Get to Know Maddy: Marketing and Community at Fat Fish Digital

When I first heard about the opportunity to join the team at Fat Fish Digital, I wasn’t sure I was the right fit. My background is in mental health, working with patients in a clinical setting, so the idea of moving into a marketing role — especially in a tech company — felt like a significant shift. At the same time, something about it really intrigued me. I didn’t see it as leaving one world for another but more like finding a new way to use what I’d learned to make an impact in a completely different space.

Transitioning to Marketing

I first connected with Fat Fish through one of their clients, Welldoing, and was immediately struck by the team’s energy and unique approach; there was a clear sense of purpose in the way they chose their clients and projects. I felt drawn to their mission to work with businesses that genuinely want to make a difference.

The transition wasn’t without hesitation. I worried about not having enough technical knowledge, but what stood out to me was how much the team valued diverse perspectives. They weren’t just about building things — they cared about how their work could drive tangible change and had a culture that emphasised support and collaboration.

Crafting a Marketing Message

My role has evolved over time, but at its core, it’s about sharing our mission with the people who might need us and helping to create an environment where our team feels supported.

One thing that surprised me about marketing is how natural it feels here. In the past, I thought marketing could feel a bit disingenuous, but that’s not the case at Fat Fish. The stories we tell — about our team, our work, and our goals — are honest. There’s no need to spin or exaggerate; I’m proud of what we do and want to share it authentically.

Of course, there was a learning curve. It took time to wrap my head around the breadth of what our developers can do. Their skills are so varied that it was challenging to distil them into a clear, focused message. But as I got to know the team and deepened my understanding of our goals, it became clearer.

Bringing Mental Health into Tech

At first glance, mental health and tech marketing might seem like entirely different worlds, but there’s more overlap than you might expect. Both require clear communication and an interest in understanding people’s needs. At its core, marketing and community-building is about understanding people — their needs, goals, and individual challenges. Whether working with clients or supporting our internal team, I’ve found that listening and meeting people where they are is key.

This perspective has shaped how I approach my work, whether collaborating with a client or a teammate or finding ways to communicate Fat Fish’s mission. It’s also helped me focus on building a sense of community, both within our team and with the people we work with.

Community in the Tech Industry

What stands out the most about Fat Fish Digital is the people. The team is a mix of incredibly talented individuals who all bring something unique to the table. As someone still relatively new to the UK, it’s been so refreshing to feel welcomed into a group where different perspectives are valued and celebrated.

I love the passion the developers bring to their work. Tech can be challenging, but there’s a genuine enthusiasm here that’s infectious. Translating complex technical ideas into simple, relatable messages has been one of the trickier parts of my role, but it’s also been rewarding. I’ve learned to focus on the “why” — What problem is this technology solving? How will it improve lives? By grounding the message in purpose, I can connect with our audience in a meaningful way.

Looking to the Future

Fat Fish has grown a lot in the past year, and it’s an exciting time to be part of the team. Looking ahead, I’m eager to help bring in new, purpose-driven projects that allow our team to shine. I want to be a part of creating a space where our talented developers feel supported and inspired, enabling them to do their best work.

Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that Fat Fish Digital’s values resonate in everything we do. This company is made up of clever, capable people who have the skills to drive real change. I’m here to amplify their work, foster a strong, supportive community, and help us all thrive as we grow together.