Matt Moses is a Sales Development Representative at OnSecurity, having joined our team in June. Since then, he’s established himself as an excellent addition to the team. His outgoing personality and passion for conversation, cultivated during his Business Management and Economics degree at the University of the West of England, led him to a sales career.
Recently, Matt took it upon himself to orchestrate a company-wide Movember effort at OnSecurity, driven by a desire to raise money for men’s health charities. Alongside growing a moustache, he’s aiming to run 100km throughout November, as an additional fundraiser to the main incentive. I sat down with him to grab a coffee and find out more about his passion for mental health awareness and social incentives, and how this has shaped his own perspective in the workplace.
What does Movember mean to you personally?
Movember is an annual campaign held each November where men grow moustaches to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention, highlighting the importance of early detection and open conversations surrounding health. It became hugely popular on social media, with men sharing progress photos as part of their fundraising efforts and finding community along the way.
“Movember’s fantastic cause- it’s a month not only about growing moustaches but a chance to open up and have a good conversation.” Matt shares. “We’re all human, we’ve all had complex experiences, this is all about raising a bit of dosh for those in need- whether it’s mental or physical health issues.”
How do you prioritise mental health in your day-to-day life, and at work?
Matt expresses that he’s always been a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, believing that open, non-judgmental conversation is the key to stronger personal and professional relationships.”If I’m going through a challenging time, I make sure to stay open to chatting about it.” Through setting a positive example, he says, others also feel more comfortable in being candid about their struggles.
“Beyond being honest and taking time to chat, I really make an effort to live in the present moment. Dwelling on the future or past is rarely helpful for anyone, and living in the present helps you enjoy moments more than you might otherwise take for granted.”
I ask what his favourite techniques are for maintaining a positive attitude. Matt recommends looking after yourself physically- whether it’s a gentle walk or a more demanding run- and picking media that encourages flexible thinking, like self-help books. “My all-time favourite read is Atomic Habits by James Clear, an excellent self-help book.”
Looking back on your first few months in sales, what’s been the biggest learning curve or challenge, and how have you overcome it?
Matt pauses for a moment to consider this one. “To be honest, it’s probably striking a balance. It’s quite easy to get consumed by work, especially in sales. When I first started, I put too much pressure on myself to perform, since the role was largely determined by meeting targets. It got to a point where I was dwelling on it, even outside of work. That’s when I took a step back to focus on more personal things.”
Now, he says, he has worked to build firmer boundaries between his personal and professional life. “I use my free time more meaningfully to maintain positive personal relationships outside of work. Whether it’s going for weekly dates with my girlfriend, meeting up with my friends, or exercising through running or the gym, I find that more meaningful free time also makes me more productive at work, without the two overlapping.”
Personal growth often mirrors professional growth. Have there been any milestones, inside or outside of work, that have shaped your mindset or confidence recently?
Matt shares that his most prized personal accomplishment is completing a half-marathon in March, after months of training and discipline. “The half-marathon was huge for me because it proved that I could set a goal, and then build a successful system to achieve that goal. Now, I can apply that discipline to different areas of life: my sales targets, for example.” He explains that breaking down larger goals into smaller, more manageable stepping stones is key.
Consistency and determination are also important, he adds. “To say it wasn’t a challenge would be a lie. I set out to do it in two hours, and scraped in just below at 1 hour, 59. But if I hadn’t been consistent and believed I could meet that target, I would never have met it at all.”
And finally, has anybody on the OnSecurity team particularly inspired you?
Matt admits it’s hard to decide, because the whole team bring unique and inspiring traits to OnSecurity. “If I had to pick one person, though, it would be Dan Roach. He’s been a mentor, a coach, and a friend. He genuinely cares about both us and the business and encourages the sales team to be curious and learn through trial and error. His whole attitude is massively beneficial to someone like me who is early in their career, and he’s a great example of a positive role model this Movember, too.”
It was a pleasure to catch up with Matt and learn more about his passion for mental health advocacy. The team has raised hundreds already in support of the cause, with no intention of slowing down as the month progresses! His efforts are a shining example of the palpable sense of community at OnSecurity, and we look forward to supporting more charitable endeavours in the future.
You can support our Movember legends and follow their progress here.
