Sacha Horsthuis, 27, is Director of Cycle 360 which is a unique and exciting venue in the Isle of Man where cycling, fitness and cafe culture meet under one roof. Sacha will be taking part in our panel session, ‘Work Smarter’, which looks at the growing trend for flexible working and entrepreneurship in our young professionals.

Tell us about yourself!

Working with exciting, brave and confident companies that recognise the power of brands, has always been something that really excites me.

I moved to the Isle of Man after finishing University in 2014 and got my first job was as Marketing Communications Assistant for a global law firm. Since then, I’ve become the co-founder of a business and alongside my husband, we’ve established a recognisable brand that attracts hundreds of visitors daily. My main passion lies in all areas of marketing functions including communications and PR, copy-writing, advertising, campaign design, branding, business development and event management.

I’ve learnt that by working above and beyond your job description and importantly, networking and building relationships as well as always learning from everyone around you, is invaluable and will open doors in the future.

Why did you decide to work in the Isle of Man?

The Isle of Man has provided me with the best platform to become entrepreneurial, all while allowing me to still prioritise time with family, friends and my favourite hobbies. You get the best of both worlds as I still see all my friends from school and university in the UK on weekends with most of them just a short flight or boat journey away.

 

Jess Kelly is Head of Marketing and Business Intelligence at the Department for Enterprise, a Government department which is responsible for driving economic development and local entrepreneurship. Jessica will be taking part in our panel session, ‘Work Smarter’, which looks at the growing trend for flexible working and entrepreneurship in our young professionals.

 

Tell us about yourself!

I am currently Head of Marketing and Business Intelligence at the Department for Enterprise following a career in financial services and public sector marketing.

I am a qualified marketing professional and associate of CIM, with a master’s degree in Theatre and Global Development. I’m passionate about the Isle of Man and promoting the many opportunities available for people who live, work, visit and invest here. I also sit on the committee for Love Tech, a not for profit initiative aimed at inspiring and empowering girls and young women to explore opportunities in STEM.

Why did you decide to work in the Isle of Man?

Following 5 years away in the UK at university I moved back to the Isle of Man to complete my dissertation and fell back in love with everything the Island has to offer. As someone starting out my career there were so many opportunities to network, meet with inspirational people, gain professional qualifications, and experience different roles with a diverse range of companies. I definitely found it easier to figure out my career path and make quick progress in the Isle of Man.

Elissa Morris is the Lab Manager for Barclays Eagle Labs, a start up and co-working space. Elissa will be taking part in our ‘Work Smarter’ panel, which takes a look at the growing trend for flexible working and entrepreneurship.

Tell us about yourself!

I run the Isle of Man Eagle, which I have managed for almost 2 years. We are a start-up ourselves in partnership with IOM Chamber and DFE.
The Lab is space to help start-ups and SME’s collaborate and grow. We host many informal and formal events from pitch it events, to speed networking to work shops, to help our members learn and flourish.
We support Love Tech and Code Club are here to support the entrepreneurs of today and tomorrow.
Outside of work I am an exercise endorphin fiend. I hate sitting still. I like to run and jump for miles. You’ll find me on the fells – running, or mountain biking. Show-jumping and hunting on my pony.
And I occasionally surf in the Manx seas.
I compete nationally in athletics repping the Isle of man. Anything physically challenging – I’m game.

Why did you decide to work in the Isle of Man?

Because I love all the Island has to offer in terms landscape with my love of extreme sports with the perfect work-life balance. You have the opportunity to shape and progress your career and still have the ability to travel internationally effortlessly (when Storm Ciara doesn’t rock up).

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