2024 DRAKEVINE
EC Welcome wrap-up
Frank Spizzo CFO
Sarah Ross National Marketing Manager
Gay Barton General Manager ANZ, Drake Medox
Paul Unstead National Manager, Operations
Nicole Jones General Manager, Drake Staffing
As we approach the end of 2024, we want to take a moment to reflect on our collective achievements and express our heartfelt gratitude for the dedication and hard work of our amazing team.
This year has been a significant one for Drake. We witnessed the official retirement of our Chairman and Founder, Bill Pollock, and welcomed our new Global CEO, Karen Meredith. This transition marked the beginning of a new chapter filled with discovery, engagement, and re-imagining what Drake can be as we continue to build on our 70+ year legacy.
To further support and shape our future, fractional leads were appointed across key areas essential to our success, including HR, Marketing, Technology, Recruitment, Finance, and Strategy.
EC Welcome wrap-up
For the first time, Drake, Medox, Kryterion, and DBSA came together as a global team for Drake Connect. Representatives from each country had the opportunity to share, connect, and learn as we strategised on how our business could move forward and prosper together.
Getting our strategy right takes time, and we need to ensure we have a strong understanding of our strategic advantages, the value we bring to our clients and candidates, and our best opportunities for growth across the global business. We need everyone’s contribution.
In early 2025, team members from Drake Australia will be able to contribute by joining select strategic planning focus groups covering various topics. More information will be shared after the holidays.
Looking ahead, 2025 will see our strategy finalised, along with several essential global projects coming to fruition as a direct result of the work undertaken throughout 2024. It is a very exciting time to be at Drake.
We also want to acknowledge that change is never easy. Through it all, the commitment from our team has been inspiring. We have reached significant milestones, launched innovative projects, won some prominent new accounts, and continued to strengthen our culture and sense of community. Your contributions have not only driven our company forward but have also created a positive impact on our clients and candidates.
Leaning into Karen’s famous line, “You have to go slow to go fast,” we encourage each of you to slow down this festive season and enjoy some downtime. Do the things you enjoy and make time for yourself and your family. We encourage everyone to take the time to reset and revitalise.
On behalf of the Executive Committee, we wish you and your loved ones a wonderful festive season and we look forward to welcoming you all back in 2025.
We hope you enjoy this edition of DrakeVine, which is a perfect visual snapshot of the year that was.
Wishing you all a fantastic festive season, The Executive Committee
HR update
Welcome to all our 2024 new team members!
Name Service Line
Georgia Terry
Bonnie Gregory
Drake Staffing
Drake Medox
Tamika Day Drake Medox
Anthony Nesbit Drake Medox
Jaden Simmavong Drake Staffing
Lile Taufaao Drake Medox
Pippa Carr Drake Medox
Samjhana Khoteja Drake Medox
Lauren Ketchley
Louise Hoo-Curran
Lisa Effrett
Anmoljot Kaur
Lauren Peterson
Missy Kiripatea
Caitlin Lind
Anjuli Raman
Augustine Shaibu
Drake Medox
Drake Professional
National Proposals
Drake Medox
Drake Medox
Drake Medox
Drake Medox
Drake Medox
Drake Medox
Kylee Preston WellbeingHub
Jodie Brady WellbeingHub
May Joy Beniat Drake Medox
Erin Holdsworth Drake Staffing
Leah Walsh Drake Medox
Fiona Bensted Drake Medox
Lisa McCaskill
Wendy Dannaoui
Saly Abella
Amelia Evans
Karina Billett
Drake Medox
Drake Government
Drake Staffing
Drake Medox/Allied Health
Drake Medox
HR update
Congratulations to our Q1 RAPID Award Winners!
RESPECT: ACHIEVEMENT:
PASSION:
INTEGRITY:
Roberta Redondo
Melyssa Cumming
Nicole Russon
Anthony Nesbit
D&I:
RAPID TEAM AWARD:
EC AWARD:
Holly Parker Adjustments Team - Tomi Nincevic, Gia Bui, Nikhil Kachhadia
Genevieve Tope
Thank you for all your hard work and support, and for living and breathing our RAPID values.
You can nominate a colleague or a team at any time
For more information about our RAPID Award program
HR update
HR year in review!
New onboarding program launched!
Our new onboarding process provides managers with a comprehensive guide and onboarding checklist to successfully onboard their new team members.
New Employee Process
Office events and celebrations
Drake WorkPerks rolled out!
