Martie joined the restructuring and insolvency industry just over 15 years ago as a cadet, working full-time whilst studying part-time. In that time, Martie has worked on a variety of both formal and informal engagements across a wide variety of industries including more recently real estate, construction, manufacturing and retail.
Martie is a Director at Ernst & Young, a Registered Liquidator and mum to a 4 year old boy. Martie is also the Vice President of the WINA (NSW Branch) committee and an advocate for diversity in the insolvency and restructuring industry.
Get to know Martie
Q. What attracted you to a career in restructuring and insolvency?
My career just happened through embracing opportunities that came my way. I started my career as a cadet at Ferrier Hodgson, fresh out of high school. I hadn’t heard much about Restructuring and Insolvency, but based on my discussions with a variety of individuals, it sounded more interesting than audit or tax and I decided to take a cadetship specialising in restructuring and insolvency.
Not too far into my cadetship, I realised that it was the perfect mix of accounting and business and overall was a great fit for me. Not only do I enjoy the high attention to detail and technical expertise but also the exposure to a variety of industries which has expanded my practical and technical experience. I was lucky enough to work on a variety of complex, large and small insolvencies, including bankruptcies throughout my career.
The most enjoyable parts for me are working in a challenging environment to achieve a better outcome for stakeholders. I thrive on problem solving and communicating, which are skills that are important to build and work on very early in your career. After 15 years, I have worked with leaders that have shown warmth and kindness but also resilience and generosity which is what continues to drive me to this day.
Q. Can you share some of the experiences and influences from your upbringing that have shaped your approach with your career?
My mother was born in Greece and my father in Australia. Both families came to Australia with only very little. My parents were generous and kind, with very traditional roles in the household – in my early school years my dad worked full-time and my mother took care of the family. I started to see a shift when my mum started to work part-time, ultimately putting her career on hold whilst she raised me and my siblings. Growing up like this gave me an understanding that people have cultural backgrounds and what comes with these often are different expectations on gender roles. At the same time, my parents supported and pushed us all to be the best we can be and to always give your all to anything you set your mind to.
As a female, I have a role to play in changing the culture and set an example for women. I motivate and challenge myself and others in different ways to be confident and work towards the goals they set. I have approached my career with ambition but also with the understanding that sometimes, I can’t have everything at the same time, despite wanting to push myself to be able to do it all…at the same time! A part of my role is to listen and problem solve which is also why I enjoy restructuring and insolvency! I also believe resilience is key – I approach each day with the mindset to work smarter and more efficiently to achieve the outcomes required of me, especially where I have competing priorities both in my career and personal life.
Q. What message would you like to convey to women about the importance of striving for what they achieve in life?
I am a strong believer that a woman can be whatever she chooses to be. My parents instilled this in my upbringing and I continue to do so with my own family. However, I recognise that women might sometimes need that little bit of extra support and encouragement and to this day, I have also needed at times an extra level of encouragement and support, particularly when I thought about applying for my Liquidator’s registration.
My advice to women in our industry is to be focused on what they want to achieve from life and to build strategic relationships from a young age, as there are many opportunities that can arise from the network you build. Secondly, your career is a marathon, not a sprint and that really puts things into perspective for me when I am juggling work and family life but also want to have it all at the same time. Lastly, be passionate, confident and have the courage to speak up – we don’t need to have the loudest voice in the room but we certainly can offer a different perspective while creating influence.
Q. What has been your most memorable moment during your career?
There have been so many moments that have been memorable in my career. I thrive on achieving great outcomes for clients and in our line of work I have been able to be a part of teams that have achieved fantastic outcomes for stakeholders.
My most recent memorable moment was signing my first Consent to Act as a Liquidator. Thinking back to the goals I wanted to achieve over my career and finally achieving it, has been the most memorable milestone in my career to date.
Q. What is an interesting fact about you?
I really enjoy baking desserts and cakes for all occasions. I also spent many years teaching Greek dancing before I started my career in restructuring and insolvency!
SUBSCRIBE NOW
Keep up to date with our upcoming events and important news items.
