Amy Matthams is general manager at Department Leeds Dock.
Department opened at Leeds Dock at the former waterside casino in February 2023 and offers a mix of coworking, private offices and studios in the city centre’s newest creative district. It’s now home to a number of businesses and freelancers from the media, tech and digital industries in the North.
Due to demand, Level 2 of the four-storey building is now open, offering 3,860 sq ft of more private offices and meeting rooms, a content creators suite, podcast facilities, and social areas including phone booths, private cinema and event space with a bar.
From becoming a general manager to lucky breaks and failures along the way, Amy Matthams shares all the lessons she’s learnt…
Which single daily habit or practice could you not do without?
Going for a walk at lunch. I never used to take a lunch break, but now it’s something I can’t live without. Even if it’s just 20 minutes to clear my head and reset, I find I’m much more productive afterwards.
We’re lucky at Department Leeds Dock because we’re right by the water. There’s a lovely walk by the canal, and it’s great to have nature so easily accessible while working in the heart of the city.
What’s been your luckiest break?
Being approached by Department. I wasn’t looking for a new opportunity but it came along at a time in my life that I really needed something new to focus on. I feel lucky that the opportunity landed in my lap at that time. I really enjoy my role supporting the member experience and overseeing our monthly events programme.
What’s your best failure?
Not getting a degree despite being at university for two years. I studied Hospitality Management for a year before getting bored, realising I didn’t need a degree to have a career in hospitality. I decided to study something I was really interested in and found myself studying Global Development. However, in the second year I was struggling to keep up with the work whilst working almost full time. I was going through a break-up and just wanted to have fun, so I quit uni and never looked back. Not having a degree has never held me back.
What is the best investment you’ve ever made, either financial or time?
Learning to drive. I didn’t pass my test until I was 33 and now I couldn’t live without my car, it’s given me so much independence.
Which podcast or book would you recommend others to read and why?
The Power Of Now – Eckhart Tolle. I’ve read this a few times, always going back to it when I need to be reminded to stay present, which is the premise of the book of course.
What one piece of advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Enjoy being young, there is plenty of time for responsibility.
Who or what has had the single biggest influence on your working life?
I’ve been fortunate to work alongside incredible managers and leaders who have played a significant role in shaping both my career and my development. When I was starting out in management, I learnt so much from my general manager, Leane King, who inspired me to be a great manager.
Tell us something about you that would surprise people.
I have a huge fear of public speaking. This usually surprises people because I am quite outgoing and I can talk to pretty much anyone on a one-to-one basis.
I’m working to build my confidence in this area, and being around Department’s community, I’m continuously inspired by our members who regularly host speaker events and put themselves out there to showcase their business.
If there was one thing you could change about your career, what would it be and why?
Looking back, I would probably have tried to leave the hospitality industry sooner. The hours were exhausting, and I found it difficult to have a good work-life balance. Socialising is really important to me and I feel like I missed out a lot when I was younger.
Having said that, it gave me a really strong work ethic, I learnt a lot and worked with some amazing people along the way.
What does success look like to you?
Being happy! Work life balance is so key to being happy, enjoying work but not letting it take over my life is so important. I am lucky to have an amazing job where I work with an incredible team which makes it even more enjoyable, but I never want my life to be solely about work.
