They say a strong woman looks a challenge in the eye and gives it a wink. That is exactly what our CEO Samantha Phillips has done.

Today we celebrate the one year anniversary since I handed over the reins of Tuckfields to CEO Sam Phillips. I felt it was important that I pop in to let our colleagues and clients know my observations of Sam’s leadership over the past year.

Team Changes

With any change in management comes changes in the team. Sam experienced a shift in our team with some of our Conveyancers leaving the nest. While this saddened and shocked me to no end, we did what we always do as employers and tried not to take it personally. We dusted ourselves off and focused on hiring new talent. While Sam was still learning the ropes in general management of the business, she quickly took to learning our recruitment process and employed some fabulous new Conveyancers and administration staff to join the tribe. Thankfully most of our team trusted my judgment and my confidence in Sam and embraced and enjoyed (maybe a little too much – he he) the change in management.

The Re-brand
Sam took some time to re-brand her Morphett Vale office to Tuckfields (almost 7 months) as there was a lot more involved than we initially thought. I learnt quickly that Sam takes a diligent and conscientious approach to tasks compared to myself. I have always been a bit of a bull at a gate and bitten off more than I can chew, so to see Sam being so considered and meticulous with the re-brand was reassuring that she had everything under control. Little did we know what lay ahead for the Tuckfields team immediately after the signage was put up.

A Pandemic
The day after the re-brand, Covid-19 restrictions struck SA. Sam did not have 5 minutes to celebrate her re-brand as her priority quickly changed to the safety and well-being of the Tuckfield team. If she was stressed out, we wouldn’t have known it. She remained calm and methodical and ensured work at home agreements were entered into; health regulations were introduced to the office; and numerous meetings were held with her team (both as a whole and individually) to make sure they were okay.

Pandemic or not, Sam has always been determined to provide secure employment for the team and she did just that. She survived what would be the toughest obstacle Tuckfields has ever endured, but the company stayed strong and stood on its own two feet throughout. No Government handouts were required and no reduction in overheads were needed. This is something that I have expressed to Sam is a success story in itself and should be celebrated.

Tammy steps back
As the owner and CEO of Tuckfields for 15 years, taking on a role as BDM took a little getting used to, but the more I saw Sam thriving in her leadership role, the more I could confidently let go.

The transition of me stepping back has been purposefully slow and steady. It was so important to me that the changes for the team, my colleagues and my clients was a smooth one. Many were confused with the changes initially and could not quite work out who the owner of Tuckfields was. While I feel this is irrelevant because I have built a company that’s brand speaks for itself and is not reliant on my involvement, it is important to me that we are transparent with those who have supported me and the Tuckfield brand over the years. I have and still do, have a vested financial interest in Tuckfields (as well as an emotional one), but I have stepped back with confidence that Sam has got this.

Tuckfields is Sam’s baby now and while I will look into the cradle from time to time, our team have embraced Sam as their employer and I know everything will be okay.

Thank you
I am incredibly proud and grateful that the Tuckfield team have supported the changes and am thankful to each and every one of them for standing by us despite the changes. Keeping the team employed and keeping our clients happy has and always will be the number one priority. I assured Sam that our colleagues would remain loyal with or without me at the helm; and you have. For that I thank you!

Congratulations
Today Sam on your first anniversary, I congratulate you and the team. The roads have been rocky, but due to your exceptional management skills, your experience and your genuine love for the industry, you have handled these obstacles with grace, diligence, common sense, and strong leadership.

I raise my glass today to Samantha Phillips and invite you all to join me.
With love, Tammy xx

Article written by Tammy Edwards | Images by Adobe Stock

Please note that the information contained in this article is of a general nature only and does not constitute legal advice. Tuckfield Agent Solutions does not take responsibility for any errors or omissions obtained from the use of this information.