| |
 |
Sharnelle McCloed
Who are you and what do you do at Deloitte?
I work in Interim Financial Services within Business Process Outsourcing
(BPO). As a manager, I spend most of my time working at client
offices. These are generally short-term assignments, which in
my case have been extended for much longer periods. My current
client is a perfect example of this. I was out in South Africa
and received a message from the office I would start a 3-month
assignment the day I flew back to London. Close on 3 years later
I am still at said client. This has become my ‘trade mark’,
which amuses my colleagues.
Why Deloitte? What motivated you to join us in the UK?
If you want to work for the best in South Africa, then Deloitte
would have to be at the top of your list. My UK move is more interesting
and explains why Deloitte in an employer of choice. After spending
5 years at Deloitte pushing myself because of the pleasure I got
from achieving and overcoming impossible challenges, a visit to
the doctors changed that. At the age of 25, to hear I had high
blood pressure was a real shock. I decided I would stop doing
what I loved - my work - and take a year out to travel. During
this time, one of our South African partners, Bertie Loots arranged
an interview with the London office and subsequently Mary Reilly
agreed my secondment here.
Have you had a mentor (or role model) who contributed to your
success as a professional? How did that person impact your career?
I have had a number of mentors over a period of time. Each of
them has made an impact at key points in my life and my career,
but three stand out for me:
First, my mother – I think it was written in the stars
that my mother would forever and always be a key role model in
my life. She displays amazing strength and commitment to developing
herself both at home and work. She also instilled a key belief
that anything can be achieved if you are committed enough to the
outcome. The look of pride on her face when I tell her of any
of my achievements at work is such a pleasure to me.
Second, Trish Walters (Partner, Deloitte SA) – Trish interviewed
and appointed me at Deloitte SA (Johannesburg). All I wanted was
to get into Deloitte, which was considered one of the best in
SA. My first assignment was at Nedcor (major bank in SA) all on
my own. This was a big risk given I had no real experience and
would be working directly with senior management. The 2.5 years
at the Johannesburg office developed my technical, practical and
interpersonal skills, which are integral to my job. I will always
be grateful for the trust and faith she and the partners had in
my ability because at the time I had no idea what I was capable
of.
And finally, Bertie Loots (Partner, Deloitte SA) - Bertie encouraged
me to do whatever I needed to do order to achieve my development
goals. The result of this was that over 2.5 years at any given
time I was juggling 5 clients, was acting as mentor to other people
and had internal responsibilities at the office. I thrived at
work as I was challenged 110% of the time. Bertie has become not
only a mentor but a very good friend.
Tell us a bit more about yourself?
Daughter and sister (there for older brother’s amusement),
expensive gift buying aunt according to my 8 year old nephew,
godmother to the same nephew. Nurse to my broken armed boyfriend
(which works well as he is twice my weigh), DJ boyfriend’s
groupie (see a theme developing here), brilliant shopper, confidant,
advisor, friend, mediator, and professional problem solver. |
