## Introducing our Managing Director, Kate Lawrenson

To kick off our "Get to know the Convert Digital team" series, we sat down with our incredible Managing Director, **Kate Lawrenson**, to learn more about her journey and her vision for the future of Convert.

**Can you introduce yourself and share your journey to becoming Managing Director at Convert?**  
Having spent a number of years in my early career advising businesses as part of a consultancy and then spending the last 10 years working for a high growth private equity backed digital agency, I am delighted to now be working for Convert and supporting the other leaders in this next phase of growth. Having experienced the transformation required for other agencies to scale, I aim to bring these learnings to the team at Convert to help shape our client’s growth, and our own.

**How would you describe your leadership style?**  
I really value input from the team and encourage perspectives in a decision making process. I value autonomy in individuals and provide an environment where the team feels empowered and encouraged to contribute to Convert’s journey. But I also think people value clarity and succinct decision making – I like to try and cut through an issue.

**What’s your vision for the agency in the next few years?**  
Convert is such an iconic brand in the global ecommerce industry – I would love to see us thrive further in APAC, helping our Australia based clients grow their own brands but I believe Convert has got what it takes to be a globally recognised ecommerce agency, delivering on our technical expertise and customer experience to brands across the world. There is no limit to the ambition of everyone at Convert so I think we can do this!

**What book, podcast, or resource has had the biggest impact on your career?**  
Honestly, I went through a phase of reading quite a lot of business literature – trying to uncover parts that resonated with me or helped me in a certain situation. But I did conclude that there are so many perspectives but you only need to take one piece from a book for it to be worthwhile. Again, no one standout resource but what this question has prompted me on is that it has been a while since I came across a book or podcast that I really wanted to read or listen to! So that is my weekend homework.

**What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?**  
OOh tricky one, I don’t honestly think I can think of one best piece of advice I’ve ever received – I think I’ve learnt more by taking action against others peoples success or wrongdoings. Although, I did work with a mentor once and I liked the ideation of taking a kit bag into a situation or meeting, thinking about what you have in that bag to help you out in the situation, it could be confidence, assertiveness, experience or humility – knowing you’ve got everything you need to deal with a situation – even if one of those items is ‘I don’t know the answer to that yet'.

**What’s the most rewarding part of your job?**  
Collaborating and working alongside super talented people and having the opportunity to land on the right decision and way forward for the business and its people. I’m a problem solver (generally in life!) so it is rewarding to help the team navigate any issues we face as a business and team.

**How do you foster a strong and motivated team culture?**  
Our culture at Convert is very collaborative and respectful, we help each other navigate situations but we do so with respect and… a whole load of humility! We operate as one team but ensure everyone is accountable and understands this clearly. I personally ensure everyone knows their perspective is valued, it all contributes. Having everyone know their contribution, accountability and measurement of this ensures we are all working towards one common goal.

[**You can connect with Kate via LinkedIn here.**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-lawrenson-1ba29235/)