Women play an integral part to our business here at Solargain, and we are proud to celebrate international women’s day with them today. We wouldn’t be where we are now without the amazing women who make up a large part of our business.
Over the last week, we’ve conducted interviews with some of the most important women here at Solargain about their time here, and what advice they have for young women in business.
Here’s what they had to say.
Huia McKenzie - Service Manager
How long have you been here at Solargain?
I’ve been at SG since early 2017.
What has been your proudest moment since you started?
Restructure of the service department streamlining internal processes to provide a better service for all our customers and dedication to fostering a culture of “continuous improvement” despite the challenges of 2020.
What is your favourite part about working here?
Solargains’ commitment to providing affordable renewable energy solutions to all Australians, and the service departments role in completing the customer journey for the life of the system.
What is your advice for young women entering the business sector?
Advice: I’m fortunate to work for a company that believes in the value women offer at Senior Management level, so my advice is to surround yourself with people who value your contribution, in order to do this you must believe you have something to offer.
Rachael Heath - Chief Financial Officer
How long have you been here at Solargain?
Since September 2010, so 10.5 wonderful years!
What has been your proudest moment since you started?
Being a key part of the team that has secured a number of large corporate contacts and partnerships for the company.
What is your favourite part about working here?
Its culture – we truly are all Family, everyone looks out for each other and works together to achieve a common goal.
What is your advice for young women entering the business sector?
I have a few notes to mention:
- I don’t like to approach things with preconceived opinions and ideas, if you do there will be barriers already in place that you – yourself have put there, if you believe you are capable and can achieve your goals, then ultimately it is up to you to prove this to be true.
- This is advice I was given that has proven true and I think it’s worth passing on; how you present yourself and how you treat people is what you get back. Make sure when you come to work or go to a meeting you do so in a happy and positive manner and that you are engaged and ready to work; do not underestimate the impact that the ‘attitude’ you bring into the workplace has on the people around you (good or bad) so make sure it is good!
- Relationships are of key importance, find the time and take every opportunity to build them and nurture them whenever possible.
Camille Childs - Marketing Manager
How long have you been here at Solargain?
Since the end of March 2020. I started at Solargain at the height of COVID-19 in WA, so it was an interesting time. I got to slowly meet the entire team as they returned to the office. It’s a great bunch of smart, switched-on and caring people that I am so grateful to work with.
What has been your proudest moment since you started?
Fostering an open environment where we can exchange ideas and work collaboratively. Adding knowledge to our digital marketing side and incorporating new technologies to do things better and create capacity for our team to grow along with the company.
What is your favourite part about working here?
That it’s a family business in the best possible way. I see genuine care and respect and open lines of communication, from the top down and right through every aspect of the company.
What is your advice for young women entering the business sector?
Demonstrate your passion for what is important. Never lose sight of your overall goals and speak up when you think something can be done differently or better, and always encourage that in your team. Ask for what you need. Be transparent to others and true to yourself.
Huge thanks to the whole team for taking the time to sit down with us and discuss this.
Honourable mention to Eliese De Olivera, our General Manager, we originally planned to bring her in for this interview as well, but she is currently on maternity leave. Congratulations Eliese!
So, there you have it, just a few of the amazing women who help make Solargain the best it could be. We couldn’t be prouder to have them as a part of our family, and hope their example, and advice inspires young women making their start in the business sector.
