Caroline McAuliffe

How would you describe your job to someone who knew nothing about the executive interim search industry?

For the past eleven years I have deployed senior level, high-calibre executives, with broad functional and operational expertise, into mainly private sector organisations to complete growth, transformation, turnaround or cost efficiency mandates.

I cut my teeth in the Interim management industry in Australia in 2005, joining a start-up boutique interim management business as a partner in what was a largely emerging industry. I joined Watermark in 2011 as a Partner in the newly formed practice and now with eleven years’ personal experience and a track record of hundreds of successful interim assignments completed, we are now experiencing a significant growth and awareness of this credible and effective resourcing solution. The rise of the ‘gig economy’ and the more contingent workforce is seeing a demand for seasoned executives to provide a competitive advantage.

What inspired you to work in the industry?

I have a passion for partnering with organisations to solve their problems and the interim associates that I deploy inspire me. The best part of my job is meeting executives who have the most interesting and diverse careers and stories. I love being able to help them take their first steps into the new phase of their careers as Executive Interim Managers.

Who is the most influential person you’ve ever met? (And why).

I worked with an amazing executive coach a few years ago and she made me think differently about my potential and how you can achieve anything you want to if you put your mind to it – you just have to believe in yourself and give yourself permission!

What’s the one thing that gets you out of bed in the morning?

My children get me out of bed in the morning…literally. They are my motivation and inspiration. I want to be a good role model for them.

What’s your biggest career achievement to date?

Starting the interim practice here at Watermark nearly six years ago and shaping and growing it to the successful practice it is now, has been one of my biggest career achievements to date. We had to overcome a number of barriers in this market, but with dogged perseverance and a belief in what we were doing, Watermark has grown into the premier Interim Management business in Australia.

What’s the best thing about working at Watermark?

I’m very fortunate in that I get to do what I love every day at Watermark, so it doesn’t feel like a “job”. The people I meet have the most amazing life stories to share.

If you never had to work again, how would you spend your time?

I’d still always want to work, doing what I do, in some capacity. Outside of that, I would like to travel and live all over the world, write and read books, contribute to community programs, particularly with children and own a vineyard and make (and drink) wine!