Ronelle Pratt- Humanly Consulting
Ronelle Pratt is a Culture and Leadership Consultant, and the Founder and Principal of Humanly Consulting
Community and Background:
Can you tell us a bit about your journey to the Coledale community? How did you end up here and what attracted you to this community?
I’m so stoked to be part of the WorkLife community. I love our local community, it is full of interesting, clever, intelligent people who inspire me to make brave choices and be creative, and WorkLife is another awesome way to invest in and engage in that community. Mine is the typical story that lots of us relate to; after a couple of years of juggling work from home within the short school hours and amidst the various housework and house improvement jobs, I was eager to have another space to go to for focus, inspiration and productivity. WorkLife Coledale provides that through its beautiful space and wonderful people. Even just a day a week here puts a pep in my step.
Business and Entrepreneurship:
Tell us about your work. How and when did you decide to start it, and what motivated you to take the plunge into entrepreneurship or remote work?
I am super passionate about helping people do what they do well for the sake of their own personal effectiveness and satisfaction as well as for the benefit of those around them. So, I partner with leaders in organisations to build great organisational cultures. I believe if we can help build more workplaces where people can thrive, business will also thrive and, to be a little cliché, the world will be a better place with more people enjoying what they do. The knock-on effect of greater personal satisfaction, safety and security at work is significant for business outcomes and in our personal relationships. What I love about the work I do is that it is measurable. Culture isn’t just a ‘vibe’. We can measure culture, get some reliable data and this gives us something meaningful to work with. I started Humanly Consulting a few years ago at a pivotal point after a season of time at home with my awesome three kids. I had the opportunity to go back into employment within my field but had been wondering about what I could do if I started something that I could design and build myself. I don’t tend to love the uncertainty of a blank page but felt that this was my chance to be courageous and see what could become of ‘my own thing’.
What does work-life balance look like for you? How do you manage the demands of work while ensuring time for family and personal life?
Well, it’s an illusion. But for me it’s about being clear on my priorities and planning my time and focus accordingly, and that might look different week to week. I love this season of having young kids and so I choose to apply myself to my business part time so that I can have time in my week to be with my kids, at their schools and in the community. Having my own business is great for that flexibility but clear boundaries can be tricky. I am also super grateful for a husband who has a high capacity for juggling and still being productive in his busy job and is willing to be flexible to free me up.
In your industry, what recent disruptions or transitions have had the most significant impact on your business?
The importance of culture is now a commonplace conversation amongst organisations which is so good and many organisations now are willing to invest time and money in leadership and culture, understanding the direct impact it has on business results.
The increase in remote working has brought benefits and challenges to our organisations and society; giving people more room to do life in a way that works for them personally, being trusted to get a job done and recognising that being a slave to a computer within a building 9am-5pm is not necessarily the most productive way to work. And yet, building a strong organisational culture is more difficult for leaders of teams who are not physically present, and regularly connected. It’s not impossible, but it looks different. There is indeed something lost with the absence of incidental convos around the office and impromptu social coffees or lunches. Organisational Culture remains as important as ever, and leaders need to be adaptable and keep finding the best ways to connect with, support and understand their teams.
Personal Life:
Outside of work, what are your hobbies and passions? How do you like to spend your time when you’re not focused on business or family?
Top of my list would be to go for a surf with a few good mates or grab a quiet hour reading a good book.
Are there any books or podcasts you’ve found particularly inspiring or informative recently? Any recommendations for the WorkLife community?
Think Again by Adam Grant was a great read for seeing things differently, embracing the joy of ongoing learning, building rethinking patterns and challenging the imposter syndrome which tells me that I ‘should already know this or be able to do this’.
The Imperfects podcast S6 E36 ‘What are your Values?’ was a great listen if you’re wanting to get really clear on the foundation of your values. What really drives what you care about and therefore what you do. I find coming back to my core values regularly helps me keep my priorities right in the small and big decisions.
How do you maintain boundaries between work and personal life? Any top tips?
Scheduling my time clearly and having dedicated work time with clear book ends. This is the part I find tricky running my own business, but I’m working on it. Sounds simple but having a rolling ‘Work’ to-do list and ‘Home’ to-do list helps me manage my brainspace and minimise the ping-ponging of all the things bouncing around in my head.
Home and Lifestyle:
What is your taste like? Do you have a favourite item of furniture or object in your home? Anything that has special significance or tells a story about you?
A bit like my business branding brief really; clean, crisp, fresh, professional yet down-to-earth and for my home I would add homely, warm and inviting for all.
What do you like/appreciate about the design at WorkLife? Any favourite touches or things that make you feel at home when you are at work?
Love the fresh, relaxed environment. It’s professional, well resourced and things work, it’s welcoming and you feel like you can be yourself.
If you were to showcase the best of the Coledale lifestyle to visiting friends, where would you take them and why?
Check out any or all of the beach pools along our magic coastline, pack a picnic and chill out at Sandon Point boatsheds late on a calm summer day.
Productivity and Time Management:
What’s your go-to productivity hack? How do you stay organised and efficient, especially with multiple responsibilities?
My biggest tip to myself and others is to be clear on the one thing that if you smash it, will make today a success – and do that first. Guilty of not doing that right now though!
Benefits of WorkLife Membership:
Lastly, what’s been the most valuable aspect of being a member at WorkLife for you and your work?
Having a place to go where I can do everything I need to do with ease – good internet access, printing facilities, meeting space etc is sooooo useful. And of course the people element; chatting with others, sharing ideas and building connections energises me.
MEMBER PROMO
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, join Ronelle on Thursday March 6th, from 7.00pm-9.00pm at Timbermill Studios, Bulli for the first Be Inspired. gathering of the year. Get amongst the collective wisdom of this incredible community of women and start the year with energy, curiosity, challenge and inspiration. There will be beautiful food, good wine, great conversation and the chance to share your wisdom and collect it in bucket loads from others.
We all have something to learn. We all have something to share. Come and Be Inspired.
Tickets are $55 + BF and are purposefully limited so grab one for you and a friend today! Ticket price includes wine, non-alcoholic drinks, and delicious grazing table by Pony & Wolf Picnics, and most valuably, time and connection with a community of passionate, creative women.
Join the Be Inspired. community page on Facebook, or follow Humanly Consulting for details of events on Instagram. We hope to see you there!
