Emily’s adventurous spirit has always guided her life choices. Growing up in Southeast England, she was drawn to travel and exploration, leading her to study travel and tourism and embark on a student exchange in the Caribbean. Her curiosity took her from working on a ship between England and France to a successful IT career in London, where she thrived in dynamic roles.

Despite her professional success, Emily’s love for adventure led her to quit her job and travel the world for a year, experiencing diverse cultures from China to Africa. During this journey, she met her future husband, a fellow explorer. After marrying on a Greek island, they settled in Australia, continuing to embrace new adventures together.

Moving to Australia

When Emily and her husband relocated to Australia, she initially worked for local government managing customer service. While this was an interesting phase of learning, Emily needed to feed her curious mind with further challenges. Her move to Sodexo four years ago marked the beginning of a significant chapter in her life. At Sodexo, Emily discovered the balance between her adventurous spirit and the further career growth she sought. Emily joined as a Business Improvement Lead, proving her dedication to enhancing processes and supporting teams, applying her experience in service delivery, continuous improvement, and change management.

From Business Improvement to Command Centre Leadership at Sodexo

Emily’s prowess didn’t go unnoticed. Within a couple of years, she ascended to the role of Command Centre Manager, a position well suited to her skills and ambition. Her new role was more than just a title; it was a canvas where she could paint her vision for effective operations and stellar customer service. As Emily puts it, 

Embracing Growth and Learning

Emily's journey at Sodexo was marked by a commitment to continuous learning and growth. “Sodexo's support in my professional development has been great,” she says. Through studying Lean Six Sigma and Project Management, Emily honed her skills, streamlining processes, and elevating service delivery to new heights. She ensures that her growth results in her team’s growth as well. “I believe in creating an environment where open communication and regular feedback to empower people to perform at their best is normal; I enjoy creating a collaborative space where people feel safe and supported to stretch themselves,” she explains. Her leadership fosters a culture where team members can thrive and reach their full potential.

Fostering an Inclusive and Positive Culture

At the core of Sodexo’s ethos is a commitment to a positive, inclusive workplace culture. Emily values the diverse environment at Sodexo that enriches her experience. “Working with colleagues from diverse backgrounds is one of the most enriching aspects of my job. There are many people who have transitioned through Sodexo from other countries. I love talking to those colleagues and learning more about their backgrounds,” she remarks.

She highlights the company’s dedication to inclusivity, exemplified by team members like Jake, whose unwavering dedication and passion for his goals led him to win a Commonwealth gold medal in wheelchair basketball and advance to a supervisory role in the Command Centre. Emily admires how Jake’s achievements and commitment are celebrated, a testament to Sodexo’s inclusive culture.

Emily, one of the three co-chairs for the ‘So Together Gender Network’ in Sodexo Australia, also values the prominence of women in leadership roles at Sodexo. “Seeing so many talented females in leadership roles at Sodexo is incredibly motivating. It shows that skill, experience, and dedication are truly recognised here regardless of gender,” she reflects. This representation not only empowers Emily but also reinforces the company’s commitment to fostering a supportive and equitable environment.

Finding Her True Place

At Sodexo, Emily discovered not just a job but a place where she could truly belong. “The environment at Sodexo allows me to be who I really am as a leader and an individual,” she shares. In a landscape that feels like home, Emily felt empowered to innovate and implement change. “It’s easy to build relationships at all levels; everyone is so friendly and easy to connect with.” She recalls a moment when Managing Director Keith shared his sentiment with her: “Emily, you’re a Sodexo person,” cementing that Sodexo is the right fit for her.

A Place to Belong, Act, and Thrive

Emily’s journey at Sodexo is a testament to the company’s dedication to growth, inclusivity, and support. In finding a place where she could truly be herself, Emily discovered a community that nurtures both her professional and personal growth while allowing her adventurous spirit to flourish. She sums up her experience with a sense of fulfilment, “The potential for growth and the supportive environment makes Sodexo a place where everyone can thrive.”

Today, Sodexo has become more than just a job for Emily; it’s a family where she feels valued and professionally fulfilled.

Join Emily at Sodexo and discover how we can empower you to build a career where you belong to a team, act with purpose, and thrive in your own way!