Business Finance Asset Manager Vanessa Tedbury is celebrating 25 years with Novuna. In that time she's seen the business transform, progressed through several roles and overcome a life-changing health challenge. Looking back, she reflects on the career she's built, the support she received following a double lung transplant and why organ donation is a conversation worth having.
When Vanessa joined the business in 2001, she had no idea what the next 25 years would hold.
After starting her career at NatWest and later moving into asset finance, redundancy led her to a new opportunity with Hitachi Capital UK, now Novuna.
"I started in Customer Services before moving into New Business and then Asset Management," says Vanessa. "Today, I manage the Asset Management Team."
A lot has changed since those early days.
"When I joined, we were based in Hounslow and there were only a small number of employees. The CEO used to authorise all New Business payouts himself.
"The biggest change has probably been technology, but the growth of the business has been incredible too. It's completely different to the company I joined, but in a good way."
The challenge she never expected
In 2013, Vanessa was told a double lung transplant was her only option for survival.
At that point, celebrating 25 years with the business wasn't something she thought she'd ever do.
Today, she's keen to raise awareness of organ donation and the difference it can make.
"I simply wouldn't be here without it.
"Although organ donation is now an opt-out system in the UK, families are still consulted, so it's important to make your wishes known and have that conversation.
"My donor's family knew what she wanted, and that ultimately saved my life."
Vanessa later had the opportunity to meet her donor's family, something she describes as incredibly special.
Backed by colleagues every step of the way
When asked what the support from Novuna meant during her transplant and recovery, her answer is immediate.
"Everything."
The business continued to support Vanessa throughout her treatment and rehabilitation, giving her the reassurance that she could focus on getting better and would have a role to return to when she was ready.
"I'll never forget knocking on Robert's door and explaining that I needed time off, but I didn't know how long for or whether I'd be back. The support I received from Robert and Gavin Wraith-Carter was incredible."
After spending six months in hospital followed by six months of rehabilitation, Vanessa returned to work through a phased return supported by colleagues and leaders across the business.
The support didn't stop there. Colleagues organised fundraising events for the hospital that treated her, while many stayed in touch throughout her recovery.
"Robert even came to visit me and smuggled in my first McDonald's after the operation," she laughs.
"I've continued to receive fantastic support throughout my career and I'll never forget the friends and colleagues who've been there for me along the way."
Looking ahead
Away from work, Vanessa enjoys cycling, listening to music and exploring in her campervan. This year, that included a trip to San Sebastián in northern Spain.
Her experience has also given her a different perspective.
"I look forward to every day and feel incredibly lucky to be celebrating 25 years with Novuna. A massive thank you to everyone who has helped me get here."
After 25 years with the business, Vanessa's story reflects what matters most at Novuna: great people, opportunities to grow and support when it's needed.
Whether someone is just starting their career, taking on a new challenge or building a long-term future with the business, every colleague has their own story to tell. It's those stories, experiences and relationships that help shape who we are.
If you'd like to learn more about life at Novuna, hear from more of our colleagues, explore how careers develop across the business or discover current opportunities, take a look around our careers site.
- colleagues
