First impressions of the Group?
Having worked with our CEO, Johan Venter previously, I had some robust conversations with him and John about the Group before I joined. What they said is true!
Lots of fantastic people, pulling in the same direction, to achieve something special. It’s been a breath of fresh air to walk into a business and to be a part of a team that is truly committed to delivering sustainable growth, in strategic sectors, where our offer and approach adds real value to our client’s every day functions.
Be that through our Velocity technology platform that provides real time insight into building and business functionality, with our cleaning and security resources bring dynamically aligned, sometimes with daily changes, to the nature of each site, or be it our willingness to challenge the norm and back our operators to deliver a fantastic service within a unique delivery model; the Group has already allowed my creative (and sometimes nuts) thoughts to become a reality!
What do you see as the biggest challenge(s) of your remit?
It very much feels like we are a global powerhouse but unknown in the UK and where people do know us, they know our legacy brands and their reputations, rather than the reality of today. For me therefore, it’s about owning the message of what working with our Group means to our current and prospective clients, and making sure that our clients have the visibility to see how talented a team we truly are.
What was your first job?
I was a Sunday opener at McDonald’s throughout my time at sixth form! Getting up at 4am every Sunday, getting into work for 4.30am to make sure the restaurant was open for 6am, was not a pleasant experience, especially in the cold and wet! Lots of life lessons were learnt over those few years!
What led you to this career?
I fell into commercial cleaning through a friend at my rugby club, after being made redundant from a banking and finance role at Daily Mail Group due to the 2008 finance services crisis. Whilst that wasn’t a pleasant experience, I’ve always been really grateful that Johan and Mitie gave me my first opportunity in the industry and I’ve never looked back!
What energises you at work?
I’ve always loved the emotion connected to sales and needing that positive winning feeling always spurs me on to achieve!
Anyone in sales, irrespective of the industry, will know what it feels like to put so much time and effort into a proposal, only to come 2nd. It’s making sure that I go that extra step to win that keeps getting me out of bed in the morning and gives me the energy and passion to push through everyday.
Thankfully I’ve been successful and so knowing what a win feels like, is the kind of raw emotion that I keep longing for.
What drains you at work?
For those who know me, they know that I can be a bit of a perfectionist and take things to heart if the end product isn’t at the standard I demand of myself.
Whilst I’ve managed to let go a little over time, managing this feeling is something I’m still working on and need to get better at.
Any work-related accomplishments you are really proud of?
I think the first win is always special so my cleaning contract win with Cardiff Airport will always have a special place in my thoughts. Achieving an over 70% win rate with Julius Rutherfoord & Co was the culmination of a lot of hard work from many great people for over 18 months. And, of course, securing my first new contract after only 6 weeks in role at Excellerate has to be right up there! Long may my personal, but far more importantly, the success of our business continue!
