Celebrating 20 years of exciting, challenging and memorable times as Founder and CEO of Tolerro!
20 years ago, I founded Tolerro, an asset management consultancy specialising in a product called #Maximo, which is a best-in-class enterprise asset management software.
I began to use #Maximo version 3 in the 90s, helping to roll it out at the organisation I was working for at the time. Soon after that I was privileged to join an internationally renowned consultancy team that implemented an integrated Maximo/ Oracle Financials System as a best-in-class Year 2000 compliant Enterprise solution. Since then, I have continued to be involved in the sale, functionality design, implementation and support of this innovative software which allows companies to efficiently track and manage a diverse variety of assets.
When I was first introduced to Maximo, it was owned by its founding company PSDI, Project Software & Development Inc. PSDI was renamed MRO Software in 2000. I loved attending PSDI/MRO Software conferences where Bob Daniels, the founder, and Chip Drapeau, CEO, would mix with everyone in attendance. It was my privilege and joy to share a drink with Bob Daniels at the last conference so many years ago. I always felt I was part of the ‘big family’.
Tolerro eventually became the first Channel Partner of MRO Software in the Asia Pacific region, which was a very proud milestone for the company and me personally. This Channel Partner Agreement was built on commitment and trust in our leadership, and entrusted us with a responsibility to uphold the good name and brand of MRO Software.
In 2006 when IBM’s purchase of Maximo was finalized, Tolerro became the first #IBM Business Partner for Maximo in the Asia Pacific region, which was an absolute honour and privilege for myself and the rest of the team at Tolerro.
So much can happen in 20 years, and it certainly has in the case of Tolerro. Recapping the milestones in a short article such as this is not possible, but there are special moments that I am very proud to share.
It was February 2002. I was working for an engineering firm at the time, and as the Head of Asset Management & Maximo Implementations, I was responsible for the successful implementation of our Maximo projects. One of my customers was Santos Ltd (the largest oil & gas producer in Australia at the time and currently one of the largest producers of gas for the Australian domestic market). This was about the time I had decided to leave the engineering firm and I remember having a conversation one late afternoon with the Santos executive I reported to, informing him of my impending departure from their project. Early the very next morning, I received a phone call from Santos Head Office. The caller stated that their Contracts Department has been asked to set up a contract for me, and they asked me to please provide my company name. Given that I didn’t have a company at that time, to say I was surprised is an understatement!
So folks, that is how it all got started. This was the chance of a lifetime, and I knew that opportunities like this did not come around often. I was beyond excited. My plan to be a stay-at-home mother to my 3 children evaporated like a waft of thin air as I decided to grab this opportunity with both hands. I was driven by knowing that I loved what I did, I loved working for Santos, I loved the people I reported to there and also the people I worked with closely.
But there was more: I was immensely proud that an executive at Santos Ltd believed in my abilities and chose to give me a chance to set up a business. He later told me that without my leadership, their project would have suffered and that it was I who guided the stakeholders towards making the right decisions in regards to the system implementation.
You can never fail when you stand on the shoulders of giants, and when other people show confidence, it increases the confidence you have in yourself.
The contracts flowed, and I instantly had 3 employees to service clients in Queensland and Victoria!
The past 20 years have been an adventurous rollercoaster ride and I wouldn’t change them for anything. As with any lifetime journey, and much like a rollercoaster, I have enjoyed the highs and persevered through the lows. I have had the privilege to meet a few great leaders who I admire: people with integrity and self-respect. I have met many heads of organisations and departments, some whom I call friends today. I have had the privilege of working with some of the greatest people on earth, and some who started their career at Tolerro and went on to change the world as heads of other organisations. I am very proud of all the staff who contributed to the success of Tolerro through their hard work, dedication and innovation.
Through the partnership with MRO Software and later IBM, Tolerro has been able to build long lasting relationships with clients Australia-wide and internationally. Enterprise Asset Management and Facilities Management services became integral to our portfolio and we have thrived in bringing innovative solutions to our clients. Most people are unaware of the effort that is required to ensure that assets and facilities operate at their optimal levels every day, but my staff and I have had the good fortune to be part of that solution.
One of my most memorable moments is going to Sea World on the Gold Coast in Australia to implement Maximo and being informed that since there would be a delayed start due to unforeseen circumstances at the recreational park, I was free to spend my morning walking around the park in the visitor areas!
The past 20 years have been a blast, and it has been a privilege to be able to help so many organisations and lead so many talented individuals.
If I am to leave a word of advice, it is that you should live your life with integrity and honour and have respect for the legacy that you are part of (your parents) and the legacy you will leave (your children). Your DNA is from those who came before you and will continue beyond your children and grandchildren.
I wish you all an exciting and rewarding journey in your choice of work.