From 15th-21st April 2024, the world comes together for International Leadership Week (#ILW24) in celebration of successful leadership encouraging, facilitating, and supporting collaboration inside and outside an organisation. To mark the occasion we delve into leadership development within Bedford Consulting. We are excited to share insights from several of our leaders. Their journeys at Bedford, span various roles and responsibilities, show the ethos of continuous learning, resilience, and professional advancement.
Join us as we explore their experiences, challenges overcome, and invaluable advice for aspiring leaders navigating their own career paths.
Karolina Puczynska,
Professional Services Director
Andre Pretorius
Head of Professional Services
John Smith,
Professional Services Director
Where they started – to where they are now
Andre Pretorius:
My journey with Bedford began in 2014 when I initially joined as a model builder. Starting in this foundational role provided me with a good understanding of the company’s culture and values.
I quickly transitioned into various roles, moving from a model builder to a solution architect and later on in the role of pod leader, where I not only managed day-to-day projects but also took on the responsibility of mentoring and coaching a small team of consultants.
In 2019, I started new chapter in my career journey by transitioning into the role of Customer Success Director at Bedford. In this role, I took on the responsibility of ensuring the successful delivery of projects for a range of clients across various industries.
I was entrusted with the position of Head of Customer Success in 2023. In this senior leadership role, I assumed responsibility for leading the Professional Services team, overseeing all aspects of project delivery, and leading initiatives to enhance the overall customer success and experience.
John Smith:
At Bedford, I’ve been privileged to embark on a professional journey spanning over 13 years, progressing from a junior consultant to my current role as Professional Services Director. Throughout my tenure, Bedford has provided the platform for my growth, offering diverse opportunities in both service and leadership capacities. Collaborating with industry-leading clients such as JLR, British Airways, P&G, Diageo and AXA, has enriched my experience and expanded my expertise.
Karolina Puczynska:
I joined Bedford in July 2019 with an FP&A background but no Anaplan experience. My first assignment involved regular on-site work with a major customer in Ireland as a Model Builder, where I learned a lot from the other Bedford team members. Some of my colleagues from that assignment I am happy to still be working alongside now as fellow Directors. After spending 1.5 years on that project, I started various Solution Architect assignments and became a Pod Leader. I had been managing my team for 2 years when I applied for a Professional Services Director role, to which I was promoted last year. My current responsibilities include managing a team of pod leaders, resourcing projects, projects oversight, as well as acting as the escalation point in case of any issues during our implementations.
What are some of the most valuable skills or experiences you gained along your career path?
Andre: Throughout my career, I’ve come to appreciate the significance of empathetic leadership and the power of shared experiences. I firmly believe that effective leadership entails empathising with one’s team members and guiding them in a manner reflective of how I would want to be led. By consistently placing myself in their shoes during decision-making processes, I aim to create an environment where everyone’s needs and perspectives are considered, leading to the best outcomes for all involved.
One invaluable lesson I’ve learned, often echoed in our project work, is the importance of thorough planning. We follow a saying “measure twice, cut once,” emphasising the importance of thorough planning before executing any task. This principle extends beyond project management and development; it is equally relevant in leadership roles. Taking the time to plan and evaluate all potential outcomes of decisions ensures a solid foundation for effective leadership and team management.
John: My journey began in a technical role as a model builder, where I focused on refining not just my technical expertise, but also on developing robust consulting skills. Collaborating closely with customer model builders, quickly grasping the importance of aligning methodologies and comprehending the nuances of individual team dynamics. This collaborative approach proved instrumental in facilitating seamless knowledge transfer empowering clients to assume ownership of their implementation. Central to this process was the iterative mantra of “I do, We do, You do,” a guiding principle supporting the gradual transition of responsibility and expertise from consultant to customer. It’s something I didn’t fully appreciate at the time, but I now recognise as a valuable skill that I rely on extensively in my current role.
What are some of the biggest challenges or obstacles you faced or overcame?
Andre: My initial transition into a leadership role was quite challenging. I was always fond of the project environment and taking ownership and the lead on technical ability. Moving from the delivery side into the overseeing aspects of delivery, took a lot of training to focus on mentoring and troubleshooting with my team to achieve success.
Karolina: In all my previous positions, I have been very much focused on the detail, which always made me good at my job. The biggest challenge in my leadership role was learning how to delegate and focus on big picture thinking. Those skills are essential for anyone to not only help empower your teams but also to manage your own time and effort effectively.
