Introduction:
I am a person and I like to think I am good enough to do it professionally. So that’s what I do. I’m a hands-on COO. I find my joy in diverse, kind, and world-changing companies of excellent people, which is why I am at Whereby, where our mission is to give people freedom to live and work where they thrive. (✨How fantastic is that?)
I’m a regular panellist and speaker: Presenting at local and international events on how to positively influence culture, strategise a modern People function, improve your employer brand, advocate for a human experience, and generally how think about People Ops as a product. I am also a host and panelist on the podcast, “There’s This Thing at Work” find it where you usually find your podcasts.
Current Gig?
COO at Whereby
Current Location?
Brisbane, Australia, but usually in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Current Computer, Mobile, etc.
I have a MacBook Pro and an iPhone 11.
Where can we follow you on the Internet?
Describe how you work in 10 words or less?
Joyfully, and from wherever I thrive.
Tell us a little bit about your background & how did you get started with remote work?
I worked in businesses with a remote-friendly approach for quite a while, whether that be a strong WFH policy, or with partially distributed teams. I’ve loved working remotely, as I have been pretty “global” myself – Australian, living in London (now the Netherlands) with a Dutch/Ghanian partner.
What job responsibilities do you have?
I am responsible for all things Business Operations – People, Legal, Finance, and Business Ops. My biggest focus is creating the Operational Ways of Working of Whereby and making them as valuable as possible.
Take us through your typical weekday?
I have a lot of meetings, so I tend to do 1:1s with my team throughout the week – I always make time to speak to all of my team each week to talk through their goals, projects, and how they’re finding their role. I also spend quite a bit of time in my inbox, and responding to important pieces of work that need reviewing, be that contractual changes, or a new People Ops policy.
What’s your workspace setup like?
Pretty wonderful! I have 2 external screens (a must have) and a quiet office room with a beautiful view over our shared garden. Also I make sure my office space has a nice “personal” vibe with artwork and memories.
What apps, gadgets, or tools can’t you live without?
My iPad! I take all of my notes on my iPad, from my to’dos to my 1:1s. I love it.
How do you keep track of what you need to prioritize?
I keep a daily to do list, as well as quarterly goals, and a more consistent team “roadmap” that we follow each 2 week set of sprints.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I spend a lot of time cooking delicious vegan meals for whoever will have them.
How do you recharge or take a break?
Cycling or walking – I love wandering around my neighbourhood listening to podcasts.
What are you reading currently? What do you recommend?
At the moment I recommend Lars Schmidt – Redefining HR. Also, personally, I’ve just read “Why Be Happy When You Could be Normal” and found that fabulous.
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