We officially launched our Drake Work Perks program and had an awesome EVP launch party across our offices to celebrate. Click the link below to learn more about our Work Perks program!
Work perks
This year has been loaded with fantastic social and cultural events at Drake! We’ve celebrated a diverse range of dates, including Harmony Day, International Women’s Day, Pride Month, National Reconciliation Week, RUOK? Day, Movember, and IDPwD. It’s been fantastic raising awareness and having a ton of fun together as a team for these celebrations!
DE&I Strategy implemented!
It’s been a productive year in the DE&I space for Drake! We successfully implemented our Reflect RAP, highlighting our commitment to reconciliation. We also introduced Drake’s first DE&I Commitment, which highlights key goals we’re focusing on in the DE&I space.
Operations update
Operations round up for 2024
2024 has been a big year for the Drake Australian Operations team and we would like to thank everyone in front, middle and back office for working with us through many of the achievements, challenges and changes over the last 12 months.
As we move into 2025, we will continue our focus on generating a quality experience for our internal and external stakeholders.
Some quick highlights 2024
• Implemented Elumina Safety Management System for WHS Injury Management
• Introduced Digital Signatures
• Redesigned the Staffing Candidate Registration and Onboarding
• Implemented a Training Calendar
• Completed Drake Australia surveillance Audit to ISO9001/AS45001 standards
• Piloted some exciting Technology which will be rolled out to the rest of the business in 2025
Coming in 2025
• Continued development of Single Sign On (SSO) across platforms
• Broader Elumina business roll out
• MotionTrack national roll out
• Dottie SMART AI Compliance Bot national roll out.
• Kahoots Competency based assessment training
• Rebuild of Insight Quality Management System
• Medox Client and Candidate onboarding
• Digitisation of client assets for Medox
On behalf of the incredible team of people I’m privileged to work with, Clayton, Olivia, Cameron, Cheryn, Lucinda & Claire - I’d like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season and look forward to kicking some great goals in the new year!
- Paul Unstead
Marketing strategy session
Our recent marketing planning session was a huge success. In December, we’ve worked together to define a clear and actionable strategy for 2025, with a strong focus on growth, innovation, and delivering real value to our customers (all of you).
We’ve identified key priorities and set ambitious yet achievable goals. The team’s collaboration has been invaluable, and we now have a solid roadmap to guide us through the year ahead.
Additionally, we’ve integrated a mix of tactical initiatives and longer-term strategies, ensuring that we balance immediate needs with future ambitions. Our action plans are aligned with business objectives and will see an increase in sales support, lead generation and managing customer/prospect journeys.
All in all, this session has not only been productive but also inspiring. We’re ready to take on 2025 with a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm. Excited to see all the hard work come to life and drive impactful results!
The Marketing strategy session in full swing! L-R: Corbin Hanna, Sarah Ross, Simo Nikolaidis, Mike Benedet
Farewell to Irena and Kate! L-R: Simeon Nikolaidis, Sarah Ross, Irena Hanenbergh, Kate Behar and Mike Benedet
Business highlights!
Drake Connects
On October 17th, for the first time in Drake history, representatives from around the globe gathered in Winnipeg, Canada—our Chairman Emeritus, Bill Pollock’s birthplace—to kick off a new world and vision for Drake International under our new Global CEO, Karen Meredith.
Our Australian representatives, Nicole Jones, Paul Marshall, Sarah Ross, Frank Spizzo, Anj Raman, Danella Williams, Troy Poposki, Gay Barton, and Kylee Preston, met with colleagues worldwide for a three-day conference and workshop facilitated and hosted by Deloitte.
The event featured regional business updates, presentations from fractional leaders, and insightful discussions led by Deloitte on change management, KPIs, processes, and systems. Deloitte also shared findings from their comprehensive company review, and we had guest speakers who explored the future of AI and its impact on our business.
This event has sparked numerous global collaborations, shared opportunities, and invaluable connections with colleagues. We are excited to share more about the outcomes of Drake Connect with everyone soon!
A few Drake team members at the Thanksgiving dinner. L-R: Frank Spizzo, Nic Jones, Sarah Ross and Paul Marshall
L-R: Anj Raman, Illan Gamiel, Sarah Ross, Kylee Preston, Paul Marshall, Danella Williams, Frank Spizzo, Troy Poposki and Nic Jones
The Drake connect crew!
