Having come to Australia from a refugee background, Marcelo’s family journey to Australia was fundamentally formed by values of hard work, determination, achievement.

By nature a highly self-motivated and passionate individual, Marcelo’s biggest challenge is instilling those values in his staff.

What’s your role?

Principal of an award-winning practice specialising in the delivery of architecture, interior design, planning, and project facilitation services.

What’s the most challenging aspect of your job?

By nature I’m a highly self-motivated and passionate individual. The biggest challenge in my workplace has been to ensure that I assist in instilling those values into our staff. It is easy to get caught in your vision, while forgetting to regularly look behind you to check that your team is right there with you.

What experiences are you really proud of?

Being involved with the outstanding success of our Canberra office is what I’m most proud of. While our group is very well known in Melbourne, it’s has taken much of the last seven years to break into the local market and create a firm that is now highly respected by the marketplace, winning major significant projects and offering our staff a supportive, enthusiastic, motivating workplace.

What has been your biggest professional hurdle?

It was not until I joined my firm (peckvonhartel) that my full potential was realised. This has come from my own initial lack of self-awareness, particularly regarding how my skills could influence and benefit a company in so many levels.

At work, what’s the big issue that’s before you right now?

Our team has been together for many years now. Last year many chose to leave for different experiences and opportunities. We have come to understand that this is a natural process. The big issue for us is that we are now entering a forming phase. Given that our staff is pivotal to our success, we are focusing on reassessing our corporate values, identity and HR strategies to ensure our new team develops a strong sense of belonging, feels acknowledged and rewarded for their efforts.

What qualities do you look for in team players?

Good communication levels, empathy for others and high motivation skills are qualities that foster teamwork. Staff quickly appreciate that working collaboratively with others will reap mutual benefits. Teamwork then becomes a powerful weapon for improved efficiency and growth within a company

Who have been your role models?

Coming into this country from a refugee background, my parents have always been a massive influence, in particular my mother. Our initial journey in Australia has fundamentally formed my values of hard work, determination, achievement, communication. All are attributes that have greatly contributed to my success. I have now being married for 25 years, with five children, so my wife has always been a role model for me. Her ability to provide constant support and understanding are values that I always strive to achieve.

How do you work with people/clients who find it hard to listen?

I work very hard at establishing authenticity. I feel that once you gain the respect of someone who is not keen on communicating or working with you, the relationship can quickly improve. However, establishing authenticity must be gained through your actions, not simply words or reputation. In conjunction with this approach, I also work very hard at listening to the individual, which is by far the most effective way to improve communication.

How do you work with people who are difficult to work with?

Following my gained experience in the Colloquium program, I now focus on behaviour rather than feelings or intuition when dealing with a difficult personality. This has allowed me to be able to reduce the likelihood of conflict from the situation, increasing the opportunity for a positive outcome. However, as difficult as it may seem, I also believe that if the unacceptable behaviour cannot be stopped or altered within a reasonable timeframe, it is in the best interest of the individual and company to let the staff member go.

What advice would you offer other people who are struggling to reach positions of leadership?

It is easy to be passionate about something that you love and makes you happy. I would suggest that you need to follow a career path that highly interest and challenges you. This will in turn fuel your passion, enthusiasm and dedication, all critical qualities of a great leader.

What challenges are off in the horizon for you?

The exciting thing for me is that when I look into the horizon I see unlimited opportunities. It is important to understand that as soon as one challenge is achieved another opens up

Company deails: VIsit peckvonhartel here

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