The rollercoaster to Sydney!

I’m sitting in the new wattsnext offices in Sydney, still in disbelief that I’m here!

I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting and thought I’d share my wattsnext journey to date.

It all started three years ago, where during my interview Sue-Ellen asked me why I decided to get into HR. I don’t think at that point I’d really worked that out for myself (interview faux pas 101). I obviously managed to bumble my way through my answer of people-something-workplace-something-culture to land the job.

From day one I knew wattsnext had big plans and were destined to push boundaries and disrupt the industry. It didn’t take me long before I was totally hooked, and realised what my answer was to Sue-Ellen’s question – I wanted to create great workplaces and have an impact on the wellbeing of others.

Working at wattsnext, I’ve learnt more about HR and business in my first year than I would have in three years (or more) in any internal role. Aside from the professional side of my development, working at wattsnext has opened up my world personally. I always remember Sue-Ellen saying one of her goals was to ensure anyone who left the business, regardless of the circumstances, left a better person.

It was not too long ago I approached Ben and Sue-Ellen about exploring the idea of buying equity into the business. I wanted to take more control of creating my world and one of the steps as part of this is financial, this doesn’t come from a place of greed, but from a desire of having freedom of choices.

This conversation was both terrifying and exhilarating. Before I broached the subject, I asked Ben and Sue-Ellen to withhold any expressions or emotions, something we all did poorly mind you. I left the idea with them and fast forward to now, where I’m sitting in the first wattsnext interstate office.

It’s certainly been a rollercoaster ride, there have been times when I’ve questioned my decisions and doubted my ability. My role is going to change significantly, not only from a technical point of view; I’m now a business owner, director, and shareholder.

With an already strong client base in Sydney, it was always the natural step for us to solidify our presence in the state, as well as on a national level. We can see a lot of opportunities to continue our mission of creating great work places.

Sydney is a piece of a much bigger picture for both myself personally, and of course the business. I’m really excited to be part of this journey and to see where wattsnext will go next.