Current role: Markets Director, Financial Advisory
Current organisation: PwC
Previous roles at PwC:
- Clients & Markets Strategic Projects and Operations (PwC Australia) 2019 - 2020
- Marketing Governance, Signature Marketing and Campaigner Team Leader (PwC Australia) 2018 - 2019
- Private Clients Marketing Lead (PwC Australia) 2015 - 2017
- Health Marketing Lead (PwC Australia) 2014 - 2015
- Marketing Specialist (Booz & Company Australia) 2008 - 2011
- Marketing Manager (PwC UK) 2005 - 2008
What’s the one career achievement you’re most proud of?
My Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) qualifications. The experiences, methodologies and case studies shared by the lecturers really has been the backbone of my career in building both traditional and digital marketing strategies.
It provided me with frameworks to build marketing plans, research methods, analytical thinking, how to segment and examine consumer behaviour, effectively analyse data and apply problem-solving skills; in conjunction with experience and data led insights. These skills have been critical for me in progressing my career.
What’s been your biggest career challenge and how have you overcome it?
Managing people can be one of the most challenging, but also the most rewarding aspect of any role.
Human beings are complex and have different motivations. To get the best out of an individual or team is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and it’s hard to get it right. It takes time, patience, empathy and learning from your mistakes. I love seeing people succeed, and believe feedback is key to that.
Providing and receiving constructive feedback can be hard, but I try to approach it from a place of helping people to be the best they can be, to promote personal and professional growth - the intent should always be from a good place, promoting a shared sense of purpose and value.
What’s the most valuable lesson you learnt during your career at PwC and how has that helped you get to where you are today?
I think there are two that really stand out for me:
- When I first joined PwC in the UK, my manager taught me the importance of building my networks both locally and globally. In my first three months I had to meet with a different marketer or SME (subject matter expert) across the firm each week for a coffee (some of whom I’m still in contact with 12+ years later!). PwC is a large matrix organisation, understanding all the different services and experts really helps to connect the dots and ensure we bring the best of the firm to our clients.
- You are in charge of your own career at PwC. There are so many opportunities to change roles, go on secondment into industry or PwC internationally, take a career break, learn new skills etc. But you need to own this, you need to drive your own career and not wait for things to land in your lap. I’ve had more than 6 different roles in PwC and two career breaks, all of which I have taken responsibility for, intentionally worked towards, asked for, built networks/connections, or thrown my hat in the ring.
What was your dream job ‘growing up’ and why?
As a child I wanted to be a mounted police woman because of my love for horses, my moral compass for justice, and the need to help people. Then as a teenager I leaned into my creative side and dreamt of being a makeup artist.
Whilst marketing may seem a far stretch from these two careers, I can see the connection - marketing needs creativity, it helps to connect people, create relationships and build awareness of services that provide value for clients and society at large.
If you could have an hour lunch with anyone - dead or alive - who would it be and why?
That’s a tough question and no doubt will change over time! Other than family members I never met, I would love to have met Maya Angelou.
I really admire her true authenticity. She showed incredible resilience throughout her life, had a diverse career, a great sense of humour, and is considered one of the most influential women in history. The following quote I use as my mantra in how I conduct myself personally, and often reference it in a marketing context (although I’m sure she didn’t have marketing in mind!): “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
If you can positively connect to people on an emotional level, this creates a memorable experience and bond. A positive, consistent and authentic experience is key for organisations to create brand loyalty, and equally important from a personal perspective to develop lasting friendships.
How has your approach to delivering client centric solutions evolved over the course of your career?
To be truly client centric is actually very hard. It requires a laser focus on customers, and is not predominantly driven by shareholders or revenue.
It also definitely changes over time. For example, environmentalism and sustainability are now key to both appealing to clients/customers and attracting key talent, compared to 10 years ago. One of the most important insights I recognise consistently is asking for, and acting on client feedback. It’s imperative to understand the challenges they face to pivot or develop marketing strategies that build awareness and provide access to services that address their needs.
This is the fourth time you've worked for PwC (including legacy firm Booz). What has enticed you to return each time?
I can honestly say it’s the culture and the people, regardless of whether this was PwC UK, Booz & Company or PwC Australia. My values aligned, and if a company truly and collectively strives to live by their values, then this really makes the difference in creating an accountable, positive culture.
Working with smart, ambitious and innovative people, you’re constantly learning, being challenged, building resilience, and creating trusted relationships. Some of my closest friends and amazing mentors I met through PwC/Booz.
What gets you excited about coming to work every day?
There are so many talented, smart and diverse people I get to meet and work with. I’m constantly learning something and looking at how we can do things differently.
I love the team I work with, the opportunities and learning PwC provides access to. One of my passions outside of work is sustainable living, and through joining PwC’s Green Team I’ve learnt more about recycling, the circular economy, and how I can contribute to a more sustainable future.
