Podcast on Spotify

Podcast on YouTube

Show Notes

Sue Hardman has always wanted to be a communications professional focused on words and communication. Sue was accepted into the Otis elevator graduate program when she graduated. The graduate program was a fantastic start to her career because she spent time training in every aspect of the business.

Steel cap boots, overalls and construction sites became familiar experiences, servicing elevators all over Sydney and Brisbane. Otis had a manufacturing site in Minto (Western Sydney) where elevators and escalators were manufactured. Sue was appointed as the PR manager. The key learned experience here was how important a diverse workforce is for a productive and thriving environment.

After Otis Sue picked up a temp assignment in an Agriculture and Construction machinery manufacturer, The Case Corporation, in St Mary’s, Western Sydney. Eventually, the MD created a PR role for Sue. The PR role included internal and external communications responsibilities, advertising, and marketing.

The factory became the headquarters for Asia Pacific. Sue took on a role in setting up machinery dealerships in the Asia Pacific. The Asia Pacific exposure exposed her to various cultures, businesses and leadership styles.

The global organisation asked Sue to take on a more global communications role which led to an ex-pat assignment in the Midwest of the US.

While in the US, Sue had a child and completed an executive MBA. The scope and size of the assignment were much more significant than anything else she could have found in Australia.

In the end, people do business with people.

After September 11, 2001, Sue returned to Australia and started his own business. This year is the 21st anniversary of Hardman Communications.

We are business people first and communications experts 2nd. Understanding how the business works and how things are on the shop floor is critical to understand the whole business.

The employees are the brand come to life. The employer needs to tap into the superpower of the employee. It is not ideal to have everyone in the organisation look the same. Gender, race, personality and skill profile are all ways to diversity the employees. If people cannot see others like them, hiring a diverse workforce or having everyone in the team reach their potential is challenging. Increased empathy is required to get the best out of all employees.

When an opportunity is presented, the typical response for many women is to ask: “Can I do this new role.” Impostor syndrome is a real thing for women. Women need to back themselves up and surround themselves with advisors they trust.

Sue has clients who have had several career moves, and Hardman Communications has stayed with them. People do business with people. Get to know the client on the business side and the personal front.

Messaging has changed for leaders. It is essential to have a profile. There is no hiding in an office or a boardroom. Walk the floor and be present. Be clear on your values and what legacy you want to leave behind. Manage today but be clear about what is next for you. Companies and leaders need to own their channels of communication. There is nothing that replaces the personal approach with employees and customers. Be empathetic and take the time to see people for who they are. It’s about showing up.

For young people, recognize that you have innate superpowers. Think beyond the basic skills each job demands and consider what you are passionate about and who you are.

In summary:

The evolution: of a career holds many surprises and unknowns. Opportunities that arise need adaptation, a positive disposition and sharing your ideas and the journey.

Attitude: A positive view of work, focused on what your doing and the related challenge.

Get to know the field of business: how does the business work? Use the channel and information available to you.

People: employees are the brand that comes to life, relationships and connections with other people, diversity in the workplace is essential, people do business with people, and take an interest.

Messaging: be present, show up, have a personal approach, be seen, know your value and purpose, think about a legacy, manage today but think about what is next.

Know your superpowers: what is it you bring to the opportunity?