AIDE de MD NEWSLETTER – MAY 2016
Welcome to our Aide de MD Newsletter. I’m fully aware that we live in a time of information overload and that the “reading section” on my laptop and next to my bed is toppling over. However, when it’s time to celebrate and acknowledge events, the written word is still the best.
Nearly 10 years ago I was asked if I could lend “my objective perspective” and “non-judgemental mind” for a few hours a month to help a growing business, and Aide de MD was devised. We support companies across Sydney, Brisbane and imminently Singapore. I have revised our offering to ensure integrity, and stay ahead of the game through constant education, reading and learning from my mentors.
Here are some of our highlights from the last 6 months.
OUR NEW WEBSITE
Thank you Kristy for all your work and creative skills. I am fortunate that you know me and the business so well as it has resulted in a really strong, detailed, sharp looking professional website. I appreciate the prompts to up-date the content and finally get around to a new photo shoot – it was so much fun doing this at 6am on Freshie beach with a professional team and lots of laughter. I think they captured the essence of my business so well; it is all about the business working for you so that you can walk on the beach!
‘LEAN IN’ PROGRAM
I was honoured to be invited by Gillian Fox (Gillian Fox Leadership Development) to be interviewed in front of a select group of Loreto students. Gillian is working with Loreto on a programme supporting young, professional leaders of the future and guiding them to “Lean In” and take their seat at the table in professional organisations. They were an impressive group with intelligent questions, all bodes well for business in the future.
INDIGENOUS FOOTBALL WEEK
The John Moriarty Foundation, a not-for-profit which I have had the pleasure of working with for a few years, has succeeded in a challenging project. Bringing 12 children from Borroloola to Sydney to run onto the pitch with the Socceroos in the A League competition. An amazing insight and an extraordinarily exciting business to work with, all resulting in fantastic fund-raising being kicked off by the Socceroos donating their $90k “playing money”.
INTERIM MD
I was referred to Victoria Butt of Parity Consulting in July last year (thank you Jason, Talent Web) and am now delighted to be leading her team while she is on maternity leave. I have been on site half a day a week since early May. I’m enjoying working with a really inspiring group of professionals who all seem to have equal (parity!) measures of work ethic, professionalism and communication skills combined with a genuine desire to succeed for their clients and candidates. No wonder they were voted in the top 100 of BRW’s fast starters of 2015.
SINGAPORE
What a great place! Exciting people and an easy place to work. Good coffee and restaurants and the city has a real buzz! I went for a few days to assess the local market and had eight meetings with some fascinating people. Thank you to all those who kindly referred me. Aide de MD will definitely have a presence in Singapore long term, I look forward to returning in October for a week. Thank you also to Sarah who managed my diary on a moment by moment basis, lots of last minute additions!
I will be working with MDs and CEOs at second stage after start up, doing partner health checks and strategic work to ensure consistent focus and direction. If you have an office in Singapore or an associate business, I’d love to hear from you.
AICD MEMBERSHIP
I became a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) last year and have enjoyed their facilities and excellent opportunities for learning. I completed a course “Establishing Boards for Business Owners” which is allowing me to offer more tailored advice and direction to the management with whom I work. Advisory Boards are more relevant in SME businesses and can be set up without too much administration.
DEFINITION OF AN ‘SME’
Do you know the exact definition of an SME business?
If your business falls into 2 or less of the following categories:
Consolidated gross revenue of < $25m
Value of consolidated gross assets < $12.5m
< 50 full-time equivalent employees
It’s important to know as your governance requirements change after you reach these milestones.