SaaSy Talk S01.36: Electric Dreams: Louise's Journey from Sparky to Leadership at Schneider Electric

About The Guest(s): Louise has over 20 years experience in technical and leadership roles across a range of sectors and disciplines, including technology, real estate, facilities management, and working as an electrician in the mining industry. This diverse experience underpins her passion for how people and technology can shape real estate experiences and improve the world we live in.Louise joined Schneider Electric in November 2020, as the Vice President Digital Buildings, Australia, leading a 350 strong team delivering sustainability and efficiency solutions to the built environment.Prior to that Louise was at AMP Capital, where she was most recently the Program Director for Technology and Innovation, ensuring delivery of client and business value from technology investment and leading real estate's digital and innovation team. Louise has also held senior roles in property management, operations and facilities management. Louise is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a member of Chief Executive Women, holds a Masters of Facilities Management, and remains a qualified electrician. Summary: Louise shares her unique career journey, from starting as an apprentice in the mining industry to becoming a leader at Schneider Electric. She discusses the challenges and opportunities in the industry, including the shift towards open platforms and the integration of IoT. Louise also highlights the importance of diversity in leadership teams and the need for continuous learning and skill development. She emphasizes the role of AI in making buildings more efficient and addresses the challenges of the skills shortage in the industry. Louise concludes by sharing her vision for the future and the legacy she hopes to leave as a leader. Key Takeaways: Louise's career path was unique, starting as an apprentice in the mining industry and transitioning into facility management and real estate. The industry has seen significant changes in the past decade, with a shift towards open platforms and the integration of IoT. Diversity in leadership teams is crucial for success, including a mix of skills, backgrounds, and experiences. AI plays a significant role in making buildings more efficient and addressing the challenges of the skills shortage. Louise's vision for the future includes continued growth and development in her role at Schneider Electric. Quotes: "I would like for people that have worked in the businesses I lead to look back at that period and be like, that was a good part of my career." "The biggest challenge locally, I think it holds true globally, is going to be skills shortage." "It's about investing in and growing their capability rather than reducing the workforce." "The application of technology to meet outcomes and getting that right is crucial." Chapters 00:42 Louise's Unique Career Journey 01:45 Transition into Facility Management and Real Estate 02:28 Role at Schneider Electric 03:21 Industry Changes Over the Last Decade 04:18 Adapting to Open Platforms and IoT 04:59 Challenges and Solutions in Data Integration 08:12 Working with Partners and Vendors 13:49 The Future of Schneider Electric 18:09 Leadership and Career Reflections 22:56 Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities 25:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Subscribe on Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/3ZVkJ12FIqD39oqgj7Kcjq  Subscribe on Apple:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saasy-talk-unfiltered/id1709426070 Subscribe on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@SaaSyTalkUnfiltered Subscribe on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/saasy-talk-unfiltered Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://substack.com/@saasytalkunfiltered Visit our Website:  https://saasytalkunfiltered.transistor.fm/  Follow Ricky Sevta on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickysevta/ Follow Sean Diljore on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/seandiljore/