Team Profiles: Human Resources.

Over the past few months, ConneXu’s HR team has welcomed two new people who are forging their way with positive change for the organisation. People & Performance Advisor Catherine Smith and Talent Acquisition Advisor Ty McDonald have joined ConneXu and are proving to be a strong duo, focusing on creating the most positive employee experience for both our new and existing team members.

While both have come from corporate backgrounds and are new to working with a not-for-profit, both Catherine and Ty say joining the ConneXu team gives them more heart and purpose in their work.

Catherine says, “here, our disabled partners are at the front of mind for everything we do. And we are working with a great team who are all working towards ConneXu’s purpose and vision. Our community facilitators do an incredible job, and they have hearts of gold, and are so genuine in their work – and that makes it special,”

“Our biggest asset here is our people.”

Let’s learn a little more about Catherine and Ty!

CATHERINE SMITH: People & Performance Advisor

Catherine has been at ConneXu for three months. Her role handles all facets of HR/ER and culture within the organisation, including supporting the Talent Acquisition space in terms of talent attraction and retention, plus also focuses on employee value proposition, which is measuring metrics about what makes ConneXu a desirable and great place to work! To top it Catherine is also the go to for immigration related matters.

“We are really focusing on how we can continue to improve the positive work experience and culture here at ConneXu for our current team members and those coming on board with us, and continue to be a desirable place to work, and be part of our team,” she says.

Outside of work, Catherine is all about being active whether it’s at her local gym, walking her golden retriever or tending to collection of pets and gardens on her property. Even as a busy mum to three kids (two teenagers and an eight-year-old), Catherine finds time to volunteer with her local community, providing consulting advice and accounts support as required.

What makes her tick? Collaborating with others to drive positive change for ConneXu, the people within the organisation and those we partner with, she says.

“Seeing the fruits of your labour is great. Knowing that our staff and partners are ultimately benefitting from the work our team are doing. I moved to ConneXu to have a greater meaning in my work and to gain that feel good factor that working for large international corporates does not provide. When the work that you do helps others on a day-to-day basis, directly or indirectly, then that is always going to be good!”

TY MCDONALD: Talent Acquisition Advisor

As one of ConneXu’s newest employees, Ty understands the organisation’s recruitment process inside and out, from both sides. Ty joined the ConneXu team two months ago and says his main focus is finding the right people to join the team.

Coming from a commercial laboratory background, moving into a community organisation is a positive move, and adds more purpose to his role, he says.

“My role is all about finding the right people to work with the disabled partners we work with – often adding something positive to both their lives by building that strong relationship. I love nothing more than seeing those work relationships grow and doing the best by the people we work with and adding to the work experience for our team members.”

Outside of work, Ty likes to play piano, spend quality time with his wife (he is a newly-wed!) and he is also a volunteer firefighter for the Hamilton Fire Brigade and recently completed the Firefighters Sky Tower Challenge raising funds for charity while climbing 1103 stairs while kitted out with full breathing apparatus on his back, climbing the 328-metres up to the top of the tower in just 18 minutes.

“A lot of my family have always been involved with Fire Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) so I wanted to take up that mantel and I joined 18 months ago.”

For Ty, life is about doing the right thing for the right purpose.

“Doing what’s right really makes me tick. And building good, strong relationships with people in life – and getting the best out of people too. Coming to ConneXu gives me a chance to build some great relationships and work with our disabled partners to ensure they lead good lives, through working with our team. It’s really rewarding work.”