Michelle

I joined Capgemini Australia in August 2020, leading our Strategy & Alliance for ServiceNow. My role involves strategy, managing our alliance with ServiceNow, and building and maintaining relationships –ensuring every level is connected.  

Tell us about your Journey to Capgemini?  

I just fell into technology; I don’t have a technology background, but a background in history. There was a job opening on an IT Service Desk that I was recommended. I was hesitant because I had no technical knowledge; however, that was what they wanted; they had way too many tech-focused people and needed someone to be the voice of the customer. I decided to take the plunge, and so happy I did. Through this role, I got exposed to IT Service Management – and I fell in love with the process improvement side of things. That IT Service Management exposure led me to become an SME in ITIL and to hold several roles both on the customer side and in consulting. 10 years ago, I had the opportunity to be part of the first large ServiceNow implementation in this region; I have been part of the ServiceNow ecosystem ever since. Fast forward a decade, and I found my dream role in my dream Company at Capgemini.   

What makes Capgemini different? 

I’m loving life at Capgemini. It is the organisation I’d wanted to work for in many ways, but didn’t realise it until I was here! Working at a start-up was fun and innovative – the attitude there is to try-fail-try again. Capgemini has many elements of that same entrepreneurial spirit, where new ideas are supported. As is often said here, you can ‘lead from any chair’. The culture is fantastic – it’s a global organisation and our culture knows no borders. It’s a lot easier than some other organisations, which are also international brands, to navigate and collaborate. 

When I joined Capgemini to grow the Service Now practice, it happened to be during Women@Capgemini month – and my first impression of our company was brilliant, and it hasn’t changed.  

When asked to speak about STEM, I make it a point to talk about STEAM and the importance of the A – Arts. Communication, creativity, problem-solving, organisation is all equally important for technology alongside traditional developer skillsets.

How is Capgemini providing the future you want?  

What I want to do next is possible with Capgemini, I see my future at Capgemini, and that simple fact really says a lot. I’ve taken the leap to progress to the next step earlier, which meant looking for a change to a new organisation, and that’s how I ended up at Capgemini – here you get to choose and plan the path you’d like to follow. 

What is your advice to budding leaders? 

The most significant piece of advice is to believe in yourself. Take a chance when it is presented to you. Even if it doesn’t work out – it will be a learning experience. These are the experiences that lead to opening doors of the greatest opportunities! 

What is an experience that you hold close to you – that has touched you? 

I joined during lockdown last year. So, it was all virtual, from the interview to onboarding and beginning work. I was nervous going to the office earlier this year and faced a lot of glitches before arriving at the work floor. I’d walked up the stairs and accidentally swung open a door, making a grand entrance; I remember as soon as the door of the floor opened – everyone greeted me with so much love and cheering – I felt so welcome.