We’re big believers in the power of human skills. But don’t just take our word for it - the evidence for excellence powered by human (‘soft’) skills is everywhere! In this engaging, ever-enlightening series, we speak with industry leaders, innovators and game-changers to learn a little about their personal career journeys, and how human-led strategies, philosophies and cultures are proving a force for good in their working worlds …

Maxme: Welcome Hannah, and thanks for stepping into the #SuccessIsHuman Spotlight! 

In addition to Maxme’s ‘LinkedIn Legend’, you’re a serial entrepreneur and community builder.

In 1 sentence (ok, we’ll give you 3), what does this role entail?

Hannah Keirl: I've been lucky to have a varied career, and I’ve been able to capitalise on the skills I’ve learned along the way. With Maxme, I consult on LinkedIn, optimising engagement and sharing relevant content - but most importantly, I work to build the online Maxme community. In addition, I am also a China market-entry consultant, and have retained expertise in the bar / beverage consulting world. 

M: Alongside your LinkedIn consulting, in recent years you’ve been Head of Commercial for Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT) - a fast growing Aussie Charity / Social Enterprise startup inspiring women to ‘pick up the tools’. Prior to this, however, you clocked up an impressive career in Hospitality. Kicking things off with two years as a bartender for 1806 in Melbourne, you co-founded the Global Bartender Exchange - connecting bartenders and bartending communities worldwide, which ran for a solid decade - congrats! This was whilst simultaneously working as Marketing & Operations Manager for The Alchemist (also in Melbourne), before a brave relocation to the bustling market of India. There you stepped into the role of Beverage Specialist for ITC Hotels  (3+ years) before returning to Australia to establish Spirits Box - an import/distribution and events/branding company for International liquor brands in China. 

How does all this work speak to your personal purpose and what drives you as an individual?

HK: Big question. At the core I would describe myself as a ‘Humanitarian.’ I don’t mean that I’m out providing aid in at-risk populations (though I’m not opposed to doing this!) rather in the sense of archetypes. 

I’m energetic, confident and drawn to social causes. With my entrepreneurial spirit, I love bringing people together for a good cause, and I care deeply about those around me. Perhaps this sounds strange with such a long career in hospitality - but this is what hospitality is at its core. Being challenged is crucial to my engagement - and thankfully when people are involved, there is always a challenge. But in short - Humanitarian. It’s my Ikigai.

M: Tell us a little about your personal education pathway/s - what led you to where you are now? How closely do your formal qualifications match your current career?

HK: My degree was in International Trade / International Marketing. I always thought I wanted to work for Austrade, but in truth I only started using my degree in my late 20s. Instead I’ve found that the most valuable skills I have, have come from learning on the job. Whether that’s how to communicate with stakeholders, how to mix a cocktail or the financial acumen to run a business. 

M: If you could share one piece of career advice to your 21 year old self it would be ...

HK: Ask questions. Ask more questions. And know your learning style.
There is no such thing as a silly question, and the more you ask, the more pieces in the ‘jigsaw puzzle’ of your role / company / industry will fall in place, allowing you to see the big picture. 

By understanding each piece, and then how they all fit together, you’re able to navigate with direction, and begin to see opportunities (now and into the future)  - and how you can get to them.

M: Maximising the potential of individuals, communities and businesses through the power of human skills is the reason Maxme exists. Can you tell us a little about the role and / or value of human skills in your workplace right now?

HK: Human skills don’t just play a role in my work, they’re the glue. 

My top 5 Human Skills (discovered through Hodie) are: Social Intelligence, Leadership, Fairness, Curiosity & Creativity. I find that I use these skills everyday, and on the flip side, if I DON’T use them, I feel as though something is missing. They’re all interlinked.

As I lean in to my work consulting, I find I’m actively seeking clients who embody shared values; as I’m then better able to break down data in order to help them execute their message / achieve goals. In order to be successful, we have to be able to create space for clear communication in our collaboration and in our training/execution.

M: Self Awareness sets the critical foundation for all Maxme learning experiences. With that said … what’s your strongest trait / personal super power?

HK: Social intelligence is by far my super power. Being able to connect with people, read people has been invaluable in every role I’ve ever had. Organisations often talk about being able to ‘influence’ people, and this is where social intelligence is crucial - from working in teams, to effective communication, EQ to negotiations.

I’ve lead teams large (over 300) and small (one direct report); and in being a leader (which is social by nature), I recognise the importance of being able to motivate teams, be empathic and be active in one’s listening - all of which are key elements in being socially intelligent.

By wanting to understand people, I am able to (for example) ask WHY a team member is having a meltdown - what has gotten us to this place, rather than dismiss them for being emotional or dramatic. I’m able to see problems as growth opportunities, and I find negative feedback useful for improving a product or service. By not immediately dismissing others, I’m able to get to root causes and create effective solutions, and build strong teams who are resilient, compassionate and trusting.

M: And on the flip side, what’s one human / ‘soft’ skill you’ve had to really work on improving over the course of your career?

HK: Prudence. I’m Hannah “I have an idea” Keirl. I’m not afraid to take risks, and I’m very flexible / open-minded. Part of what makes me a great entrepreneur, but also where I’ve had to learn to create timeframes, checklists and invest time in research - full project management & business plans. 

I can also be fairly impulsive, and have had to learn to reign myself in, as perseverance is also a lesser strength. Great at starting but need to know how I’m going to finish a project / have clear targets & outcomes up front - else I won’t complete it. Thankfully, something I’m getting better at day by day.

M: If you could share one piece of career advice with recent Uni graduates or candidates keen to work in a field like social media management, what would it be?

HK: Get to know your audience. Take a moment to talk to them. And listen. Find out how they connect with you/your brand, and then lean into it. From here you can build an emotional connection that in turn helps your audience become your brand ambassadors. Work smarter not harder. 

M: You’ve been granted approval to add one University graduate to your team, but have 100 applicants, all with outstanding academic results. How do you find your perfect candidate - what are you looking for?

HK: A great attitude and an appetite to learn. I can teach you, but you need to be willing and open to learning. Finding candidates often comes through my extended network. I’ve been told that networking in 2023 for graduates can be daunting  - but networking will open many doors. 

Whether it be finding a mentor or sponsor, or securing a job at your dream organisation. If you’re interested in a certain company or industry, check out Eventbrite or Humantix for events that you can show up to, introduce yourself. It’ll make you stand out a whole lot more than submitting your CV on Seek. 

M: In the words of John Dewey, “education is not preparation for life, education is life itself.” What’s next on your #learning agenda?

HK: I’m currently doing a deep dive into three very different things. 

Firstly, I’m learning to shape surfboards, and helping design and make custom boards. It’s filling me with joy being tactile and creative. Secondly, I’m reading a lot on social enterprises. I believe ‘profit for purpose’ models are the way of the future for sustainable economics. Current book: A world of Three Zeros: The new Economics of Zero Poverty, Zero Unemployment and Zero Net Carbon Emissions by Muhummad Yunus. Finally, I’m working towards getting my AICD Board Certification. As you can see - always learning!

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