Roxanne Wylie, management consultant at OIM Consulting

Why did you choose this career path?

I enjoy solving problems and seeing sustainable change. The projects we work on have quick turnaround times while having a significant long-term impact on the companies and the people we work with.

Describe a typical work day

There isn’t one! Depending on the project and the phase the project is in, the daily requirements change. Generally, it would be going through to the client and heading out to which ever department I’m working with that day. Once there I interact with the people, ask questions, assess progress, and see what needs to be done. Often, I sit in on meetings, observe and ensure they are running effectively.

What do you love most about your job?

I enjoy the fact that every project is different. Every mine and every person I work with requires something else. I like figuring out ways to ensure everyone gets what they need. It’s always a challenge starting a new project, and needing to adapt and figure out the new environment, but I thrive on building that trust with the client and working together to see their vision turn into reality.

What is the best advice anyone has given you?

If you want it, work for it.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Direction is more important than speed.

Tell us some of the buzzwords floating around your industry currently?

Remote work, new normal, turnaround time, sustainability

How do you achieve a work/life balance?

I’m not so sure I have achieved it, but when I get close it usually involves me planning well and keeping track of work and personal things on the same calendar. By adding 5pm: go for a run, so I don’t realise it when it’s already dark outside. this also helps me (where possible) to not over commit to delivering something first thing the next morning.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt?

People are more resilient than you think, they can handle hearing the word no.