It’s been a while since our last Employee Spotlight blog post and we’re now back with an exciting interview! This week, we caught up with Lou Crabtree, Principal Consultant at Perform Partners. Lou’s focus is all about delivering quality outcomes for our clients; Helping them solve specific problems whilst providing them with expert advice in project delivery and setting up for success. From setting up Programme Management Offices to aligning projects with business goals, Lou’s dynamic role never lacks variety. Keep reading to learn more about her!
Welcome, Lou! What does a day in your role look like?
My days are varied, and this is what I love about my role — no day is ever the same. It all very much depends on the Client’s priorities, but recently I set up a PMO (Programme Management Office), providing the tools to enhance delivery efficiency and project success. This involved aligning projects with the Client’s business goals, standardising processes, and facilitating effective communication across projects and programmes. Learning new things about my Client’s industry and their business gives me opportunities to drive further improvements across their organisation.
How long have you been with Perform Partners?
19 months now, and during this time, I have worked with several clients on complex deliveries.
Has your role with Perform Partners evolved over time?
I joined Perform Partners as a Managing Consultant and quickly realised that what I love to do is work in the delivery space, making a difference. Since then, I have worked with a couple of Clients in the project and PMO space, both involving moving on-premise infrastructure to the Cloud.
How did you get started in the industry and what did you do before joining us?
I’ve been working since I was 14, starting as a Saturday girl selling fruit and vegetables at a market stall! I went to university to study Business and Marketing, which I thoroughly enjoyed. After graduating, I worked selling insurance for a bank and then joined BT as a Sales Manager. I took every opportunity I could during my 20-plus years with BT to learn and develop, which helped me secure various roles across different BT divisions. Some of those roles included Call Centre Management, Supplier Relationship, and Project/Change Management. By the time I left BT, I had reached Consultant level. I also completed my PRINCE2 qualifications, and when I left BT, I decided to focus on delivery.
I joined Perform Partners because it allows me to work with Clients to help them improve their ways of working and deliver change successfully, all while using my experience. This is important to me.
What is the best advice that you can give someone who’s just starting their career?
First, if you don’t enjoy the role you’re in, make a change. We spend most of our lives working, so it’s important that you do something you love. It makes things easier!
And second, never stop learning, whether through studying, reading books, or asking for feedback. It can help you gain new skills, stay relevant in your field, and adapt to change. There are many more benefits, so keep on learning!
What’s your favourite part about working at Perform Partners?
Being part of the Perform family is a real plus, where everyone is valued, and innovation and creativity are encouraged. I’ve heard on numerous occasions from various Perform colleagues, ‘If there’s a better way of doing it, tell us, and we’ll look to implement something different.’ How amazing is that?
In terms of successes, are there any accomplishments that you want to share that you’re proud of? Either work or personal.
My greatest work achievement would be an award I received for setting up a successful Strategic Programme Management Office (PMO) from scratch within the BT Consumer division. I introduced a framework aligned with our broader business strategy, providing clear structure and processes that ensured projects were managed effectively from initiation through to hyper care. My award was a dinner on The Royal Yacht Britannia, which had been used by the Royals for over 44 years — what a great experience and memory!
What’s the one thing that people don’t know about you, but will be surprised to find out?
I am a fully attuned Reiki Practitioner. Reiki is a form of energy healing originating in Japan that can help reduce stress and encourage relaxation.
What is the one word you would use to describe Perform Partners?
Family.
We are all welcomed and allowed to be our authentic selves.
Curious to find out more about the Perform culture? Head over to our Culture page now!