In this Newsletter addition we feature Associate Tony Raven and learn a little more about his life’s journey. Tony has been an Associate since 2020 and is very active in project work with clients.
1. We value your contribution to CT Management Group; what drew you to becoming a consultant?
Consulting with CT Management Group provided a perfect combination of flexible work arrangements, capability and time to undertake more professional development, and professional satisfaction helping clients achieve their objectives.
2. What is your specialist area, and why are you interested in that field?
I specialise in governance, risk and probity services.
I believe that these are elements that are vital for effective execution of the strategic objectives that benefit communities. Honesty and integrity in governance helps maintain public confidence in decision-makers and administrations and enhances public trust in the system of local government and delivery of community services.
I also have broader council experience having worked with asset management frameworks, performance reporting, finance, leasing, licensing, safety, environment, cemeteries and saleyards.
3. As an Associate, what aspects of your engagement have you found satisfying?
It is extremely satisfying helping clients get to where they want to be. The support provided by the CT Management Group team to do this is first class.
4. What would be two key learnings you have taken from your engagements?
Firstly, encouraging consistent and ongoing mutual and proactive sharing of information to enable realistic expectations of our involvement and ensure our engagements stay on track.
The second key learning is to build a collaborative environment where we are involved early, work as part of their team, and are given context for their objectives, allowing us to tailor work effectively and to add value by solving real problems for them, rather than just completing tasks superficially.
5. Do you feel a Councils appreciation for the contribution you have made to a project or placement?
In my experience, I have found that we generally get some good quality feedback about the value of most of our engagements. Often, this is in the form of return or ongoing projects or placements.
6. When you are away from work, how do you relax?
Travelling around Australia.
7. Is there something you’d like to tell us about yourself that you think would surprise us?
Early in my career, and well before my local government jobs, I managed national parks, wildlife reserves and state forests in Western Australia where I am honoured to have a very popular Lane Poole Reserve camping area named after me – Tony’s Bend.
8. In a world with so many leaders and achievers – is there one person that gives you inspiration, why?
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States – he was a humble man with a quiet leadership style at a time when civil war totally divided his country. He was able to make hard decisions, he could inspire others, he was persistent and determined, and he had high integrity and strong moral values.