SHEQ Management is a boutique consultancy assisting our clients through the develolpment, implementation and maintenance of safety, environment and quality management systems.
We ask the tough questions of Carmen Solorzano, SHEQ Management Pty Ltd
You’ve got a free half hour during your work day. What do you do?
With a coffee in hand, I touch base with my team, friends and clients on a social basis. A quick chat just to say hi and get an update on how things are going for them. Many of my friends have kicked off their soloist journey and it is always uplifting to catch up, share notes, give each other a pep up and have a laugh.
What’s the biggest thing you’ve learnt this year?
This year has been all about adaptability and prioritisation. We must remember that this pandemic, like all else, shall pass too. Economic downturns allow time for reflection and identification of new opportunities. It is great to see how some of our clients have pivoted their service offerings, whilst others are taking this time as an opportunity for innovation and future planning. We are helping many of our contracting clients position themselves in good stead for the various infrastructure projects announced as part of the COVID recovery programs.
What’s your proudest moment?
I am extremenly proud and grateful of the fact that over the last five years in business, all our work to date has come through referrals. I like the addage of your business card being the last project completed. It serves as further endorsement of our quality output.
What’s the one resource you’d never be without?
From a human resource perspective, I have the most amazing assistant, Lizette. It is fantastic to have someone to bounce all my crazy ideas with and know they are a reliable person to help me bring it all to fruition. Working on your own and or managing a remote team can be lonely at times. Another resource I simply couldn’t do without is our Project Management tool, Harvest. It keeps track of project hours, deadlines, serves as a CRM and Invoicing which links to Xero.
What or who has the most grounding influence on you?
My 4 and 2 year old daughters. They keep me grounded, mindful and on my toes! They certainly help me to work smarter not harder!
What’s the best thing about being a soloist? And the worst thing?
Flexibility is by far the best thing that comes with running your own show. However, that can easily become a problem when you are more frequently than not working late at night and on weekends. Knowing when to grow your team can be a challenge.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever been given?
Know your numbers. Understanding your financials is imperative to allow for sustainable business growth.
What website do you visit every day?
I start my day by browsing the news feed on my phone. I am somewhat of a news junkie! When launching my web browser, it automatically opens SharePoint, Harvest (Project Management tool) and Spotify (I enjoy listening to music whilst I work).
What is the one regret you do not want to have in this lifetime?
Not having given something a go. Having tried and not achieving the desired outcome provides a learning experience. Not trying is a wasted opportunity with the double whammy of failing to achieve and learn.
What do you wear to work?
I aim to be ‘site ready’ whether I’m at a client site or in my office, so you’ll always find me wearing long pants, regardless of the season. I have a pair of safety boots in the car, along with a high vis shirt and all PPE required to go to a site at short notice.
What do you love most about running your own business?
Every day is different. I love building relationships with my clients and find their own growths and wins as rewarding as if they were my own. More importantly, I greatly value and respect the trust they place in us and the opportunity to be engaged in challenging and rewarding work. Not one day is the same. One day can see me writting project management plans for shutdowns, or helping a contractor through a pre-qualification audit or engaged in discussions with a regulator for a major project.
What do you do? Who for? And how does it benefit them?
SHEQ Management is a boutique consultancy assisting our clients through the develolpment, implementation and maintenance of safety, environment and quality management systems. Our clients range from soloists to large contracting businesses and corporates. We assist our clients through prequalification audits, tendering process and business growth through reduction of waste and rework, safety management and meeting their compliance commitments.
And where can we find out more about SHEQ Management Pty Ltd?
-
- LinkedIn – Carmen Solorzano and SHEQ Management Pty Ltd
- Website
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 0417 956 911
- Flying Solo Directory
Want your turn in the spotlight?
Spotlight profiles are exclusively for selected Flying Solo Business Class members.
Already a Business Class member? Simply log in, head to your account area where you’ll find the link to the guidelines under the ‘Spotlight’ heading.
Not yet a Business Class member? Find out more about the best value offering in town.
