Spotlight Series: Meet Valerie Mitchell

For our latest Spotlight feature, we had the pleasure of interviewing Valerie Mitchell, the Managing Director of Solvd. Val’s career journey has been anything but conventional. During our conversation, she shared insights from her diverse career path, which includes working on the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014, serving as Operations Director at social enterprise The Wise Group and now steering the ship at Solvd. Val reflects on her career highlights and ends with invaluable advice for women early on in their careers.

Can you tell us about your journey and background?

Growing up, I loved sports and being active, so I began my professional career as a PE teacher after university. I then wanted a new challenge, so I moved into project management. I stayed in the sports sector, joining sportscotland, where I worked on a program called Active Schools, which encouraged primary school students to stay active. This program was rolled out across Scotland, and it was my first real experience in project management.

In 2014, I joined the Glasgow Commonwealth Games as Head of the Workforce, recruiting 15,000 volunteers, which was the biggest peacetime recruitment drive Scotland had ever undertaken. After the completion of the Games, I moved into a social enterprise, where I worked as the Operations Director, managing large teams dedicated to transforming lives and lifting people out of poverty by supporting people in prison, those who were unemployed and also people impacted by fuel poverty.  

Five years ago, I joined Solvd. Today, I lead a team of 150 staff, providing Payroll Services, Finance Services, Customer Experience, Business Support and Business Analysis across train and bus companies in the UK.

You have previously worked on the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games? Can you tell us a bit about that and what your role was?

Yes, I was part of the core team for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, and it was an incredible experience. I joined as one of the first 13 members of staff 5 years out from the Games. I oversaw a workforce of 2,500 people and managed key operational programs like volunteer recruitment, uniforms, training and workforce management.

The scale of the event and the logistics involved were massive, and it was an opportunity to hone my skills in managing large teams and budgets and coordinating across various service areas. It’s one of the highlights of my career.

Val with Anthony Joshua when she worked on the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Can you tell us a bit about Solvd. and how it fits into the Transport UK group? Do you work on any transport projects?

Solvd. is a solutions provider offering a wide range of services, including Payroll, Finance, Customer Experience, Business Support, and Business Analysis. While we have a strong foundation in the transport industry, serving a variety of companies within Transport UK Group, we are actively expanding and winning opportunities beyond the sector. For example, we recently secured a contract to manage services for St. Mirren Football Club. Our team handles payroll for around 20,000 people monthly, manages pension administration, and responds to thousands of inquiries.

What do you find most rewarding about leading the team at Solvd.?

It is rewarding to hear feedback from employees that they truly enjoy their work. Creating a positive, supportive culture where people want to come to work every day is incredibly fulfilling. I’m proud of the work we’ve done in making Solvd. a place where people feel engaged, valued, and part of a larger mission.

What have been some of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned throughout your career, and how have they influenced your approach to leading Solvd.?

I’ve learned that leadership is about being willing to make tough decisions, even when they aren’t popular. It’s also crucial to have an engaged workforce, so I ensure open communication at all levels. I also meet with every new employee within their first month to ensure they feel welcome.

As a leader, I’ve also learnt it is important to have a clear vision of where I want to take the company and keep that focus on both delivering excellent services and taking care of the people who work for me.

What is the highlight of your career at Solvd.?

One of the biggest highlights for me was when Solvd. achieved the Investors in People Platinum award in 2023. Very few companies receive the Platinum award first time around. Our focus on people, engagement, and creating a positive work environment paid off, and it was a proud moment for the entire team.

Val with her Solvd. team.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

I was once given advice that it is okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them, and I think that’s important. As a leader, you must allow your team to do their job, and if they make mistakes, allow them to learn and grow from them!

Do you have any advice for women early on in their careers?

For young women starting their careers, remember that your first choice isn’t always your final career choice. On a personal level, remember that you can absolutely have it all—it’s just important to find the right balance to avoid burning out! I completed my MBA while working full-time at Solvd. and being a single mum. It is possible to juggle your career and personal life with the right support system. Build that support network, rely on your friends and family, and always aim for balance.