eKourier April 2013 -

10 Questions...

With Fiona Harding - Business Development Manager the UK in 1969 and are now enjoying the retired life. Mum was a secretary and later operated her own Cleaning Business. Dad worked as a Builder and Land Surveyor in the UK before changing careers to be an Accountant. I also have an older Brother who is a Photographer.

on Archicad Computerised Drawing.

I would also like to travel Europe and work on the ski slopes in Canada. What memorable learning experi- ences have you had with KSS? The QLD floods was one stand out learning experience for me. It was a stressful time but together we used all the tools and resources available to make decisions. Concerns/Issues needed to be addressed to continue to move forward. When things got difficult avoidance wasn’t an option and we were empowered to make decisions. Other learning experiences would be learning about myself at PEP and DISC and completing my own Circumplex – It’s like having your very own personal Self Help book! Tell us your thoughts on the Culture at KSS and if that has impacted you as a person? Having a “positive” Culture is the heart beat of a business, you can have all the equipment and people in the world but if a positive Culture is not there the buzz stops. The open and honest Culture we have at KSS encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, make better decisions and really be a part of the company. If you had to sum up KSS in just one word what would it be?

Mum and Dad have always had a very practical and positive take on life. Growing up involved a lot of building in Dad’s garage and Sunday roasts! I have fond memories of early morning trips to the timber yard and the smell of fresh saw dust! What interests do you have outside of KSS? In my spare time I enjoy interior styling and designing for family and friends. I swim a couple of times a week and play in a weekly Netball competition. I take any opportunity to ride my trial bike (or any motorbike for that matter!) and I am part way through my Solo Skydiving course. I am also a member of a Car Club and help out as pit crew at their racing events. I love the outdoors and jump at any opportunity to camp, kayak and ski! No, before Sydney I was Mexican, born and raised in the South Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne in Glen Waverley. I met a Sailor from the Australian Navy and in 2002 we were posted to Sydney! The plan was to stay for five years but I fell in love with the place. What goals do you have for the short and long term future, for work and your personal life? I am working hard towards buying my first home and then longer term I’d like to design and build a home. From a work perspective I would like to build my skills and study more on business and property as my career progresses. I really enjoy it when my design skills come in handy and would like to do more Have you always lived in Sydney?

How long have you been with KSS?

It was 2005, I remember my previous Manager ringing me to say he had a call from a company called “Kennards” asking for a reference. I have vivid memories of him asking me if this is really what I wanted to do - 8 years later we still laugh about that call! Tell us about your first role and what it was like starting with KSS? I started working in the Customer Care Centre part time while studying Interior Design & Decoration. The Team was great, dedicated and self-motivated. Working at THQ has exposed me to many different areas of the business giving me the opportunity to learn, understand and be involved. Business Development Manager for National Corporate Solutions. My role is to simplify companies storage needs while growing our Business to Business portfolio. Behind the scenes there are a lot of tenders, planning, negotiating, contracts and decision making! Changing storage providers is a big decision for companies to make. I think it’s wonderful to be a part of their storage transition, challenging but very rewarding once complete! What is your role with KSS now?

Inspirational!

Tell us about your family?

Mum and Dad moved to Australia from

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Kennards Kourier April 2013