Novuna Narratives: Kerrie’s Journey of Resilience Through Cold Water Swimming

Kerrie, Telemarketing Executive in Novuna Business Cash Flow, knows what it means to dive into the unknown. In her role she has built a reputation for tackling complex challenges but surprisingly, before each day begins, she dives into the freezing waters of her local quarry.

Every morning, Kerrie pulls on her swim bag and makes the 15-minute drive to meet her fellow cold-water swimmers. No wetsuit. No gloves. Just her and the six-degree water that has become as essential to her routine.

"People think I'm mad. But that's exactly the point. It's not easy - and that's what makes it powerful."

What started as a way to stay active has evolved into something much deeper. Kerrie has swum across lakes, rivers, quarries, and seas, often in challenging conditions that demand complete focus and resilience.

"Nature forces you to stay present. You can't think about yesterday's problems or tomorrow's deadlines when you're navigating rough waters. That clarity carries through to everything else I do."

This year, Kerrie is preparing for her most ambitious challenge yet - a 5.25-mile swim across Coniston in June. It's not just about the distance or the training. The date holds special significance, marking what would have been her late partner Steve's birthday. After facing profound personal loss and the physical setback of illness that kept her bed-bound for weeks, returning to the water became an act of reclaiming herself.

"I've decided to do the swim whether I'm 'ready' or not. Trying is never a failure, and it's how I keep growing stronger - in mind and body - for whatever challenges lie ahead."

At Novuna, Kerrie has found genuine support that goes beyond workplace expectations. Her Team Leader and Credit Manager actively encouraged her to prioritise her wellbeing, offering the flexible working arrangements that make her training possible.

"The flexibility has been incredible. It's allowed me to shape a career that bends with life's challenges rather than breaking under them."

Beyond personal goals, Kerrie is part of an international swimming community that campaigns for cleaner waters. Last year, their efforts helped five locations achieve official bathing status, protecting them from sewage discharge. It's advocacy work that connects her passion for swimming with a larger environmental purpose.

"Whether it's through fundraising, activism, or simply finding peace in nature, I've discovered how closely my life outside work connects to who I am within it."

Kerrie's story illustrates something fundamental about thriving in your career - the importance of bringing your whole self to work. Her daily encounters with cold water and challenging conditions have honed the resilience, focus, and determination that make her exceptional at what she does.

At Novuna, those qualities aren't just welcomed - they're celebrated.

If you're looking for a career that values the complete person you are, check out our latest vacancies.

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Employee experience is our passion

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Novuna Narratives: Kerrie Paynes - Finding Strength in the Deep End

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