About Martie
Martie joined the restructuring and insolvency industry just over 15 years ago as a cadet, working full-time whilst studying part-time. In that time, Martie has worked on a variety of both formal and informal engagements across a wide variety of industries including more recently real estate, construction, manufacturing and retail.
Martie is a Director at Ernst & Young, a Registered Liquidator and mum to a 4 year old boy. Martie is also the Vice President of the WINA (NSW Branch) committee and an advocate for diversity in the insolvency and restructuring industry.
Get to know Martie
Q. What attracted you to a career in restructuring and insolvency?
My career just happened through embracing opportunities that came my way. I started my career as a cadet at Ferrier Hodgson, fresh out of high school. I hadn’t heard much about Restructuring and Insolvency, but based on my discussions with a variety of individuals, it sounded more interesting than audit or tax and I decided to take a cadetship specialising in restructuring and insolvency.
Not too far into my cadetship, I realised that it was the perfect mix of accounting and business and overall was a great fit for me. Not only do I enjoy the high attention to detail and technical expertise but also the exposure to a variety of industries which has expanded my practical and technical experience. I was lucky enough to work on a variety of complex, large and small insolvencies, including bankruptcies throughout my career.
The most enjoyable parts for me are working in a challenging environment to achieve a better outcome for stakeholders. I thrive on problem solving and communicating, which are skills that are important to build and work on very early in your career. After 15 years, I have worked with leaders that have shown warmth and kindness but also resilience and generosity which is what continues to drive me to this day.
Q. Can you share some of the experiences and influences from your upbringing that have shaped your approach with your career?
My mother was born in Greece and my father in Australia. Both families came to Australia with only very little. My parents were generous and kind, with very traditional roles in the household – in my early school years my dad worked full-time and my mother took care of the family. I started to see a shift when my mum started to work part-time, ultimately putting her career on hold whilst she raised me and my siblings. Growing up like this gave me an understanding that people have cultural backgrounds and what comes with these often are different expectations on gender roles. At the same time, my parents supported and pushed us all to be the best we can be and to always give your all to anything you set your mind to.
As a female, I have a role to play in changing the culture and set an example for women. I motivate and challenge myself and others in different ways to be confident and work towards the goals they set. I have approached my career with ambition but also with the understanding that sometimes, I can’t have everything at the same time, despite wanting to push myself to be able to do it all…at the same time! A part of my role is to listen and problem solve which is also why I enjoy restructuring and insolvency! I also believe resilience is key – I approach each day with the mindset to work smarter and more efficiently to achieve the outcomes required of me, especially where I have competing priorities both in my career and personal life.
Q. What message would you like to convey to women about the importance of striving for what they achieve in life?
I am a strong believer that a woman can be whatever she chooses to be. My parents instilled this in my upbringing and I continue to do so with my own family. However, I recognise that women might sometimes need that little bit of extra support and encouragement and to this day, I have also needed at times an extra level of encouragement and support, particularly when I thought about applying for my Liquidator’s registration.
My advice to women in our industry is to be focused on what they want to achieve from life and to build strategic relationships from a young age, as there are many opportunities that can arise from the network you build. Secondly, your career is a marathon, not a sprint and that really puts things into perspective for me when I am juggling work and family life but also want to have it all at the same time. Lastly, be passionate, confident and have the courage to speak up – we don’t need to have the loudest voice in the room but we certainly can offer a different perspective while creating influence.
Q. What has been your most memorable moment during your career?
There have been so many moments that have been memorable in my career. I thrive on achieving great outcomes for clients and in our line of work I have been able to be a part of teams that have achieved fantastic outcomes for stakeholders.
My most recent memorable moment was signing my first Consent to Act as a Liquidator. Thinking back to the goals I wanted to achieve over my career and finally achieving it, has been the most memorable milestone in my career to date.
Q. What is an interesting fact about you?
I really enjoy baking desserts and cakes for all occasions. I also spent many years teaching Greek dancing before I started my career in restructuring and insolvency!