office (PMO) team, working hand-in-hand with stakeholders to keep everything on track. Recently, I’ve also donned the Scrum Master hat for key projects, which is new and exciting for me.

The job itself is an admin type role within the project management team – supporting the main project manager with all the projects happening, which covers releases of all products (sourcing system, CRM system etc). Even though it’s not generally a customer facing role, there is a lot of interaction with developers, other departments etc., and usually I’d be pushing various people to ensure a deadline is met.

What does your morning routine look like?

• I dive into the day with stand-up meetings, rallying the project teams and getting the lowdown on our sprint activity.
• After that, it’s time for the second coffee of the day—because who can function on just one?
• A quick catch-up with the Head of PMO follows, where we sync our diaries and do a status check on projects across Mortgage Brain.
• Then, it’s off to with meetings, meetings, and more meetings—or planning for the afternoon ones!

What does a typical afternoon look like?

• Post-lunch, you’ll find me taking a quick stroll around the field with the dog to recharge.
• I might catch up with the Head of Product to ensure our projects are on track, and squash any lingering action items.
• My afternoons include piecing together Project Updates, Actions, Risks & Decisions reports for Senior Managers.
• And of course, I’m always chatting away with colleagues on Teams—one of the best parts of my job!

What do you find to be your most productive time of the day?

Between 11 AM and 12 PM is my golden hour. By then, I’ve caught up with the Head of PMO and the project teams, so I’ve got a solid plan for the day and can really get into the zone.

How do you manage your time to ensure you have a good work / life / home balance?

I’ve always been pretty good at this! The pandemic threw a curveball with working from home, but I’ve adjusted and now enjoy the blend of home and office life. Once I close my laptop, it’s “me time,” and I’m off to relax for the evening. A midday dog walk helps too—it’s a breath of fresh air and a mental reset.

What is your favourite part of your working day in your role?

Running retrospectives as part of my new Scrum Master role—hands down! It’s a chance for the team to come together, hit pause on our daily grind, and reflect on how we’ve tackled the last sprint. We brainstorm, celebrate wins, and find areas for improvement. Plus, it’s a perfect match with our Mortgage Brain values of ‘Driving Change’ and ‘Better Together.’

What does a typical dinner time look like in your household?

If it were up to me, I’d be having pizza or something quick from the freezer every night. But I try to balance it with healthier options – adulting, right? Cooking is still a new adventure for me, so I’m keeping it simple. Thank goodness for Hello Fresh—my current source of culinary inspiration!

What do you do to unwind?

I’m a bookworm! I’m on my 22nd book this year, and there’s no stopping me. Living by the coast, I also love weekend walks with the dog and a coffee in hand—pure bliss.

If you could give one piece of career advice what would it be?

Never be afraid to say, “I don’t know,” and ask for help. It might feel intimidating, but it’s one of the most valuable skills you can develop. Trust me, it’ll take you far!

How important has your support network been in helping you through your role?

Huge! I’ve been lucky to work with some amazing people who’ve supported me along the way. I still keep in touch with former colleagues and have learned so much from them. Building relationships is key—you never know when you might need a helping hand!

Does your job require a degree?

No – after GCSE and A Levels, I completed Appreticeship Levels 2&3 whilst working at Suffolk Building Society.