Raquael de Thierry - Village Manager of Mesa H

Raquael de Thierry is from New Zealand, specifically the small town of Tirau in the Waikato region of the North Island. She identifies as New Zealand Māori, and her background and heritage have significantly shaped her professional journey. With 27 years of life experience, including three and a half years of significant professional development, Raquael's journey is a testament to the influence of her roots. 

Raquael's career began in the hospitality industry at the age of 15. She gained experience working in various settings, including small cafes, breweries, restaurants, and pubs across New Zealand. This early exposure to hospitality prepared her for the learnings and responsibilities she would later face in her role at Sodexo. 

In 2021, she started her FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) career during the uncertainties of COVID-19. Starting this new chapter with a three-month-old baby boy, she faced mixed emotions and challenges but was driven by the need to provide for her family. 

Despite previous unsuccessful attempts to enter the FIFO industry, the pandemic's demand for additional workforce turned in her favour, leading to her position in the casual pool at Mesa H Village. Rapidly progressing through roles, Raquael moved from being a casual utility worker to a Village Manager at Mesa H Village in the space of three and a half years, highlighting her remarkable adaptability and leadership. 

“I was a bit nervous coming up, and I had mixed emotions. It was challenging to begin with, but I needed to do it for my family; it was a sacrifice I was willing to take,” she shared. 

Leaders Within 

Unfamiliar with Sodexo before applying, Raquael's interest was piqued by the company's reputation in the catering industry. Being a part of the Sodexo team has been transformative, with senior leaders and colleagues playing pivotal roles in boosting Raquael’s confidence and shaping her into an effective leader. Her ascent to the role of Village Manager was fuelled by opportunities to fill in managerial gaps, eventually leading her to seize the position with determination. 

“Throughout my career at Sodexo, I've had the opportunity to transition into six different roles. Among these, the Assistant Village Manager (AVM) position was a great learning opportunity for me. This was my first experience in a managerial role, which meant I had to start learning everything from scratch.” 

“During this time, I gained a valuable insight: making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. It happens to everyone and is crucial for our growth and development,” she explained. 

“The Regional Managers and more experienced team mates, played a pivotal role in shaping my perspective and enhancing my confidence. Their guidance opened my eyes to new possibilities. I have undergone a profound transformation, and I now strive to bring out the very best in my team, nurturing their talents and supporting their growth. ‘You embody the essence of a leader as well,’” she said.