Know your Alumni

Duration with Deloitte

I was with Deloitte UK for three years (2006 – 2009) and Deloitte Middle East for approximately one year (2010 – 2011) 
 

Position/Service Line

I joined as a Senior Consultant in the People & Change team within the UK Human Capital practice and left as a Senior Manager leading HR Transformation & Talent across the Middle East 
 

Office

I was based in London and in Dubai 
 

What have you achieved since you left Deloitte?

I have achieved multiple things. After leaving Deloitte, I set out to run my own consulting license under the name of HRinspireME, where I worked with clients such as Etisalat, Saudi Aramco and the Executive Council of Dubai. I subsequently had a baby daughter. I then joined Peppers & Rogers as their EMEA HR Director, but left in May to spend more time with my daughter. I have just completed a neuro-science based executive coaching certification and I joined the Swedish School in Dubai as their Chairwoman this week. Interestingly, in all instances, I’ve bumped into current or past Deloitte employees, illustrating how fantastic network you can develop whilst working for the firm!
 

Are you still in contact with any of your previous colleagues at Deloitte?

Absolutely. I see many of my ex-colleagues, both from the Middle East and from the UK. I’ve seen six Deloitte alumni’s in the past two weeks. Another one is coming with me to Sweden next summer to compete in a big cycling race that we will do for charity! 
 

What is your best memory of working at Deloitte? Please provide us with a brief description.

Some of my best working memories are sometimes also the worst. It’s the times where I truly learned new things and achieved great things for clients, which often happened late at night, under high pressure and to tight schedules. I didn’t appreciate them then, but I do now as I learned lot! One great memory from the Middle East is my first project in Al Ain, which was a fantastic introduction to the region and the Abu Dhabi team!
 

What do you miss most about Deloitte, if any?

Working with some truly phenomenal people, all the way from Analyst through to Partner level. 
 

What one thing do you not miss about Deloitte?

All the hotel nights away from my family. 
 

What is the most important thing you learned from your work at Deloitte?

I learned what truly outstanding and excellent client service can look like and that being straight forward and honest with your clients is key to building a strong relationship where your client truly trusts you. 
 

What advantage does your experience at Deloitte provide you compared to your colleagues/connections now?

I can get thrown into pretty much any situation, access the environment and act as required very quickly. One other very powerful advantage is the brand itself. That has helped me a lot, especially as a consultant operating on my own. 
 

If you could give one piece of advice to current Deloitte employee, what would it be?

This was actually said to me in my first interview with one of the now very senior Partners in Deloitte UK: “You’re in charge of your own career, so you have to set the direction. If you don’t like something, try to change it. If you want to do something different, ask for it or just do it!” Very true.