What are some of the best practices or advice you would give to someone who wants to follow a similar path as yours?
Andre: Always stay true to your core values. Organisations will shift and evolve around you. It is important to adapt to the business environment and the change in responsibilities, but it is critical that you remain consistent in your way of working. Being a good leader will always require you to be a “player” and a “coach”, meaning that to be able to advise, you need to be able to do. Lead by example.
John: Embrace the principles of ownership and accountability for your work, always maintaining a holistic perspective. Be receptive to fresh ideas and diverse viewpoints and approach your endeavours with determination to achieve success. Dedication and self-reliance are key ingredients on the road to accomplishment. By embodying these values, you’ll not only navigate the complexities of the professional realm but also foster personal and organisational growth. Additionally, seek out mentors and opportunities for continuous learning, as they can offer valuable guidance and insights to support your career progression. Remember, growth is a continuous journey, so remain open-minded, adaptable, and resilient as you strive for excellence.
What are some common traits among successful leaders in your company?
Andre: Bedford prides ourselves on our company values. Partnership, Innovation, Teamwork, Customer Focus and Quality. It is in the DNA of our founders and all leaders within the organisation.
John: Guiding teams to prioritise forward-thinking solutions alongside challenging conventional approaches. Collaboration and openness are instrumental in encouraging alternative perspectives and nurturing a culture of innovation. Empowering team members to contribute to solutions not only enhances their skills but also creates a sense of ownership and commitment.
Karolina: What is unique in the leadership team at Bedford is that most of us have been Anaplan Consultants before, so we all possess Anaplan technical skills and have experienced all that our Professional Services team is experiencing in their daily lives. Those experiences mean that not only we can relate to our team in a personal way, but we can also have meaningful technical conversations with our customers and Anaplan counterparts.
What do you do to grow professionally?
Andre: My approach to professional growth revolves around a combination of on-the-job training, mentorship from exceptional leaders, and continuous learning. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside inspiring leaders throughout my career with Bedford, drawing inspiration and guidance from their expertise. At Bedford, our culture emphasises knowledge sharing, enabling colleagues to exchange experiences and insights to enhance daily performance. Recently, I started reading “Managing the Professional Service Firm” by David Maister, I believe this will provide me with additional perspectives and strategies to further contribute to our Bedford’s success.
John: Looking ahead, I’m committed to continuous improvement, particularly in the areas of management and communication. I recognise the importance of iterating on management practices to adapt to evolving business landscapes and team dynamics. Additionally, its key support communication channels within the organisation to ensure clarity, alignment, and transparency across all levels.
What are some of the skills or areas that you are still working on or want to improve in the future?
Andre: I always recognise the importance of continuously improving my time management skills. Despite experience, balancing competing priorities efficiently remains a priority. I’m committed to refining my time management techniques and delegating effectively to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Karolina: I am constantly working on my technical skills to make sure they stay relevant and that I am aware of all the newest developments in our industry, to understand how those can help our customers. Long term I am interested in completing an MBA to make sure I am constantly improving my leadership skills.
What are some of the key milestones or achievements that you are most proud of in your career journey?
Andre: Recently celebrating my 10th year with Bedford was a significant milestone, symbolising both dedication and growth within the organisation. Additionally, being part of the EMEA team winning Partner of the Year at Anaplan for nine consecutive years reflects sustained excellence in the various positions I have held as well as collaboration, of which I’m proud of.
John: Being part of Bedford for over a decade stands as my most significant professional milestone. Working within an organisation that prioritises employee support and success alongside our valued customers and partners has been immensely rewarding.
Karolina: I feel most proud of the moment when I started feeling in control of my workload and the shift from always being behind, to proactively managing and anticipating the tasks coming my way.
Conclusion
We hope this has offered a glimpse into the dynamic leadership paths at Bedford Consulting. Andre, John and Karolina’s journeys emphasise the significance of adaptability, mentorship, and a steadfast commitment to personal and professional growth.
As Bedford continues to champion a culture of innovation and collaboration, we remain dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders, empowering our employees to drive positive change and innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology.
As we celebrate International Leadership Day, we thank Andre, Karolina and John for their time and insights. We hope that you found this informative, should you want to find out more about Bedford and our values please visit our culture page here.
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