6 minute read
Having worked with a diverse range of organisations, such as Swarovski, the Rugby Football Union and the Institute of Cancer Research, alumna Natalie Ho has learned that being adaptable in the workplace is a vital asset.
Currently working at Tiffany & Co in Sydney as a Senior Commercial Analyst, she continues to learn valuable professional lessons and believes that “business acumen can’t only be learned from books.”
Natalie graduated from the ANU College of Business and Economics (CBE) with a Bachelor of Commerce in 2014, while simultaneously acquiring her professional accounting qualifications with CPA Australia.
Q. Can you tell us about your role at Tiffany & Co?
In my Senior Commercial Analyst role at Tiffany & Co (T&Co), I improve and influence their standards of service by integrating forward-looking financial planning and analysis with insights from sales and customer data.
Using this high-level strategic information, I assist business partners and stakeholders in identifying gaps and opportunities that we could capitalise on.
So far, my career path at T&Co has been a brilliant one, with plenty of opportunities to learn and grow from almost all segments of the business. I’ve found that strong business acumen cannot be learned only from books. With the great leadership and guidance within T&Co, I believe I will develop strong organisational skills and be equipped to manage any business, regardless of the industry.
At T&Co, I have discovered that the key to success is effectively implementing soft skills such as communication, teamwork, adaptability and creative problem solving.
Q. Why is workplace adaptability so important?
Workplace adaptability is a key soft skill that I have developed through working across different organisations. The trick to achieving it is to always listen, have an open mind and be eager to learn from those around you, as you will meet all sorts of people with varying knowledge throughout your career.
It is important to learn from the different mentors, managers and stakeholders you work with; your growth mindset will accelerate if you draw from a wide pool of expertise. This, in turn, will naturally strengthen your technical abilities and refine your soft skills. I think this helps people excel in their careers and other ventures in life.
Moreover, networking within your company, and especially outside of your division or department, is key to your immersion into any workplace. It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.
I strongly believe that workplace adaptability supersedes technical skills when you move up in your career.
Q. What have you learned about customer experience during the COVID-19 pandemic?
From my experience, it was clear that customers, who had a great shopping experience at T&Co in the past, came back and continued shopping with us throughout the pandemic. Therefore, engaging with these loyal members was our priority, to ensure they felt special and cared for. Providing this kind of positive service has resulted in increased sales when lockdowns in Australia have been lifted.
COVID-19 has highlighted that companies need to deliver experiential customer experiences to succeed in an already competitive and overcrowded retail space.
Q. Where to now for the luxury goods industry?
With the rise of e-commerce, luxury goods will need to adapt to accommodate changing shopping habits in the post-pandemic world. The winners will likely be the ones who are able to deliver the equivalent in-person luxury, customer service and engagement through virtual means, serving convenience to customers from the comforts of their home or the simple tap of their mobile.
Q. How did your degree at CBE prepare you for your career?
My degree at CBE and living away from home not only prepared me for a career in finance, but also provided me with necessary life skills. My experience at CBE has shaped my way of thinking, and my communication and problem-solving skills, which have enabled me to grow in my career and personal-life. I wouldn’t change a thing.
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