Clytie de Vries

Clytie joined UGL in September 2017 as the project controller on the Endeavour Energy Alliance contract.

“My first day was go live on the contract and it was hectic to say the least! We were based on the client site which made it more difficult to build those relationships with colleagues at UGL. However, it was great to see the senior leaders making the efforts and being visible on the projects.”

Learning and development

Clytie was invited to enrol in the 2019 cohort of the Emerging Female Leaders program in partnership with Xplore for Success.

“I went into it not knowing if I’d get a lot out of it. By the end of the program something inside me had ignited and I had a bit more spark. I started networking throughout the business to get my brand out there, get people to know who I was and to be in the front of their mind in case any opportunities came up.

Clytie was promoted to Alliance Manager on the same contract. “I was very frank and upfront. I knew I had the capability to do this role and I was able to vocalise my value to the senior leaders."

"I attribute a lot of my confidence growth and ability not to doubt my capability to the Emerging Female Leaders program.”

“I now have full accountability for the contract and the ~170 people working on it. I love that we’re quite autonomous in how we work, I have a great deal of variety and I am surrounded by a great team.”

Career advice

 “Don’t be afraid to talk about where you want to go and the trajectory of your career. Let it be known from the start with your direct leaders, and those above, if you have ambitions to progress throughout the organisation because not everyone does, some people are happy where they are. 

“If you are in the forefront of their mind, they are more likely to think of you should any opportunities come up. Also, have the confidence to vocalise your ability!”