Author: Naomi Simson on
7 May 2010
We often giggle at
RedBalloon that all of us (including me) are generation 'Why?' - rather than 'Y'. When I started this business (what seems like a lifetime ago) I too wanted to work in an environment that I loved to come to everyday. I wanted to dedicate my talents to something that I believed in. Something that would make the world a better place.
Author: Naomi Simson on
30 April 2010
I was in the city last week with some of my colleagues and as we sat in the RedBalloon mini (Ruby) at the lights we watched a mother try to cross the road against the lights. A truck whipped around the corner and it was inches from calamity. After the truck passed she did it again, this time successfully crossing the road.
Author: Naomi Simson on
23 April 2010
Flourish is such a delightful word... it makes me think of growth, vibrancy and excitement; such a positive word.
Author: Naomi Simson on
16 April 2010
I'm just back from a holiday break with the family. It was great to rest and rejuvenate... to take in a few experiences too. Jet Ski Ocean Adventure (I'd never been on a jet ski before – the kids loved it). Also had fantastic fun at the Surfing Lesson On Noosa Beach... Oops I digress, holidays will do that to you.
Author: Naomi Simson on
9 April 2010
I was coming back from holidays in late January, sitting on an aircraft from Hong Kong to Sydney and the flight attendant handed me an A4 envelope. As I opened the package my son asked me 'Do you know everyone on the planet?', 'Not quite' I said. I had been asked to be a panelist for the eXcel 'Peoples Choice' awards at Qantas. The package delivered was a dossier of the final citations, ie. the letters from customers excluding any details that might identify the person.
Author: Naomi Simson on
26 March 2010
I was recently listening to Susie Babani, Group Managing Director of Human Resources at ANZ speak on workforce diversity as a driver of business performance. She has such a rich and diverse background herself after working on most continents. The way that she described the program at ANZ was fascinating. People come together organically to support the community they represent and then present a case to the bank for additional resources to market to that community or provide unique product.
Author: Naomi Simson on
19 March 2010
I often have a good giggle with audiences when I'm presenting, about what it was like working 'last century'. The funny thing is that in just a decade, many of business practices seem completely archaic. How did we cope?
Author: Naomi Simson on
12 March 2010
Yesterday I was presenting at the Marcus Evans HR Summit on the Gold Coast – and I shared some of what I believe has created an engaged team at RedBalloon. I was very quick to let the audience know that I am not an HR professional, but a marketer passionate about a brand... who knows that people and relationships make a brand. So engagement is an obvious priority for me.
Author: Naomi Simson on
5 March 2010
People sometimes think that being a part of a "best place to work" means that it is party time all the time. That's not the case. Sure we work hard and play hard, but really what we do is challenge each other to greatness. We know that to be challenged can also be truly rewarding.
Author: Naomi Simson on
26 February 2010
Facing a blank page and a lack of creativity and on deadline for a blog... I always ask myself the question – what is going on for me now? Is it interesting for anyone else? What am I learning, discovering, being inspired by that could assist others?
