Q&A with Nicola Goddard, People Partner

Nicola Goddard is People Partner at Fronde, a role that supports all Frondies. “Since joining Fronde I have asked one question a number of times, for different reasons: “What is the best thing about Fronde?” The answer is always the same - “the people”. So I feel very privileged to be the People Partner at Fronde.

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How long have you worked in the IT industry?  

All of eight months, and all those eight months with Fronde. I have previously supported IT teams in other industries, though.

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How did you get started in IT or what drew you into IT?  

As an HR professional the industry you work in really has to match up with your values and strengths. Originally I worked in hospitality because I enjoy being around people. I then ventured into the corporate world of telcos, technical services and quasi government.

I learnt a little more about my own personal strengths and realised that they are far better aligned to an innovative industry. I am inspired by ideas, innovation, learning and a focus on strengths to achieve outcomes. Before starting at Fronde I asked the recruitment agency to find me a role in the tech industry and here I am. It's fantastic!

The tech industry allows people to truly contribute in unique ways through their passion, their intelligence, and their ideas. Learning is ongoing and continuous and people thrive on something new, a new challenge - it’s such a great industry to be in.

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What do you remember from your first few days at Fronde? 

The first few days were information overload, like any new role. I echo the words of many others, it was the people that stood out - friendly, welcoming, and inclusive. You immediately feel the inclusive Fronde culture, and if you are a social person there is plenty of opportunity to join in on social activities.

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What attracted you initially, and what makes you stay?

What attracted me initially was the industry, and the size of the business. 

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What do you enjoy about working at Fronde? 

I enjoy the autonomy I have in the role, there is plenty of opportunity to make a difference, add value and positively contribute to the Fronde culture and wellbeing of our people. I stay because there is an exciting future for Fronde and being a part of that will be very rewarding.

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What’s something you know now that you wish you knew when you started out in this industry? 

The first thing that springs to mind is more about Google Workspace, there are so many opportunities to do things smarter and collaborate through this technology. I have learnt that I still have plenty to learn in the technology space. 

As a learner I plan to undertake some technical training myself, I have been told that AWS Cloud practitioner is a good place to start. The hardest part is the jargon and understanding what it all means. I recently learnt something about “containers” and it wasn’t about tupperware.

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What technologies have had the greatest impact on your life, both personally and professionally?

All the amazing apps that have been created. There are apps for some pretty amazing things, I know our Fronde technical teams are currently working on some health related solutions. I use plenty of apps in my own personal life as well to measure steps, book dance competitions, read school information, buy petrol, buy coffee, order food etc.

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Do you have any predictions for the industry?

In general the technology industry has a massive opportunity to add value in the area of sustainable development and I predict that there will be more advancements that technology will support in this space.

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Have you experienced major life events during your time at Fronde?

Bringing up my teenagers this year has been hard work. I have had Covid as well, along with the family. Fronde has been very flexible and our hybrid working model really supports the work-life balance that we want all our Frondies to achieve.

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Who inspires you? Why?

There have been several leaders that have inspired me through the authentic way that they lead their teams, aiming to achieve the best outcomes for all their team members, and overall team success.

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Can you tell us a little bit more about yourself outside of work?

I have a love of the arts, especially the ballet, musicals, and music. Music has an amazing ability to clear the mind, and I really enjoy listening to my son play the guitar, and watching my daughter dance. I also enjoy nature, taking walks along the beautiful Kāpiti Coast beach, swimming in our rivers and camping in our National parks. Camping is my favourite summer activity, and I am excited that spring is here!

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