One Drake Celebrations! L-R: Illan Gamiel (Drake South Africa), Nicole Jones, Sian Dawson (Drake Canada) Sarah Ross, Frank Spizzo, Kylee Preston, and Yvonne Griffatong (Drake Canada)
Karen Meredith – down under
In August this year our newly appointed Global CEO , Karen Meredith visited our Aussie team. While Karen’s visit was brief, she certainly made an impact with many client meetings, visits, and social gatherings within Sydney and Melbourne.
Additionally, Karen was present for the retirement farewell of our beloved Bev Melville, ensuring the celebration was as memorable as Bev’s legendary career.
Here’s to Karen’s next visit, now just to decide which machinery she can give her hand to next time … :)
Bev Melville’s farewell dinner with Finance and Shared Service team members! L-R: Michaela Yi, Saba Rashid, Nadeen de Silva, Maria Santiago, Bev Melville, Nancy Chen, Claire Alcock and Nicole Jones.
Karen Meredith testing out the machinery!
Nicole Jones and Karen Meredith met with our valued Myer clients
Karen Meredith and Roberta Redondo with our Lifeblood clients.
2024 highlight reel!
Our Drake Retail team were recently invited as guest speakers to discuss all things ‘Fashion & Luxury Brand Management.’ It was an exciting opportunity for the team to share their insights and experience with a bright and enthusiastic group of students.
Our Drake Professional team members, Lee
Frank Spizzo, Nic Jones, Georgia Matterson, Roisin Bettaney, Gen Tope, Paul Marshall and Amani Alqasalias at the Talent X expo. So great to see a OneDrake turn out at this event!
to be a
sponsor of
Chung, Ivy Wen and Paul Marshall with RMIT staff.
Drake Medox is proud
major
Boccia, one of the most inclusive sports in the world. The team recently attended the Boccia championships in Sydney and had a fantastic time cheering on the athletes!
2024 highlight reel!
We’ve had a big year of events and celebrations at Drake! Here’s a recap of all the awesome parties and celebrations we’ve hosted!
Harmony Day.
International Women’s Day
Pride Month
Celebrations!
CONGRATULATIONS
Wetherill Park had a farewell lunch for Alisa Patterson, who served as Branch Manager for 17 remarkable years! L-R: Lee Eastwood, Jaden Simmavong, Emily Clarke, Yasman Wilkes and Alisa Patterson
Mel Cumming celebrated her 10 year Drake-aversary in style!
Celebrations!
CONGRATULATIONS
Anissa Renehan brought in the newest addition to the Drake team to visit the Mulgrave team!
The Perth team celebrated a baby shower for Kellie Forster!
The Derrimut team celebrated Shelby’s baby shower!
Out and about
Out and about with our teams!
The Melbourne Medox team had a lunch out when Gay and Liz visited. L-R: Liz Gois, Morgan McCoy, Bonnie Gregory, Ebony Stevens, Alma Bardak, Lauren Ketchley, Kadir Bozok
Our internal team and field nurses completed their First Aid and CPR course at the Drake Medox office in Melbourne.
Caitlin Marciniak and Simeon Nikolaidis out networking at a Ready Set Connect event.
Out and about
Nic Jones visited our Brisbane team and went out on site with Megs Van de Kamp to visit our clients at Myer and Infrabuild.
Drake Medox, DBSA and DBL team members out for afternoon celebrations!
The Finance team celebrating their first day in the new Mulgrave office.
Annerley Juhlin-Beeck and Shelby Crawford travelling in style on site!
Clayton Anderosn and Paul Unstead, taking WHS very seriously!
Christmas celebrations!
Queensland Xmas party: L-R: Alana Blandford, Megan Van de Kamp, Danella Williams, Jessie Stebbings, Lisa McCaskill, Holly Parker, Tony Nesbit, Kristina Deverell, Sharon Riley, Janet Ryder
The Marketing dream-team celebrating Christmas together!
A One Drake Christmas party for the Sydney branch!
Christmas celebrations!
Georgia Matterson, Nic Jones, Annerley Juhlin-Beeck and Gen Tope celebrating the end of year.
The Sydney Medox team ready to celebrate! L-R: Amelia Evans, May Beniat, Lile Taufaoo, Kris Dilucchio, Caitlin Lind, Mariah Ianni, Pippa Carr and Leah Walsh.
VIC Staffing team members celebrating the end of year!
Darwin team’s end of year celebration with their care teams.
Wishing you all a fantastic festive season!