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Since joining MMK Sydney back in April 2014, I have developed my career from being a Senior Consultant in a market I was slightly rusty in, (I spent 5 years working in Singapore) to being an Associate Director and co-leading the Transformation & Technology teams, the former being one of Morgan McKinley’s highest performing teams globally for the last four years.

 

 

So how did it all begin, and why do I think the team and I have been so successful?

It all started when I decided to relocate back to Australia following a 5 year stint working in Singapore. After spending many years covering Back & Middle Office recruitment and knowing that the Sydney market had evolved over this period, I was fully aware that I needed to retrain in a new domain and get up to speed (quickly) with what was effectively a new market.

I did my due diligence, spoke to a number of agencies (a number of times) and eventually landed on MMK. I felt that the desk being offered would give me the opportunity to not only be successful, but also progress my career.

I initially joined the Project & Change team, with my first challenge being to increase our presence in the Business Analyst space. This was a market that presented a huge opportunity for growth and the chance to build the only truly dedicated BA team in Sydney. We quickly grew the team to 5 consultants and became the highest performing team in the office.

The team and I enjoyed continued success over the next few years, and with the launch of new disciplines, a refined operating model and my own personal development, I progressed to the position of Associate Director heading up the IT & Business Transformation team alongside Jonty Plewes, also known as my work husband : ) Having developed a number of senior consultants and delivered consistent results, our role(s) expanded and we assumed responsibility for the Technology division, continuing the growth of our work family.

Looking back it has been one hell of a journey which has seen me forge some amazing friendships, both internally and externally.  It has obviously not been without its ups and downs, with some great highs but also some very sad days, particularly when good friends moved on to pursue different careers paths (you all know who you are & yes I am still sad).  With this being said, upon reflection I have to say that I feel incredibly thankful for all the great people I have met and who have become a big part of my life, as well as the fact that I am still part of a great organisation.

So what has kept me here over all these years?  It has to be the people, the opportunities and the flexibility that Morgan McKinley has afforded me.

It has been great working with two female MD’s, who I honestly believe care about me and the wider business. I have also been very fortunate to have a team of people around me who are my friends as well as my work colleagues.

I have been given the flexibility to work from home, work a 9 day fortnight, work a 4 day week, as well as other various iterations along the way all of which I have tried in some way shape or form. 

I have been encouraged and developed, pushed to take risks and believe in myself, all of which has helped me become the person and leader I am today. 

The business has always provided mechanisms such as our qtrly town halls and focus groups so people can share feedback. We’ve always been encouraged to have a voice and share ideas on how we can enhance the business for our people, our clients, our candidates and to expedite success. This is something I think really sets us apart as a business.

The current climate we find ourselves in is obviously challenging, but the business has continued to listen and put our people first, ensuring they feel safe,  supported and are comfortable with our plans to move forward. 

In a nutshell, I would say the last six years have been challenging, rewarding, inspiring and most importantly filled with lots of fun and good times. I have developed both as a person and as a leader and I have been lucky enough to do it all within an organisation I truly enjoy working in and with people I respect and admire. 

Thank you MMK for a great 6 years and here's to many more. If you would like to hear more about life at MMK or more specifically the Tech’ and Transformation team(s), please don’t hesitate to contact me hlovering@morganmckinley.com.