A fresh perspective on outsourced services from Red Alert's Wayne Michell

Growing up in Eshowe Wayne owns that he experienced an unusually happy and balanced upbringing.?As the son of a full-time Minister, Wayne credits his father as being his absolute rock: his role model and mentor.?“One of the earliest lessons that I learned at my father’s knee was that the best laid plans are often wont to go awry.”

Fueled by a distinct creative bent Wayne followed his heart and completed a degree in Industrial Design at Wits.?This led to what was to be his career path for the next fifteen years and contributed to some of the happiest times of his life.?Wayne established his own Industrial Design business providing turnkey solutions for corporate interiors.?During this time, he proceeded to push the boundaries of innovation and creativity – his admittedly prime driving forces – which amounted to several personal and career achievements of which he remains understandably gratified.

In 2019, Wayne was approached and recruited by Joanne Kruger to head up the Red Alert Johannesburg Cleaning and Hygiene division. And so those best laid plans went by the wayside.?But what a journey it has been!

During his three years as a part of the Red Alert team, Wayne feels honoured to have gained from the invaluable, and myriad, lessons and learnings. “I have been fortunate enough to have been welcomed without reserve into the fold and have been able to share, and hone, my business management skills and knowledge to the best advantage of the Red Alert group.?I pride myself on living the company ethos of driving creativity and innovation that streamline and improve processes and outcomes.” Wayne ardently affirms.

When engaging with any of the extended Red Alert family he finds himself often taken aback at the sheer, unbridled passion that governs the Red Alert “tribe”.?He is particularly cognizant of the unusual stance of “people over profits” which is held by Red Alert, and which shines through at every level.?In his lived experience, the “it’s not my job” attitude simply does not exist at Red Alert.

This curiously remarkable position inspires Wayne to both give of and BE the very best version of himself every day.?With over 650 people reporting to him daily, Wayne certainly has his hands full but does not view this as a trial – instead he takes extraordinary pleasure in what he terms “a journey of discovery and continuous learning.”

As a self-confessed career father, and husband Wayne tries to find that distinct work-home life balance. Much of his spare time is taken up by his involvement as a lay minister which although heartening, fulfilling and life-affirming, doesn’t leave Wayne with a great deal of time to relax and unwind.

“I remain grateful that I can bring these skills to the fore, as part of the management team of Red Alert. I would like to be remembered for my contributions to building a division that celebrates diversity, grace and compassion – not only towards my staff but my clients by extension.” says Wayne modestly.

So, what does the future hold for this quietly confident young man? “In terms of my growth plans in the short-term, I would like to fully immerse myself in the creative and innovate processes necessary to foster, and promote, shared success.” he concludes.