Directors’ Circle – Suzanne Brown, McKays Solicitors
If I’m ever in a big legal battle, I will definitely want Suz on my side. If I’m ever up against her, you can bet I will be packing my bags and hightailing it out of town. In the best way possible, Suz is a force to be reckoned with – she’s determined like all get out, super inspiring and funny as hell. Just perfect for a Directors’ Circle blog!
What is your next big professional goal? I am currently focused on upskilling and training my team: to expand capacity, ensure we have the best, highly trained team of lawyers, and to build the next generation of McKays. I am also trying to build certain opportunity areas within the practice and personally, working on expanding my own industry knowledge and connections, to become more well-rounded than just straight ‘legal’.
How do you create an awesome work environment? Providing an opportunity for growth and technical learning whilst having fun! We treat our people as our family, and we try to be more than just a workplace – ensuring every individual is valued (no matter what their role) and supported. We try to offer staff lots of little ‘perks’ (such as our monthly cake day, shouting coffees, team and firm events). We are very flexible with our staff and there is always laughter and warmth around the office.
What are some strategies that you would recommend for making the best use of one’s time? Setting goals. I try to start the day with a vision of what I want to finish/achieve for that day as a minimum. I also try to have little ‘burst’ segments of productivity – an “hour of power” or “twenty minutes of power” – to knuckle down and see what I can smash out in that time, then I allow myself a break to walk around and get a coffee, etc.
What happens in a typical day for you? I am always running around – it’s hectic. I oversee a large team of commercial lawyers and paralegals and run a full caseload, together with sitting currently on three external boards as a director. Generally, it’s largely meetings, reading, and paperwork – meeting deadlines, solving problems, and throwing some grenades. I absolutely love what I do – there is so much variety and I never really know what is going to hit my desk. I love the adrenalin rush of negotiating and being under pressure to pull off a miracle fast. I love going to work every day! I have the best clients and I want to be with my team (friends).
Explain yourself in one word. I can’t explain myself in one word! – I’m a lawyer! I would have to say ‘spirited’.
Tell us something about yourself that is not on your LinkedIn profile? I come from a very theatrical and musical family and, in my younger years, was very good at flute and piano. I was even Drum Major in the school marching band in Grade 12. Music and the performing arts is in my blood. I am also quite the dancer.
Fun fact! – Jade’s mum was my Grade 6 Teacher!
What habits that help with your life-work balance? This year, I have been working on trying to be more ‘present’ with my children when I am with them, rather than being constantly glued to my mobile or computer when not at work. They are growing up too fast, and I want to ensure I cherish the time I have with them. I also try to make time for fitness, to look after myself – and I find about the only thing that works for me is having a personal trainer – who I have to go and meet, so there are no excuses or weaselling out! I also try to have things to look forward to and focus on living a happy, authentic life surrounded by good friends.
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