Introducing our 10 at 10 series, where we celebrate the shining stars of #theAteam who have been with us for a decade or more. Join us as we dive into their stories and celebrate the commitment and passion that have helped shape our success.
Meet Fiona Campbell: A Decade of Building Brand, Culture, and Creativity
In 2014, Fiona Campbell became Ascensos' first hire outside the start-up team. Over the past ten years, as Head of Marketing & Communications, she has been instrumental in shaping the Ascensos brand, driving corporate marketing strategies, and fostering a culture of engagement and collaboration that defines #theAteam.
What Inspired Fiona to Join Ascensos?
Recommended for the marketing role by a start-up Director she had previously worked with, Fiona joined Ascensos in January 2014. Despite over a decade of marketing experience across diverse industries, her only call centre exposure was a brief reporting role early in her career.
When Fiona arrived for her interview at the Motherwell headquarters, the building was a shell of its future self — unfinished, with no floors, desks, employees, or clients. What stood out, however, was the vision shared by co-founder and CEO John Devlin.
“After speaking with John, I was completely on board,” Fiona reflects. “His industry experience, vision for Ascensos, and relatable approach were inspiring. I knew this was an opportunity to be part of building something unique, where creating a great place to work was central to success.”
Creating a strong foundation for future growth
As the sole in-house marketer in the early days, Fiona collaborated closely with John to establish Ascensos’ brand identity and employer reputation. Her role spanned both internal and external marketing, with a focus on creating a culture that reflected the company’s vision.
“A brand comes to life through how people experience it — whether that’s the marketplace, clients, or employees,” Fiona explains.
She played a pivotal role in positioning Ascensos as an employer of choice in Motherwell and developed initiatives such as a youth employability course with New College Lanarkshire, which provided meaningful work experience for young people.
“Hosting 17-19-year-olds was an eye-opener. I felt proud to show them what working at Ascensos was like and help set the stage for their future careers” Fiona recalls.
Wearing Many Hats in a Start-Up
In the early days, Fiona embraced the dynamic nature of her role, balancing marketing, recruitment, onboarding, and bid preparation. She also supported social media clients, delivering voice-of-the-customer insights, and trained new recruits in tone of voice and engagement strategies.
“After securing our first clients, the pace was intense,” she says. “It was crucial to create a fun, welcoming environment where people wanted to work. I’ve worn many hats and loved the rewarding variety of building something new.”
Milestones and Proud Moments
Reflecting on key moments, Fiona highlights organising the first Archie Star Awards in 2016 as a memorable milestone. “Seeing how ecstatic our colleagues were to celebrate our success and their contributions was humbling,” she shares. The event has since grown into a global celebration, with unique cultural touches in each region.
“Watching the Archies evolve from Scotland into a cherished international event is a testament to how Ascensos truly lives and breathes its culture. I’m proud that we continue to nurture our homegrown talent while staying true to our entrepreneurial spirit and people-focused approach.”
At Ascensos, creating a workplace where colleagues feel valued, supported, and genuinely enjoy coming to work has always been central to what Fiona’s team strive to achieve.
Another proud moment for Fiona has been leading charity and well-being initiatives, such as raising £30,000 for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, championing inclusivity at Pride events, and implementing well-being workshops and mental health sessions – all to ensure a transparent and welcoming place of work where everyone feels included.
Fiona reflects; “It’s been a colourful 10 years, full of ‘firsts’ for me. Leading fundraising, driving community sponsorships, and celebrating the incredible talent in our team. Shining a spotlight on these moments to show who we are always fills me with pride.
For me, the wellbeing of our colleagues has always been at the heart of these efforts - driving initiatives that create a positive, inclusive, and caring environment for our team. Because we’ve always said, ‘happy people keep people happy’.”
Fiona, Behind the Scenes
Outside of work, Fiona is a qualified Swedish masseuse, though her two children now occupy most of her free time. A fun fact: she once owned an African pygmy hedgehog named Wilson, who became a minor celebrity among colleagues. His fame earned Fiona the playful nickname ‘hedgehog marketing lady.’
A Decade of Inspiration and Impact
For Fiona, it's always been about creating a great place to work. “Culturally, we’ve always had an incredibly strong sense of team — a spirit I’ve been privileged to help shape. It’s evident in the work we do, the fun we share, and, of course, in making the legendary hashtags #theAteam and, more recently, #asOne truly our own.”
Fiona’s decade-long journey at Ascensos exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and dedication that has fuelled the company’s success. From shaping the brand and fostering a vibrant culture to spearheading impactful initiatives, Fiona has been at the heart of Ascensos’ growth. Her story is a testament to the belief that when people are inspired and engaged, exceptional things happen.
10 at 10 series
Read more about colleagues featured in our 10 at 10 series, where we turn the spotlight on our longest-serving A-players, exploring their incredible journeys, growth, and the impact they've made at Ascensos over the past ten years:
Lyle McLean | Fiona Campbell