WHAT CAREER MILESTONES ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF HAVING ACHIEVED?

I was humbled when I was approached to consider taking on my current role (Head of HR) earlier this year. I have a young family which means that maintaining the flexibility I had in my previous role was important to me. Fortunately, the business was accepting of this and allowed me to take on the role in a part time capacity. As we continue to strive for greater diversity in our business, finding ways to accommodate the needs of our people is important. Hopefully I, along with others working and delivering in a part time capacity, can create the path for continued transformation.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

In the current climate, a key challenge lies in identifying and embedding the initiatives that will add value to the business in the long term, whilst ensuring that the delivery of day to day HR services is maintained at efficient and effective levels. Increasing our global footprint also brings us challenges as we adapt our existing systems and processes to meet the needs of these businesses in a range of locations, whilst maintaining compliance with the ‘Clough way’.

WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT THE FUTURE IN YOUR INDUSTRY?

The increasing sophistication of technology and innovation is always exciting and will appeal to a workforce that is agile and flexible. Graduates in the years to come will enter an industry which uses technology more than ever and deliver us solutions that today may seem unbelievable. The emergence of oil and gas energy alternatives will open up new markets and keep it interesting for all of us. Roles as they have existed in the past will change and roles that we haven’t even entertained, will become more commonplace.


WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF THE OFFICE?

My family keeps me very busy, with spare time generally taken up with sports and other activities my children are involved in. On a personal level, I like to stay active and have a general interest in health and nutrition. Travelling is always fun, as is a good book and catching up with extended family and friends.


WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF CAREER ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?

Be open to feedback, keep an open mind, be flexible, listen, learn and back yourself.

WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I grew up sailing and was fortunate enough to represent Australia twice – once at the Youth Worlds in Bermuda and then at the Laser Radial World Championships in South Africa. I have also finished the Rottnest Channel Swim (19.2kms) twice, competing in both a team of 4 and a duo, the latter being tougher but so rewarding.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?

I completed a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Western Australia and then joined Clough as an HR Officer. This role was part of a small team who had a broad mandate to “manage HR”. This provided a fabulous grounding in the general principals of providing HR services and gave me exposure to the industry and its operations in a way that university and formal studies cannot. Being a generalist and not specialising in one particular aspect of HR is really important in the early part of your career. It gives you the opportunity to find out what you have an interest in, paving the way for a role change when an opportunity arises.

WHAT CAREER MILESTONES ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF HAVING ACHIEVED?

I thoroughly enjoyed working at Murray & Roberts Corporate Office where I developed and implemented our Performance Management system. Another highlight was putting together the business case for transforming the then empty ninth floor into the current learning centre.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

I am learning about a new industry and ensuring that HR is aligned to the business platform strategy. A particular challenge is mobilising fast-track projects especially those that are cross-border.

WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT THE FUTURE IN YOUR INDUSTRY?

To be part of a winning business platform that executes world-class projects.


WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF THE OFFICE?

I try to do my part within the community. I mentor girls at Jeppe High School and run the pre-marriage programme at my church.


WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF CAREER ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?

Always put up my hand and get involved.

WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I cannot ride a bicycle.


WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?

A customer liaison officer for VW. It taught me how to deal with people and the importance of resolving customer concerns.

WHAT CAREER MILESTONES ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF HAVING ACHIEVED?

Transforming the HR function from an administratively inclined frame of mind to being a strategic partner, aligned to business imperatives.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

• Addressing legacy issues with unions
• Attracting the right talent into key ad critical jobs
• Attracting and retaining diverse talent in terms of race, gender, age etc.

WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT THE FUTURE IN YOUR INDUSTRY?

Like any market, the industry is in a slump and still our business
is performing relatively better compared to our competitors. I get
excited when I think of the potential performance once the industry
rebounds.


WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF THE OFFICE?

• Time with family
• Gym
• Travel
• Reading


WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF CAREER ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?

“Never join a business where HR has to beg to have a seat at the table.” HR is a key strategic partner and that is how I approach it.

WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I am shy and introverted.


WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?

Graduate trainee human resources.