Aly joined The Ortus Club seeking to put her event management and project planning skills to the test. Today, she is on a mission to share her knowledge and skills as a Team Lead and a natural-born communicator, who loves collaborating with others..

Tell us something about yourself and how you got started with The Ortus Club.

I was always attentive to details during high school and college. When my friends and I would go on trips, I would take the reigns on organisation and planning. In addition, I would pitch and propose school-wide events to our organisation heads. I would always look back at the achievement of getting approved, making all the collaterals, planning the theme, and working out the logistics. I was also thankful for my events management and project planning subjects that taught me how to mitigate risks and what it takes to be hands-on and on-field.

After my graduation, I started job hunting. Many event companies were not looking to hire an event planner during the pandemic, but I saw on my college job posting page that The Ortus Club was hiring. That’s how I started as a project coordinator for the company.

Tell us about your role. What’s your strategy to get things done?

In a year, I went through a series of job promotions. I started as a project coordinator, where I would handle two project events every month. I was tested on how well I dealt with the pressure, managed my time, and organised my tasks. I loved my first role in the company because it pushed my growth, creativity, and problem-solving.

After nine months, I was allowed to become an Assistant Team Lead. This meant that I would take charge of training new project coordinators. It is a vital role because I would teach the tactics and strategies necessary to succeed.

Today, I’m a Senior Project Director, managing a team of project coordinators. My responsibilities are focused on checking all of their events and ensuring they have all their processes and systems aligned. I always do weekly check-ins and provide assistance if they’re struggling with their tasks.

Can you name anyone who has had a lasting, positive impact on your career? What did they do for you?

My first and foremost motivator is my sister. If it wasn’t for her, then I wouldn’t be so career-driven. Usually, I would just go with the flow. But because she suggests that I try many things, I can take the initiative and find out what I want to do. She’s also my role model in my career because she’s thriving in hers. So, I want to follow in her footsteps and be as established as her.

I owe my growth to my team lead. She helped me adjust and taught me to take ownership of what I do and strive to be the best. One thing I love is her constant constructive criticism, plus she corrects my mistakes. As a leader, I also want to be like her.

How’s your experience of The Ortus Club changed since joining the company?

It was an absolute rollercoaster ride. When I got in the company, we were only about twenty people, but now we’re well over a hundred. The growth is evident. As a result, today’s overall experience has improved substantially, and the company culture has progressed along with everyone’s leadership skills.

“The Ortus Club is the best place for you to learn. It’s a certified way of putting yourself out there and getting things done through communication and collaboration.”

What keeps you here?

I want to see myself bloom into the leader I want to be. I still have much to learn and work on, such as speaking up and improving my quick thinking skills. I want to feel motivated and empowered so that I can help provide solutions. As a leader, I want to be that beacon of inspiration to others and help them achieve their goals.

Why should others follow (and join)?

If you’re a great team player, I think The Ortus Club is the best place for you to learn. Personally, I enjoy our dynamic where we collaborate with different teams because it helps us develop critical thinking skills and boosts our confidence to ask questions. It’s a certified way of putting yourself out there and getting things done through communication and collaboration.

What’s been your proudest moment?

My proudest moment was having all of my projects marked ‘Excellent’ in one quarter. Because I handled so many events, the company awarded me with the Project Management Award, signifying my prowess in handling an incredible amount of work throughout the year. Additionally, I was able to get the leadership role that I wanted.

Another moment I’m proud of is my teammates telling me that I inspire them to strive for better in their current roles. Getting that validation from my team meant that my leadership style was working for them, and they were learning and experiencing what they needed to.

What’s your favourite thing to do after work?

I love to take my time sleeping, shopping, and eating. Going out for leisure at whatever pace I’m at is my favourite thing to do when I’m not working. Sometimes, I like to mix things up and just do something that I haven’t done before. As long as it’s something unexpected, unscheduled, or new, I’ll be using my time exploring many experiences after work with myself and my team.