Honestly, I'd rather let the team and clients answer that one but if I had to say, I try to bring a team-first mindset to help connect the dots between people. I've picked up a fair bit of market knowledge along the way, and I just try to be someone people can rely on and trust, whether that's internally or out in the market.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR CAREER AT QA WITH LIFE OUTSIDE OF WORK?
As a father of two daughters, one a teenager and one not far behind, most of my downtime with my wife goes into ferrying them between sporting fields and courts to cheer them on. For myself, I'm a keen cyclist and still get out for a game of touch footy once a week.
IF YOU CO ULD EAT ONE MEAL, EVERY DAY FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Pizza (And I would be be happy with most topping except hold the anchovies).
BIGGEST PET PEEVE?
As a long-suffering Eels supporter, my pet peeve is 40 years and counting without a premiership. At least I can say I was around to see the last one — just don't ask me how old I was.
WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED, AND HOW HAS IT IMPACTED YOUR LIFE?
Listen before you speak, and don't speak for the sake of it.
It's advice I picked up early on, and it's stuck with me especially in this industry where it's easy to fill silence or feel like you need to have an answer for everything. Taking the time to actually listen, whether that's to a client, a candidate, or someone on the team, means you end up with a better understanding of what they actually need, rather than just what you assumed they needed. It's made me better in life and, I'd like to think a better listener in general, at work and at home.
NAME FOUR PEOPLE, LIVING OR DEAD, THAT YOU WOULD HAVE OVER FOR DINNER.
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Robin Williams
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Michael Jordan
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Princess Diana
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Steve Jobs
WHAT'S ONE PASSION PROJECT OF YOURS?
Tour de Kids, a cycling fundraising challenge for the Starlight Children's Foundation, which helps brighten the lives of seriously ill kids and their families in hospital. I've been riding and fundraising for TDK for over five years now, and I just love what it provides for these families during what is often the toughest time of their lives. It's a great excuse to get out on the bike for a good cause. It's taking place in October, and I'm excited to cycle once again with the QA Allstars!
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