Louise Gould: A reflection on the past 20 years with Allworths

This month Louise celebrated her 20 year anniversary with Allworths and we congratulated her on this monumental milestone!

Feel free to send her a message of your own: allworths@allworths.com.au

Below, Louise shares her reflections on the past couple of decades…

What stands out from the time you started with Allworths?     

2001 was the year. A year when John Howard was re-elected as Australia’s Prime Minister.

Products with very strange sounding names, iTunes, iPod, Wikipedia and Xbox, were launched that year.   

The Leaning Tower of Pisa reopened after a facelift taking 11 years, however, its famous lean remains.

The unthinkable, which changed our lives dramatically, sadly happened on September 11.

How did you come across Allworths?

I held a position at Brown Evans & Co, Chartered Accountants who merged with a much larger, fully staffed firm. After 17 years, it was time to move on.

I took 3 months off, relaxed and wondered how I ever found the time to work!

Local newspapers were the best source of job information at the time. The position vacant sounded very interesting, so my hand-written application was mailed to Allworths!

What stood out about Allworths?

I met with the Senior Partner at the time for a very pleasant chat. Nothing formal like today’s interview procedures can be. It seemed the fit I was looking for and I was welcomed soon after.

How has the job changed over your 20 years?

Allworths’ ever-advancing technology has enabled me to accomplish more in the same amount of time. I can tackle other, more varied tasks as a result.

Creating a ‘paperless’ office is fabulous. Scanning confidential documents into our secure system, and having them backed up and readily available to clients, at their request, is a fantastic development.

What are some of the best things about your role?

Keeping things running smoothly for our team to perform at their best. I oversee office admin tasks, and assist everyone, ensuring their days go smoothly.

I like the personal touches provided by Mark and David such as the sharing of birthday cakes and the breaking out in song at our kitchen table.  

What has stayed the same?

The office culture. All types of personalities have joined us, over the years. The mix has made working life more interesting, and personal. I’ve made many friends and to this day, cherish beautiful, heartfelt cards and letters from colleagues who have moved on.

What have you loved about the firm and clients?

I love receiving compliments from clients, both personally and through feedback from Mark and David. It’s a real boost, when in my mind, what I do, ‘is all part of the job’. Perhaps, I am perceived to do that little bit more. It’s a nice feeling.

What was your most memorable moment? Or moments?

It was not long after I started with Allworths, plans were being made for a 3-day conference.  I had not attended one previously, and thought ‘oh my, I hardly know these people, how am I going to spend day and night with them!’ Well, it quickly gave me a perspective of my work ‘family’. Hair was let down, fun was had, and we gained some skills and knowledge too, along the way.

We haven’t organised a conference for some time. For future reference Mark and David, I have a few exotic locations in mind! Just say the word!

Thank you Louise for your outstanding contribution to Allworths over two decades and for everything you do day-to-day!