I need to talk about the interview experience I had with Lou Crossman. I had a first-round interview for a Senior Learning Experience Designer role with Lou at Pax8, and it was honestly one of the best interview experiences I’ve had. Lou asked proper thoughtful questions, not just the usual ones, but ones that made me stop and think about how I work and why I do what I do. It felt like she really wanted me to do well, not just go through the motions. I wasn’t just part of a process, she actually seemed interested in me as a person. The conversation didn’t feel formal or stiff, it felt like a proper chat. And if you’re someone who works in learning and likes doing things differently, it’s rare to be given that kind of space in an interview. Even though I didn’t get through to the next stage, mainly because of where I live, the chat stayed with me. Lou gave me room to just be myself. She listened, she was kind, and I felt like I mattered. I left the interview more confident and honestly a bit proud of how I think. That’s not something you usually get from an interview. Thanks Lou, you made it feel like I belonged, even if I probably talked way too fast, said a few odd things, and went off on a weird Lego metaphor. You still got me. That meant a lot. — Simon