Elizabeth Cleland
in conversation
with Brendan Cullen
What is your current job title and industry and what do you enjoy the most about both?
Co-Director and Managing Consultant of our own consulting firm based in Melbourne
How long have you been an itSMF Member?
I first joined itSMF in 2007, although I did have a few years off as I pursued other work and personal interests, and re-joined in 2014.
What itSMF Membership Benefits do you get most value from?
Seminars
ITIL Online
itSMF Bulletins / Publications
Networking
What do you enjoy most about being an itSMF Member?
The itSMF is a great way to connect with similar service focused individuals, hear what others in the industry are experiencing and doing, and keep up with current thinking on other IT related practices.
Has being an itSMF Member benefited you professionally?
I ‘d say there have been 2 distinct benefits.
Firstly – and most possibly the most obvious for a consultant – is the connections I have made through the itSMF. Even if these haven’t directly led to consulting engagements, it has provided insights into the current state of the ITSM industry.
Secondly, the seminars and the national Conference are great way to hear about other related practices and have led me to further develop skills in risk management, IT governance, organisational change management, business continuity and of course, agile practices.
What ITSM related certifications do you hold, if any?
ITIL Foundation and Expert (and certified trainer for these courses)
CoBit (also a certified trainer for this course)
Scaled Agile (sAFE)
Scrum Master … to name a few
What has been your biggest workplace or career challenge and how did you face it?
I’d say that striking out on my own was a pretty big challenge; and the three things that I focus on are:
Finding the right business partners to work with – both in terms of my Co-Director, Tania Carra; and the companies and customers that we work with.
Networking and keeping connected to the industry – it’s really lovely to keep in contact with the friends I’ve made through work over the years, and also to meet the smart, vibrant, hardworking people that are coming up in the industry.
“Don’t panic” – things have a way of turning out ok as long I do something, learn something and keep in regular contact with people.