Roxy Tillie-Gibson

As I reflect on my journey with One New Zealand, I want to share the profound impact that part-time work has had on my life and the invaluable lessons I’ve learned along the way.

The Difference It Has Made: Working 32 hours a week for Southern Cross Healthcare, since returning from maternity leave 6 years ago, and most recently at One New Zeeland, has been a pivotal career decision. This arrangement allowed me to seamlessly transition back into a demanding role while maintaining a presence in my children’s lives. In my current position, I’ve had the honor of leading initiatives that drive change and innovation through data and AI. My role is a testament to One NZ’s commitment to progress, as I spearhead AI Productivity projects and collaborate with tech giants such as Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and AWS. This has not only propelled One NZ towards becoming an AI-led Telco but has also solidified my role as a thought leader in this transformative era. Filling my personal / life bucket gives me the motivation and focus to achieve these work goals and feel motivated.

Embracing Change: My biggest tip for anyone in a similar position is to be open to change. This mindset has been crucial in navigating new roles and seizing opportunities. I’ve often found myself pioneering new positions within the business by demonstrating the art of the possible. This openness to change has enabled me to lead transformational change comfortably, thrive amidst the unknown, and embrace experimentation.

Tips on Managing Boundaries: Setting clear boundaries has been essential to balancing my professional and personal life. Utilising out-of-office messages, blocking my diary, and turning off notifications after hours are practices that have helped me maintain focus and productivity. Recognising the need for flexibility during critical work periods, I’ve also ensured that these times are well-managed and temporary, allowing for a healthy work-life equilibrium.

The Power of Senior Part-Time Work: The ability to work remotely from Nelson (and part-time) has been a game-changer, enhancing our family’s lifestyle and contributing to our collective happiness. My monthly trips to Auckland are a conscious effort to foster strong, face-to-face connections with colleagues and partners, further emphasising the importance of direct communication in our digital age.

I hope my experience sheds light on the empowering potential of senior part-time work and the transformative power of embracing change. May it inspire employers and employees to consider how such an approach could positively impact their own lives and careers. I will forever be grateful to One New Zealand for supporting me along this journey.