Interview with Ella Burke

I sat down to interview the lovely, Ella Burke, founder, and owner of Employii!

Questions:

1. Can I have a bit of an introduction.

Hi, I’m Ella and at 26, I’m the owner and founder of Employii, a human resources consultancy and education company in Australia.

2. Please, tell us how you ended in your current profession/position?

After studying HR and Business Management, I commenced my JD in law… I quickly discovered reading that much was not for me, and dropped out after 6 weeks. But I haven’t looked back!

I got a grad position for a Union as an Industrial Officer. We hit the ground running there; the experience was fantastic and I was mentored by a number of Senior IR Officers (who I still keep in touch with today).

Then I moved to an Aged Care and Disability Services organisation with 2,000+ staff. Starting as an HR Officer, I then progressed to Projects Officer (HR) and then promoted to People and Culture Partner for the organisation. I was there for almost 4 years and in my time had exceptional Managers who taught me so much, encouraged me to take opportunities and invested in me as an employee.

However… there was an itch… and more and more, I had to scratch it.

That itch was starting my own business, and that brings us to now. Launching Employii in May 2021, I’m so excited to get the ball rolling.

3. What have been some of the significant highlights of your career?

Launching Employii is definitely the highlight of my career. With so much promise already, it’s exciting to see.

One project that I thoroughly enjoyed was implementing a culture strategy, re-designing and re-launching our new values at my previous employer. Such a meaningful and enjoyable task where I got to meet so many people in the organisation, and get to know why they are so passionate about what they do.

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4. What one thing you did that really helped your career?

1. Have a learning mentality. Learn at every opportunity possible and take every opportunity possible.

2. Get rid of imposter syndrome! Really, nobody knows what they’re doing – they just do it. Don’t let being young in the workforce intimidating… you could be in your 60s and there’s still going to be someone who knows more about your area of expertise than you do, and that’s OK. Because you do it your way. You have value to add. And, if you get stuck, ask. That’s what the best leaders in the world do, so why can’t you??

3. Remember your wellbeing matters. Invest in it.

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?5. The number one guiding principle in your life? You can talk about one or two if there isn’t just one.

Give it a crack.

If it doesn’t work out, fine, at least you tried. The only things I’ve regretted in life are those I never gave a go. I won’t let that happen again.

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6. When are you most in your element?

When I’m surrounding by collaborative, engaging and curious people. Because in these situations you’ve always got something to learn, and you’ve always got something to teach.

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7. What are you most grateful for in your life?

Being surrounded by family and friends who support you. As much as I tell myself to “go for it”, sometimes I need encouragement and reminding that I do have this, and I can do this – and reassurance that if something happens, my family and friends will still be there.

Anyone who laughs at your failure shouldn’t be in your life.

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8. What one opportunity or experience stands out to you as a game changer for you?

Realising the amount of free resources out there for young professionals and start ups. If you look for opportunities, you’ll find them – take them!

I’ve been a part of two mentorship programs so far, and I’m applying for two more.

Podcasts! Google search “best podcasts for xyz” and voila – endless resources at your fingertips!

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9. What were some interesting convictions or beliefs you possessed during your growing up years?

Managers have to be intimidating (I blame Devil Wears Prada for that)… NO they don’t and NO they shouldn’t and NO there is NO benefit with that mentality. Take your ego and put it in the trash. The best managers are leaders. The best managers are the ones you can go to with your problems and you know they’ll listen and empower you to fix it. Miranda Priestly might have looked fabulous, but as far as inspiring leaders go – she doesn’t come close.

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“I’m the only one that makes mistakes.”?Lol… Turns out even the biggest business people in the world make mistakes – only theirs cost millions. If there’s a mistake, address it, analyse it, resolve it, learn from it and share your learnings.

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10. If there was something someone could help you with what that would be?

I’m always open to learning from other people, so my list would be too long!

Just don’t cold sales pitch me. I’m not about that.

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11. If you were to die today, what would you regret not doing? (I wish you a long life though:D)

If I hadn’t started my business, that would be it.

I’m only 26, I could have waited until I had 10 more years’ experience… but why?

I’m confident I have the skills I need to have to start my business and from there I will grow, learn and expand my organisation – just like every other business owner.?