AdNews is following the WFH Diaries with a series of Perspectives, asking two questions: What did you learn in 2021 and what are you looking forward to in 2022? We've also asked the industry to glam, dress for the best, and face the next year with optimism.
Anathea Ruys, CEO of UM Australia:
What was the biggest challenge of 2021?
Professionally the biggest and most exciting challenge was returning to Australia and starting my new role as CEO of UM. I feel so fortunate that I was able to spend at least a couple of months seeing people in person, and that I got to every office and met the whole team. That made the return to Teams much easier! Personally the biggest challenge was inadvertently being away from my husband and sons for almost six months. On the one hand it was “easier” because I didn’t have to try and juggle home school with working, but it was just so hard not to see them. One real truth about these last 18 months is that every person has had a different set of challenges and it is so critical that we are open and empathetic to what those challenges are.
What did you learn?
SO, SO MUCH! I think I have learned to have deeper empathy. To work harder to understand the challenges people are facing and to find different ways to support them. To listen and give space to people so they can tell me what they need, and to do my very best to be able to provide that. I have learned that people are so resilient but even the most resilient have a breaking point and it is so important to help people NOT reach that point. To recognise that there is a lot of support you can explore before you get to that point. We have an amazing program of Wellness Walk-ins. It’s not counselling, but it is a professional who can help you identify things that feel like they are becoming a concern – like time management, dealing with stress – and give you really practical ways of managing them. I am a huge fan. I have also reconfirmed that I am an office person. I love the feel, the energy, the light, the buzz, the snacks, the overheard chatter. I love it all and I can’t wait to be back there.
What are you looking forward to in 2022?
Being back together in person, but maintaining flexibility in where and how we work. I am looking forward to seeing our clients and our partners for brainstorms and meetings, coffees and meals, at their offices and at ours – and everywhere in between. I am looking forward to keeping up the idea of walking meetings – get your steps up and get stuff done at the same time is genius! And more than anything I am looking forward to seeing my face on zoom much, much less than this year. We shouldn’t ever have to look at ourselves as much as we have over the past 18 months.
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