60 seconds with… Marlies Shaw
Marlies Shaw was engaged by UWS Information Technology Services as Practice Change Manager to support the smooth transition of a significant change project – IT Service Management – into IT Services and UWS more broadly. “Although I work in IT, my focus is on helping people through change,” says Marlies. “It means making the right training and support available for go-live and beyond. Supporting people through change can be challenging but when you succeed and people start to see change as positive, it’s really rewarding.”
How long have you worked at UWS and what’s the best thing about working here?
I’ve been working at UWS for 16 months. The best thing about working at UWS is working with so many enthusiastic and committed people. Staff are lovely and working on a nice campus is an added bonus.
Which campus are you based on?
I started at Werrington North and moved to Hawkesbury. With all that lovely open space and gardens it’s easy to go for a lunchtime walk and enjoy the sun and fresh air. Being an animal lover, I enjoy seeing the deer and Clydesdale horses – sure beats inner-city high rises.
What is your favourite place on one of the UWS campuses and why?
I love the computer labs – they didn’t have those when I went to uni! I’m always excited about the great teaching facilities when we run training sessions.
When you’re not at work, what will we find you doing?
I’ve just acquired another horse after a long break, so I’m trying to educate him that there is life after racing (i.e. dressage). We’re both a bit rusty, so I try to get lessons as often as I can.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I grew up in Germany and really only recall wanting to work with animals and people. Australia has turned out to be a great place for doing both.
What was your first job?
My first job was working as a wool testing technician at the Australia Wool Testing Authority during university breaks. To inform wool sales, we received wool samples which were tested for strength, quality and how much waste they contained. It was fun, although I often came home smelling like sheep.
What has been your greatest success?
Professionally, I have been involved with a number of large-scale change projects across NSW public sector agencies (e.g. transitioning to new rostering, payroll and self-service systems) but my most rewarding role has been to build commitment for “the people side of change”. Change doesn’t need to be scary.
On a personal level, I have two ‘kids’ about to complete their university studies and embark on their chosen careers – that’s rewarding, too.
If you could go to just one country in the world for a vacation, which country would it be and why?
This is a difficult one. I’ve already travelled extensively, but I’d love to visit Antarctica. It’s one of the few untouched places left on earth and so different to normal holiday destinations.
What are your favourite book, movie and/or album?
Again, a hard choice. I’m an avid reader so professionally I like any books by Jim Collins (Built to Last, Good to Great, Great by Choice) but I really can’t go past Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I didn’t like it when I was at school but since then have re-read it lots of times and I still enjoy it. The movie isn’t bad either.
If you could invite anyone to dinner who would it be and why?
Gandhi or Martin Luther King – they were the ultimate change agents. I’d love to hear their personal reflections on change.
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