Meet the Team: Lesley Mackenzie Douglas
One thing we like to do when inducting new team members here at Arnold Group Australia is to give our community of clients and candidates a chance to get to know them as well.
We interviewed our new recruit Lesley Mackenzie Douglas who recently joined the Safety People Australia division and here’s what she had to say…
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I was born in the amazing city of Edinburgh. When I was young, my father soon took a role as a lighthouse keeper so I had an interesting childhood living in many different but very beautiful parts of Scotland. Returned to Edinburgh in my early teenage years and remaining there until I decided to spend 12 months in Australia in my early 20s. I quickly fell in love with Melbourne (who wouldn’t!) and was fortunate enough to be able to stay here, and have never looked back. I am happily married (to a Scotsman I brought with me) and have 2 crazy beautiful children, and an adorable black Labrador (who is also a bit crazy!).
Achievements you are proudest of?
The life we have built in Australia, including a home we love, our very demanding but highly entertaining and amazing children, and friends that we couldn’t imagine our life without.
My proudest professional achievement relates to turning around difficult relationships. In my previous role, was often appointed to accounts where the relationship was not in a good place and was always successful in turning these relationships around. Fundamentally, I am a people person, with a passion for effectively working with different personality types and delivering a mutually beneficial result. I generally take an approach of being clear in the role I will undertake, my objectives and desired outcomes. I then ascertain the key issues, confirm that I have a solid understanding of needs, wants and expectations of the client, and ensure I put a strong framework in place to remedy the situation.
Outside work, what do you enjoy doing?
So many things! Eating good food and drinking great wine with even greater friends. Taking our dog down the park or beach and seeing the immense joy he has in running free. Cooking nutritious and delicious food for my family. I also enjoy running, grabbing a canvas and some paints and pretending I’m an artist, and of course drinking great coffee. Oh, and I had better mention the occasional date night I get to have with my hubby!
What can Safety People’s clients and candidates expect from working with you?
My background as a National Account manager with one of Australia’s major insurers specialising in Corporate Workers
Compensation clients gave me a unique end to end perspective on our client’s needs. I have a thorough understanding of an organisation’s needs in relation to workers’ compensation/return to work/injury management.
As an account manager at Safety People Australia, I am responsive and friendly, and totally committed to partnering candidates with roles that will be mutually beneficial. My conversations will always be honest and direct and done with the best of intentions.
Advice would you give to candidates looking for jobs in the safety industry?
I am passionate about placing the right candidate in the right role, so I want candidates to be really well informed when they apply for a role. I ask them to:
– know what your non-negotiable employer attributes are
– research and identify the organisations whose safety values align with your own
– maintain and expand your networks
Lesley looks forward to meeting those Safety People Australia clients and candidates she hasn’t yet met and is excited about her future here at Arnold Group Australia.
If you are looking for a new role in the Health and Safety Industry then Arnold Group Australia (Safety people Australia) can help. We have developed a strong reputation for providing quality recruitment services with a strong focus on the niche fields of Safety, Insurance and Risk. Please to follow our LinkedIn Company page to see available roles and industry news.
