We know there’s one thing that really sets us apart: our people. In this new series, we take you behind the scenes with people from all over DB Results and show you what really makes us tick.
I’m Michelle Marchewka, but that’s a mouthful, so call me Mish.
My official title is Office Manager, but I’ve got my hands in a lot of departments – I’ve been around for a while. I like to say that I work within the engine room of DB Results. So, making sure that the business runs smoothly, and that everything’s taken care of behind the scenes so that the execs and the consultants can focus on delivering for our customers.
There isn’t an average day as an office manager! It varies, it’s very extreme. This is my 12th year at DB Results, so people come to me for anything from, “when did this office open?” to “what Christmas charity did we donate to in 2009?” But on a day-to-day basis, it would be about timesheets, financial support, a bit of HR – onboarding new employees, and obviously the offices in Melbourne and Sydney.
I was responsible for the refurbishment and relocation to our new Melbourne offices, the ones we’re in now on Collins Street – that would probably be a career highlight. As an internal employee rather than a consultant, that was a huge project for me to undertake – with some support, thank God! I sourced the location – I had a large wishlist from our CEOs Andrew Dean and Gavin Bunshaw, as well as from staff who would say, oh, I’d love a shower, I’d love a locker room, I’d love a little area where we can play games. I think I ticked off every box when we found a location. And then it was dealing with the designers to make it right: we gutted it, got new furniture and fixings, and then arranged the transfer of all our equipment from our little office on Little Collins St, new internet connections, comms to staff etc. Plus all the little bits and pieces that you don’t think of until they come up on the day, or that someone else has thought about and asked you. So yeah, it was big task, but a great experience! That was a massive achievement for me personally.
I was also involved in relocating the Sydney office – I flew up to Sydney and I think I did about 25,000 steps that day, walking through the CBD. I think I looked at about 10 to 15 properties on that one day. And again, there was a particular location we wanted and wishlist items. We managed to get a brand-new office with all new furniture included. It’s very modern and sleek, so everyone’s happy. It’s a big change from where we were in Hunter Street.
I’m an ex-ballet dancer and I also used to teach. I started ballet from the age of three or four, and I still dabble in it occasionally, when I get the time. I went to the Victorian College of the Arts, I did up until Year 12 there. Throughout my career I won a scholarship to train over in London for a few weeks, I also did some more training in New Zealand. That was my life for a long time. It ended with an injury, and it was probably a bit of a blessing. I would have been retired by now, and you know, I’m 37, it’s a bit of a sad prospect. And then what? It’s nice to have stability now. I got into administrative work and I was an executive assistant for a long time, then moved into DB Results.
I don’t want to sound tacky, but I really don’t have a worst part of my job. I love my job. I love that every day is different. And I get to work with – I call them my friends. They’re my colleagues, but I get to work with my friends. The best part is definitely who I work with.
Away from DB Results, I’m the mum of two active boys! So they keep me busy. And since lockdown, I’ve become a pretty good online shopper! Aside from that, I’ve got a great core group of friends and we love catching up regularly, enjoying good food, good wine, and we all love a bit of a dance.
A perfect Friday night is just the simple things: great friends, great music, and if there’s a babysitter, that’s a bonus!
Want to find out more about the fantastic people behind DB Results?
Next up meet Renee Cook: Lead Consultant, Designer and Karate Champ
