Management skills into the wider business of our organizations and becoming trusted partners. Sometimes, we are perceived as just the IT people and
that we do not necessarily understand how thebusiness works as a whole. Internally in my organization, we have been rolling out our ITSM toolset into the wider business as a workflow toolset that can provide tracking, workflow management and automation features. Open discussions with other business areas is essential to show the skills that Service Management professionals can successfully bring to the table as we have been performing digital transformation in IT for many years.
What's the most valuable piece of advice you have been given in your professional career?
You have 2 ears and 1 mouth use them proportionally. There are times to listen and then there are times to talk, learning when best to use each one is important (remember my comment from before – 2 teenage daughters in the house – can also add yelling, crying, laughing and going on long walks!!) Listening is one of the best skills you can ever learn.
What advice would you give young people who have chosen a career in technology?
Technology is change and businesses change with technology. It is happening faster all the time and will not slow down anytime soon. Keep up to date with current trends and develop the habit of lifelong learning. Find people who know more than you and ask them for help. You will be surprised by how willing most people are to share their knowledge and skills. Technology is a great enduring career and I still enjoy the journey today.
What do you like to do when you are not working?
I like reading and I sing in a choir. When my daughters were young, I danced a little (I spent so much time down at the dance studio picking up the girls they
enrolled me in a class). Now that they are older, I have joined a community choir and sing in the group. I also enjoying watching plays, musicals and other live theatre.
What was the title and author of the last book you read?
On the fictional front, I have just finished reading Lisa Gardner, crime thriller, “Fear Nothing” – nothing like some death and mayhem to add a little spice to life. On a more personal development perspective I have been reading, “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a <Censored>” by Mark Manson, which I borrowed from my 18 year old or she left it lying around so I would read it. There might be a story in that.
One word that could describe your experience of itSMF Australia?
Inspiring – it is not the organization or itSMF Australia that is inspiring, it is the people. Each member who comes along, listens, shares and participates, that is what makes itSMF such a great organization.
Have you ever been to an itSMF Conference, if so what was your conference experience like and do you have a lasting memory?
I have had the good fortune to be able to attend the last 4 Conferences and meet many inspiring presenters and service management professionals. My lasting memory is of the first Conference I ever attended; I was not sure what to expect, but it was the number of, “ah ha” moments and “that’s a great idea”, I had listening to the many presentations. Some of those ideas I did end up using in my day-to-day life at work. The National Conference takes the quarterly seminars to a completely new level, with 2 days of seminars, learning and networking opportunities. I remember the many friendships and great people I have met that have helped me on my learning journey. Not to forget the fun at the Gala dinner and I even got up to dance (the lessons did pay off).
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