IN FOCUS will give our readers a chance to get to know a little bit more about who our consultants are and what makes them tick. In this edition we speak with our newly appointed Principal Consultant, Marnie Cruickshanks.
- I came to work at TMS because…I was after a new and exciting career challenge. After 16 years of working in Federal and State Government – the majority of that time in learning and organisational internal consulting roles – I was keen to experience the diversity of consulting in the private sector.
- In my work I am passionate about…I have a strong, intrinsic motivation to make a difference to the organisations I work with. I am grateful to have the opportunity within workplaces to observe and be part of positive shifts for both individuals and groups.
- What I enjoy most about TMS is… We spend a lot of time at work and I am very fortunate to be able to honestly say that I consider my TMS colleagues as my friends. We have a great team of people and TMS really walks the talk when it comes to looking after each other and co-creating the work environment that we support other organisations to create.
- My first job was…I first worked in a bakery at the age of 15. Working at bakeries through school and university at a range of locations due to the franchise was my main source of income for 6 years until I started full time work at the Department of Social Security.
- The person I most admire professionally is…I find it hard to pick one as there are elements of several of my professional colleagues over the years that I admire. When I was new to facilitation I certainly drew on the mentoring and coaching of some very passionate colleagues who have collectively contributed to shaping my career.
- The book that has had the biggest influence on my career…Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most. This book has been beneficial personally and has provided a wealth of information to elicit thoughts and dialogues professionally. Conversations are critical to how we connect with others and how we choose to enter into the ones that really matter is well worth some critical consideration.
- If I wasn’t a consultant I would be…I thrive on the variety and the new relationships consulting affords and the opportunities to make a difference… so maybe I would have multiple jobs. If I had to choose one though… I do quite fancy the idea of being a secret shopper for 5-star travel destinations!
- The best piece of advice I have ever been given is…“know you are doing the best you can with what you know at the moment.” This leaves room for the endless possibilities of continual growth and learning but also acknowledges the need to be present and live in the moment at points along life’s path.
- The thing that makes me most happy outside work is…my kids, my family and my friends. I am in awe of the gift I have to re-experience life through the eyes of a child as my kids grow and learn to navigate through the wondrous world we live in. Oh… and eating delicious food and drinking fabulous beverages with family and friends in exotic places is also noteworthy of creating immense happiness in my life.
