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.

As the Village Manager of Mesa H, Raquael oversees a range of responsibilities from people management to operations and client services.  Managing a site with 447 rooms, particularly in a shutdown/construction camp, presents unique challenges, including seasonal impacts such as cyclones and floods.  Despite these obstacles, Raquael finds fulfilment in fostering a supportive community, ensuring smooth operations, and delivering excellent service to clients and residents. 

Change Brings Opportunity 

"My favourite aspect of FIFO work is the financial stability and work-life balance it offers, thanks to the 8:6 roster," Raquael shared.  "The professional growth I've experienced underscores the positive impact my career has had.  At the heart of my success is my family, who have supported me since I moved from New Zealand to Australia at the age of 20." 

"I've taken deliberate steps to refine my communication style, ensuring that my words are clear and respectful.  I've also changed the way I present myself, projecting a professional demeanour in all situations,” she shared. 

“Additionally, I've developed more effective strategies for managing tasks and responsibilities, allowing me to approach challenges with a focused mindset.  Most importantly, I've shifted my perspective, embracing a more positive and open-minded view of the world around me.  This journey has truly reshaped how I interact with others and perceive my role in both personal and professional settings." 

“I think it's really important to get to know the team.  During our pre-start meetings, I always encourage the team to get involved and share their thoughts—it’s crucial to give everyone a voice.  Plus, I make it a point to step away from the computer and have meaningful conversations face-to-face out in the field with our people.  It really makes a difference!” she shared. 

"In my opinion, effective communication is the cornerstone of strong leadership.  Through my experiences in leadership roles, one key lesson that has remained with me is the importance of embracing mistakes as part of the learning process.  I believe that acknowledging and learning from mistakes is essential for personal and professional growth as a leader." 

It Starts with Us 

“My plan is to continue building leaders at Mesa H.  My aspiration is to move to a bigger site and learn different parts of the operations.  I am growing as a leader in general.  I continue to learn and improve myself and bring out the best in everyone.” 

When asked about the legacy she wishes to leave behind, she responded, “Every leader aspires to leave a significant mark.  For me, my legacy would be the enduring and progressive culture I've established.” 

“It's not just about the job for me; it's about the people - the team, the residents.  I'm passionate about fostering positive relationships with our clients and making a real difference in their lives.  And mental health is a big part of that for me.  I want to be the manager that everyone feels comfortable coming to, knowing they have my full support." 

Raquael’s journey from the small town of Tirau to becoming a Village Manager at Sodexo is a story of resilience, growth, and the power of heritage.  Her commitment to her team, her ability to navigate challenges, and her dedication to professional excellence make her an invaluable asset to the Sodexo family.