Navigating Change and Growth: An Interview with Suzie Belton

At Betfair International, we are committed to fostering career growth, supporting transitions, and empowering employees to succeed. In this blog, we sit down with Suzie Belton to discuss her journey within the company, the challenges she has overcome, and the invaluable lessons she has learned along the way. Her story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the dynamic opportunities available at Betfair International.

Can you describe your first role at Betfair International and what attracted you to join?
I joined Paddy Power Betfair in December 2018 on a maternity leave contract in the Creative Studio. I was looking for a shift in career and figured a fixed-term contract would allow me to dip my toe in a new industry. Eight years later, I’m still here and love the company.

Were there specific projects or milestones that stand out as pivotal moments in your career?
Working on the Cheltenham campaign during one of Ireland’s worst snows was my baptism by fire. I had been in the company only a few months, and we all had to work from home. It was very different back then compared to now, and WFH was a foreign concept. It was extremely challenging, but with the support of my team and the wider marketing team, I kept my head above water and led the Creative Team in delivering the project on time.

What challenges did you face during your career journey, and how did you overcome them?
There has been a lot of change in my career, which was quite scary at the time. Moving from one industry to another seemed like a huge risk in my thirties, but thankfully, it paid off. Switching my mindset made me realize that change can be a wonderful thing. I now embrace change and make it work for me and my career.

Is there a piece of advice you wish you’d received earlier in your career?
Really get to grips with the business strategy. Listen to what the KPIs and objectives are, even if you don’t believe they affect you or apply to your role. You would be surprised at how understanding the business and your colleagues' KPIs gives you context to your work. It enables you to contribute to conversations outside of your own remit and grow your network.

What kind of support or resources has Betfair International provided that has helped you grow your career?
Contributing to our "Lean In Circles" has been invaluable to me. The programme taught me how to grow in my role, improve my communication skills, and shake off imposter syndrome. I was also able to meet and build relationships with women from all over the business.

What motivates you to stay with Betfair International and continue contributing to its success?
The work and the people. I’ve been lucky enough in my career here to work across really interesting and varied projects. I also have the privilege of working with supportive, fair, and fun people, which motivates me to show up and work hard.