Meet Hayley Connage, PMO Manager at INSTANDA

What do you do in your current role?

Within our PMO (project management office) world, we’re really here to ensure that projects stay on track and to have mechanisms (Reports, dashboards, meetings, etc.) in place to signal ahead of time if we see that they’re veering off course. I’ve dubbed my department the PMO Police and it’s really about ensuring that our wider team; Client Delivery – Project Managers, Configs & UI are supported, have what they need to do their job as easily as possible and the appropriate processes to follow so that we can report up to Senior Management.

Could you tell us a little about life before INSTANDA?

I had a few software gigs prior to INSTANDA, all in different areas of IT…prior to that I worked in Pizza Hut head office which was super fun and I found that I was indirectly chasing that office buzz with each new job.

What led you to this career?

I left university not really knowing what I wanted to do in all honesty. I was pursuing my passion of music; performing and organising events but still needed something to hold me down financially. I swam through a few different industries and jobs until I landed in Project Management, then settled within IT. It’s from being in Project Management that I grew to really love the PMO space so I reached that fork in the road and decided to make that pivot to focus down the PMO path.

What attracted you to INSTANDA?

I must admit, the interview process was thorough, but once I joined INSTANDA I understood why because the calibre of employees is fantastic. Also they’re very good at recognising consistent people who work hard, and there is scope to grow which was important for me.

Everyone is friendly, and the standard of work from pretty much everyone is high plus we’re all a team. No islands! Which always helps.

What’s one thing that surprised you about working at INSTANDA when you joined?

Everyone was super friendly, and considering I joined during the pandemic – INSTANDA already felt like a well oiled machine during my onboarding process. Everyone is super chill; which I love. I don’t enjoy micro-management and that’s something that I have not experienced since being here so that has been great.

Tell us about your career progression at INSTANDA to date

I started off as a PMO Analyst in 2020 and through focus, determination and hard work – I’ve been promoted twice since then into my current role of PMO Manager.

What have you been most proud of in your work to date?

Generally I’m quite proud of everything I’ve done to date; and I appreciate that is pretty broad…but I’ve found myself dipping my hands in many pies and trying to build on the cohesive and collaboration that all of us crave in the work place. I am however, very proud of a new software partnership that my department is about to launch into the business. It’s going to streamline the way in which we do project management, interact with our stakeholders and the way in which we report. Super exciting stuff – so Standby!

What traits do you feel have made you successful at INSTANDA?

Being focused, collaborative, putting people first and getting on with it!

What do you enjoy most about working here?

The people and the recognition for the hard work I’ve done. No one wants to be somewhere where they don’t feel appreciated – I’ve already been there and worn that t-shirt many times, so being at INSTANDA has truly been a breath of fresh air for me.

Could you tell us more about the culture at INSTANDA?

The people are awesome and you can truly make some friends for life. Outside of that, INSTANDA is an exciting platform with so much growth potential as a business and also where career progression is concerned. So if you want it – it’s yours to have.

If a new starter asked you for advice in their first month of being here, what would you say?

Fill your calendar with 20 minute meet & greets with people; especially if you intend to work more remotely (like me)… but also, when you can – get in the office and mingle. Everyone is great and it definitely helps make the working days easier.

When you're not working, what are you doing?

Enjoying time with my family, probably cooking, serving up cocktails, or singing!