TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND.
Born and raised in Adelaide, I moved to London in my late teens, working in desktop-publishing roles for a few years within investment banking divisions. This experience was a real eye-opener into a 24/7, pressure-cooker environment. Returning home and in a random pursuit of creativity, I studied and became a shoemaker, where I was able to get my hands dirty designing and creating footwear. As this became more of a hobby, I started working at a global FMCG company, which went through enormous change – this was the catalyst for me deciding to study and become a workplace psychologist. After completing my studies, my first role was in HR, which was a fantastic learning experience before I moved to Melbourne and learned my craft as an organisational development consultant. I now work at Quinton Anthony in the assessment and leadership development space – so a new journey begins.
WHAT INITIALLY ATTRACTED YOU TO JOIN QA?
Where do I start? Firstly, I had met some people from the QA team a few years ago when they reached out to do psychometric assessments for one of their clients. Not only were they great to deal with – I was impressed that a team of search and recruitment specialists were investing in quality evidence-based assessments to strengthen the selection process to achieve a stronger job-person fit. To me, this demonstrated the value and quality of services they wanted to deliver for their clients and candidates.
For many years, I had also previously worked with Megan Bell, QA’s Head of Leadership Development and Assessment. I spoke with her about the people and culture at QA, which was all extremely positive – after this I was sold. Also, working with Megan again was a draw card, as she’s an exceptional business psychologist and a wonderful person.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW ROLE IN THE BUSINESS.
As a Senior Partner in Leadership Development & Assessment, I have several key areas of focus. I will support the QA Partners and our clients in finding the best talent for their organisations - this will involve using multiple assessment methods to gather critical information about candidates that will help inform whether they will be successful in the role and be a good fit for the organisation. Leading on from this, when candidates are successful, we aim to assist in the onboarding process to better set them up for success.
Additionally, I will assist our clients in building up their existing leadership capability and improve team development while supporting the development of all QA employees.
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO SPECIALISE IN LEADERSHIP ADVISORY SERVICES?
People are an organisation's most valuable resource, so for me, it’s a no brainer to concentrate my efforts on adopting the highest quality practices and tools to assist our clients by bringing the right people into their business and developing their existing workforce. There is a saying that 'culture eats strategy for breakfast,' which sticks with me because it's so true. Now more than ever, businesses recognise the high impact their leaders' skills and behaviours have on their culture (and performance) – it all starts from the top and it cascades down. Supporting leaders to build the capabilities needed to do their role and realise a leadership style that is true to them is rewarding because their impact is far and wide.
WHICH UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES OR METHODOLOGIES DO YOU BRING TO QA THAT CAN ADD VALUE FOR OUR CLIENTS AND THE OVERALL EFFECTIVENESS OF OUR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS?
I am not sure my perspective is unique. That said, I believe good leadership development programs should be carefully tailored to the organisation by understanding their context, challenges, future goals, etc. You can buy any leadership development program off-the-shelf. It is, however, essential to consider how this translates to an organisation's values, objectives, and a leader's readiness level.
While a psychology background keeps me in check to use evidence-based practices/tools, we know science cannot always keep up with the ever-changing work landscape. There is continually a need to be creative and considered in the way we solve problems and best engage, educate, and motivate employees to make positive changes in their roles and lives.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR CAREER AT QA WITH LIFE OUTSIDE OF WORK?
As an introvert, I love alone time, so anything that requires more thinking than talking, e.g. doing leather work. I also enjoy socialising with family and friends, with good wine and cheese included too of course!
BIGGEST PET PEEVE?
It was slow walkers, but now that I am one, it's people who use too many buzzwords.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF PROFESSIONALLY IN 5 YEARS?
I’ve finally found my niche doing assessment and development so hopefully still at QA working with our clients.
WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED, AND HOW HAS IT IMPACTED YOUR LIFE?
One of the best pieces of advice I have ever received was that it's okay to say "I don't know."
Sometimes we feel like we need to have all the answers or develop an opinion on something quickly, but pausing and pondering your thoughts, or owing up to not knowing something is absolutely fine.
NAME FOUR PEOPLE, LIVING OR DEAD, THAT YOU WOULD HAVE OVER FOR DINNER.
Dame Edna (in character of course), Winston Churchill, and maybe Ricky Gervais – the perfect blend of wit, humour, and intelligence. My mum and dad would have to flip a coin for the last seat at the table, so I’d have someone else to enjoy it with.
WHAT'S ONE PASSION PROJECT OF YOURS?
I’ve become obsessed with watching artists paint on Instagram. As I can’t paint for peanuts, I put my training wheels on and did a paint by numbers a few months back. It took me weeks and weeks to complete. Alas, it ended up looking like a dog’s dinner, but it was really enjoyable and you have to start somewhere, right?
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View Nadia's full profile on LinkedIn or for further information, contact her at nadia.chodkiewicz@quintonanthony.com.
IF YOU COULD INSTANTLY BECOME AN EXPERT IN SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Being fit without exercising.
BIGGEST PET PEEVE?
People who walk slow in Sydney.