Tell us about your current role
I currently work in Perth, W.A as a Digital Core Cloud Solution Sales Specialist. This role allows me to work with all industry and client accounts across W.A involving anything and everything ‘Digital Core’ in the cloud!
What inspired you to have a career in SAP?
Being able to work for SAP was always something I had as a goal in my professional career due to the incredible reach and influence SAP has. When I achieved this last year, I felt like I had accomplished a career milestone – to be able to work and contribute to an organisation that is so pivotal in the technology and innovation space is something that I am proud of everyday. Working at SAP allows me to bring the best resources, applications and platforms to our clients in order to help them be best run businesses.
Tell us about your career journey in tech / SAP to date
I started my tertiary studies in Information Systems, however, I have diversified along the way. I lived and worked overseas for two years and I returned to Perth in 2009 where I gained my first technical role, as Technical Support Consultant for an accounting software provider. I have since discovered my passion is for client facing roles, which is how I came to work within a commercial capacity in the technology industry. I’ve been in roles focusing on Workforce Management software, Content & Information Management software and now at SAP within the Digital Core Cloud.
Where does SAP S/4HANA public cloud fit in two-tier ERP?
One size does not necessarily fit all when it comes to determining the best application fit for subsidiaries. Many companies are finding that a two-tier ERP strategy can better drive rapid global growth while increasing efficiencies, reducing costs, and building competitive advantage across the entire subsidiary ecosystem. SAP S/4HANA Cloud, SAP’s intelligent cloud ERP solution, is ideally suited to implement a two-tier ERP solution because it provides the capabilities to ensure that the subsidiary thrives while integrating into Corporate for improved financial management, operational control, and governance.
What are the top 3 barriers to SAP S/4 HANA migration?
For any transformation programme to be successful, an organisation needs to ensure it has the right conditions to successfully deliver the programme. These include: business readiness and timing; resources and capabilities, including change management programme; clear roadmap; and understanding of total cost of ownership.
Transformation can feel like a large undertaking. However, in my role, I work as the link for our clients to ensure their SAP S/4HANA migration projects are smooth and delivered to plan. Activities and resources including SAP’s Digital Transformation Navigator, Discovery Quick Check (Discovery Workshop and Roadmap based on benefits, readiness and capabilities) and Strategic Road Mapping Engagement allows us to bring in the best SAP resources to work with our clients and streamline the planning for a simplified SAP S/4HANA migration project.
How does SAP S/4HANA digital core enable digital transformation?
The best part of my job is helping clients realise innovation through SAP S/4HANA. SAP Digital Core solutions and SAP Leonardo come together in a coherent Digital Business Framework that supports any organisation’s digital transformation journey no matter what their strategic imperatives or tactical priorities are. Through the Digital Core, we can establish a digital transformation roadmap by giving businesses the capability to implement new technologies like machine learning and AI and enable them to make data-driven decisions quickly, delivering them a competitive advantage in the market.
What is the best thing about being a woman in SAP?
SAP is an incredible company to work for when it comes to diversity and inclusion. There are so many opportunities that have opened up to me since I started at SAP. One example of this is having the opportunity to step into the role of co-lead of the SAP Business Women’s Network (BWN) in the Perth Chapter. The SAP BWN is an employee-driven network to help women advance in their careers by sharing professional insights, best practices, education and experience. SAP also has a fantastic Back-to-Work programme that aims to support professionals who are looking to re-enter the workforce after a career break. The program offers project-based assignments complementing skills and experience, as well as practical assistance and opportunities to grow to those who are keen to be a part of SAP. Many who have taken a break to have children welcome this programme.
What does equality mean to you?
Equality is about treating everyone with respect and fairness and recognising everyone’s individuality as a positive attribute. I strongly believe we need to help people to have the same opportunities, rights and resources in this world. Through equality we can achieve diversity which drives innovation and creativity.
What female inspiration have you had in your career?
The most impactful female inspiration I have had in my career (and life) comes from my mother and my sisters. I am very lucky to have such a strong role model in my mother, and my sisters are the epitome of kind, intelligent and successful women.
What inspirational words would you offer to other women?
Challenge yourself, take opportunities, and never be afraid to ask for help along the way. It’s important to have your network of supportive people around you because it will inspire and motivate you to grow and be there to help you through the challenges and bumps in the road. Being authentic, positive and supportive of each other will always result in incredible achievements.
If you would like to be featured in or nominate someone you work with to feature in our "Women making SAP happen" series, email danielle@sapture.com.au
