10 Years, 10 People, 10 Questions

As InfoTrack celebrates 10 years, we’re speaking with the people who’ve helped shape its journey. Shelley Payne has been with InfoTrack since 2013 and now leads the production team. We asked her about growth, challenges, and what’s kept her motivated along the way.

1. Let’s start at the beginning – what was your first role at InfoTrack, and what brought you here in the first place?

I joined InfoTrack in 2013 as the first remote Search Analyst, working directly with local authority data from our office instead of travelling on-site. Before that, I’d been with STL for six years, and after being made redundant, I jumped at the chance to be part of something new and forward-thinking.

2. You’ve been part of InfoTrack’s journey for quite some time. What’s changed the most since you started?

The biggest change has been how well people now understand the business and the value of streamlining such a complex, traditionally paper-based process. Communication across teams has also improved enormously.

3. Can you describe a pivotal moment in your career here that helped you grow or shaped where you are today?

A few years in, I moved from production into IT and qualified as a Business Analyst. Seeing the “other side of the mirror” gave me a new appreciation for how everything fits together. That experience helped me bridge the gap between production and development when I returned, strengthening how we collaborate to build better systems.

4. What’s been your biggest challenge and what did it teach you?

Definitely growing the production team. We went from around 15 people to over 120 in a short time. Keeping up with demand while maintaining quality wasn’t easy, but it taught me how important it is to stay adaptable and surround yourself with great people.

5. You now lead production. What does that responsibility mean to you, and how do you approach it day to day?

Leading production isn’t something I do alone, it’s about the structure, people, and support around me. Our setup encourages progression and autonomy, which means everyone has space to grow. I see my role as helping the next generation of leaders develop by trusting them and empowering them to make decisions.

6. You’ve worked your way up internally. What advice would you give to someone just starting out at InfoTrack who wants to grow their career?

Be hungry, be curious, and ask questions – there’s no such thing as a stupid one. Absorb as much as you can and show a genuine interest in what’s happening around you.

7. What’s the one thing you’re most proud of from your time at InfoTrack so far?

We’ve built a confident, capable team that delivers exceptional work every day. Seeing that growth and knowing we play a big role in the company’s success is something I’m very proud of.

8. How would you describe the team culture in your department, and what makes it work?

Our culture is built on communication. We have a long training process, so it’s vital that everyone feels comfortable asking questions and learning from each other. That openness creates trust and ensures we’re always producing high-quality work.

9. What motivates you to keep pushing forward, even on the tougher days?

The people, without a doubt. When things get busy, I’m right there with my team It’s about showing up and supporting each other. A bit of laughter and singing also helps get us through!

10. Finally, if you could go back and give your younger self some advice on day one at InfoTrack, what would you say?

Soak it all in. There’s so much opportunity here to grow and discover where your strengths lie. Take every chance to learn, and don’t be afraid to get stuck in.