Have a question about Go & Grow or need assistance with your account? Well, she’s here to help! Meet Michelle Bell – an Investor Relations Associate expert and our 10th Bondora Superstar.
Michelle provides world-class customer support to our 160,000+ investors, and she does it with a smile 😄 In our Bondora Superstars blog series, we showcase Bondorians’ passion for what they do, why they love working at Bondora and other cool things you didn’t know about them. And Michelle’s a superstar in more ways than one…you’ll have to keep reading to find out more.
Bondora Superstars #10 – Michelle Bell
👩🏾 Bondorian since: 2020
💻 Role: Investor Relations Associate
📧 Team: Investor Relations
Michelle joined Bondora in February 2020 as a temporary worker. She did such a great job helping our investors that we asked her to join us full-time.
A day in the office at 221B Baker Street
For all you detectives out there, no, Michelle doesn’t really live there 😉 But she does spend her days with Sherlock and Watson, her two adorable dogs.
I have two home-office mates, Sherlock and Watson (well three, counting my husband). Most days I play the role of Mrs. Hudson, discouraging them from getting into mischief and mediating (play) fights. They don’t solve mysteries, but they do monitor the comings and goings from our patio to keep the neighborhood safe.
Tell us more about your journey at Bondora.
It is so rewarding working for a company that regularly challenges itself and its employees to do and be better. We’ve learned a lot during the pandemic, which has helped us increase our transparency and improve how we serve our customers. I also recently started working with the Voice team, pursuing an existing interest in writing professionally.
Speaking of, you have some impressive writing skills that people might not know about. Any other talents you’re hiding?
I have a bit of a green thumb and have been growing vegetables and herbs for several years. I recently picked up tennis again and have 7 am lessons twice a week 🎾
Wow, 7 am! Would you say you’re an early bird?
No, definitely not! Getting up at 6:15 for my lesson has been a struggle, but it’s worth it.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Helping investors work toward their financial goals.
What’s your favorite Bondora value?
No bullshit. I believe it’s important to be honest, direct, and to admit when you’re wrong.
If you could study anything again, what would you choose?
I would study a language. I lived in Germany for several years as a child and started learning German and Spanish. Unfortunately, my studies didn’t continue when we moved back to the US. It’s been difficult trying to learn a second language as an adult.
📚 Michelle’s must-read book:
You and I Eat the Same by René Redzepi
Now for off the clock, personal questions
Should pineapple be allowed on pizza?
Never! This is an assault on good food.
What’s your favorite food?
I love street tacos, though I will eat about anything wrapped in a corn tortilla.
And what food do you refuse to eat?
I will try anything at least once (I’ve eaten duck heart), and typically don’t refuse to eat anything. I’m not a fan of peas and cauliflower, so when I do eat them, it has to be in a specific ratio to other foods.
What’s your favorite TV show?
It’s difficult to narrow it down to just one! However, The Good Place is the first TV show that comes to mind. It is funny, witty, and thought-provoking. The show was not only entertaining, but explored the challenges and complexities of the human experience. Shout out to Schitt’s Creek. Also, a great show!
What’s something you want to do but scares you?
I want to go scuba diving, but the idea of wearing a wetsuit and exploring the depths of the ocean makes me feel claustrophobic. There are also some creatures that I don’t want to encounter!
Where do you want to travel to next?
I have a very long list of places that I want to explore – New Zealand, Romania, Tanzania. I hope to visit Norway this winter to go skiing and to see the Northern Lights.
Tell us something you love about Estonia that you can’t find in the US.
Black bread! And my life has been forever changed for the better.
And here’s the big reveal that everyone’s been waiting for…
You may have seen Michelle in our weekly investor videos, but she also was an extra in the movie Fathers and Daughters. She truly is a Superstar! 🤩
And there you have it! Michelle is another example of how Bondorians are driven inside and outside the office. Stay tuned for our 11th Bondora Superstar next month!
The views and opinions expressed in this article are that of the individual and not Bondora’s official view.