Five minutes with Vicki
The longest serving Jensen PLUS employee, Vicki White has seen the highs and lows, and has been integral to the business’s evolution and success.
As Business Manager, Vicki is the backbone of our team, keeping us on track and accountable, and the business ticking along smoothly.
Vicki found time in her busy week to share a bit more about herself and why Jensen PLUS has been a big part of her life for the last 26 years.
When did you start working with Jensen PLUS?
I first started in 1998 when the business was owned by Peter Jensen and named Jensen Planning + Design.
What led you to Jensen Planning + Design?
My professional background had been varied prior to taking the position with Jensen Planning + Design, having worked in retail, medical and at the Burnie Arts Centre in Tasmania — where I am originally from.
After relocating to Adelaide, I had been working in administration roles in strata and serviced offices when a job advertisement for Jensen Planning + Design caught my attention.
How has your role and career evolved over the years?
My first role was essentially administration. This progressed to front office and then to Office Manager, responsible for the day-to-day running of the business.
Now as Business Manager I oversee the functioning of the business from accounts and contracts to finance and tenders, ensuring that the business runs smoothly for the team and our clients. It’s a challenge, but one that I enjoy!
How have you seen the business evolve?
There’s been a lot of change! Technology has been one of the biggest influencers of our evolution — being part of the initial switch to digital was big but this is something that continues to evolve and enhance what we offer our clients.
We also work on far more larger interstate projects now which would have been more challenging to secure when I first started working in the business.
As the team has evolved, so has our understanding and awareness of our footprint. Over time, we have shifted towards a carbon neutral focus for our operations and to positively influence our projects.
It’s also been great to be part of the strategic development and focus on our values and how these influence and shape our work.
What do you consider the highlights of the last 26 years?
Firstly, achieving our Carbon Neutral Certification under the Australian Government’s Climate Active program was a huge success and one that I am very proud of.
It was and is an intensive piece of work to attain this accreditation but it was integral to the business’s focus on sustainability and taking action to address climate change.
Secondly, hosting our 30th year milestone celebration in April this year was incredibly rewarding. It was lovely to see so many people we have worked with in one room sharing memories and getting excited for the future.
What do you consider to be your most valuable qualities that you bring to the Jensen PLUS team and our clients?
By nature of our work we must focus on the detail but I make sure to keep an eye on the ‘big picture’ so we don’t lose focus of our direction and objectives.
I pride myself on being a team player — I am committed to providing a good service for my colleagues and our clients and ensuring we support each other to get the job done and done well.
What inspires your work?
My work and responsibilities continue to evolve which means I am always learning and improving with purpose. This ensures that every day is interesting but challenging — exactly what I need to stay engaged and inspired!
Despite her long career with Jensen PLUS, Vicki says it’s not the length of time you work for a business, it’s how you evolve and establish yourself that counts.
