Team Spotlight – Agi Burroughs’ Journey Into Finance
At Transvault, every career journey is different, and that’s exactly what makes our team so interesting. This time, we’re shining the spotlight on Agi from our finance team, whose journey from Poland to the UK is a reminder that the best paths are often the ones you never planned.
From Poland to the UK
She came to the UK in 2004 on a student visa, expecting to stay just 6 months, with a straightforward goal: to learn enough English to return home and study economics at one of Poland’s top universities.
“I could barely speak English when I arrived,” she recalls. “My plan was simply to stay for about six months and then go back. But I soon realised that learning English was going to take much longer than I expected!”
What began as a temporary stay gradually became something much more, and Agi has been building her career here ever since.
A Natural Pull Towards Finance
Finance was always a natural direction for her. “Maths came naturally to me, and I was always quite good at planning, budgeting and saving money,” she explains.
When an agent approached her about a role at Transvault, the opportunity to move into the software industry felt like an exciting new challenge. “My husband works in software and talks about it a lot, so I thought it would be nice to finally understand some of what he was talking about!”
It also offered something she was looking for: the chance to combine an existing strength with something entirely new.
Learning to Trust the Unexpected
One of the things that has shaped Agi most is a lesson she’s come to appreciate over time. “I’ve realised that things don’t often go exactly to plan, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Some of the best opportunities I’ve had have come from situations I didn’t expect or plan for.”
That openness to uncertainty has become one of her greatest strengths. “I’ve learned to be curious and trust that I’ll work things out along the way.”
When it comes to inspiration, there was no single person who pointed her in a particular direction. It was more a case of following what came naturally. “I’ve always liked numbers, planning and problem-solving, and over time those interests led me towards finance.”
Being Someone People Can Rely On
What connects the role to Agi’s personal values is something straightforward: being someone others can count on. “I like being someone people can rely on. I enjoy helping to solve problems, making things easier for others and knowing that I’ve done a good job.”
Since joining the team, one area has captured her attention in a way she didn’t anticipate. “One of the things I’ve learned is how much AI can actually do. I’ve become really interested in exploring different AI tools and understanding how they can help with everyday tasks, save time and make our work more efficient. It’s been a completely new area for me, and I’m enjoying learning about it.”
What the Role Actually Looks Like
At Transvault, Agi’s role brings together many of the things she has always enjoyed: numbers, organisation, planning and problem-solving. But it’s also given her the opportunity to understand a completely different industry and work with people across the business.
What she values most about being part of Transvault is the people and the constant opportunity to learn. “I really enjoy being part of a team where everyone brings different skills and perspectives, and where things are constantly changing and evolving.”
Life Beyond the Numbers
Before the working day begins, Agi likes to make time to get outside.
She usually starts work around 9am, but before sitting down at her desk, she heads out for a walk around the fields.
“It’s a great way to get some fresh air and clear my head.”
At weekends, she tries to spend even more time outdoors, usually walking, reading a good book or listening to an audiobook while getting things done around the house.
And when she gets the opportunity, there’s one place in particular she loves returning to: the Polish mountains.
Reading is another favourite way to switch off. Two books Agi regularly returns to are ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear and Dale Carnegie’s ‘How to Stop Worrying and Start Living’.
“I’ve read both several times and always find something new in them.”
What’s Next: Learning, Growth and New Possibilities
Looking ahead, what excites Agi most is seeing where Transvault can go next and continuing to develop alongside the company.
“There’s so much happening in technology, especially with AI, and I think there are some really exciting opportunities ahead. I’m looking forward to learning, developing and growing alongside the company, and seeing how we can use new technology to improve the way we work and what we can offer our customers.”
For someone whose own journey has taken more than a few unexpected turns, Agi is comfortable with not knowing exactly where every path will lead.
And if there’s one piece of advice she would give to someone starting out in finance, it reflects the approach that has shaped her own journey:
“Stay curious and never be afraid to ask questions. You don’t need to know everything from day one, there is always something new to learn.”