Opinion

Dynamic Duos: CHEP Brisbane’s Katie Peacock and Christine Gannon

In this week's Dynamic Duos, CHEP Brisbane's managing partner Christine Gannon and strategy director Katie Peacock tell Mumbrella about how the pair clicked immediately after meeting for a once off project, and have worked together every day since.

In Dynamic Duos, Mumbrella each week asks two members of the same organisation with a professional and personal affiliation to share with readers the importance of workplace relationships in an increasingly hybridised world of work.

Katie Peacock:

Christine and I met in early 2019 – a couple of months after I moved to Brisbane, when I was brought into the office to take a brief. I remember our first meeting distinctly. She strode toward me in 4-inch heels, her welcoming smile framed by her signature pixie cut. She shook my hand and looked me in the eye – she was a dynamo.

We sat down to negotiate the terms of the project – ‘three days, not an hour more,’ she told me. That was three and a bit years ago, and we’ve worked together every day since. Our meeting was serendipitous, the right place at the right time.

I’m not sure exactly why we have such a great relationship, maybe it’s because we’re both straight shooters. We tell it as we see it, and have an insatiable desire to do great work for clients that love working with us. Our friendship is based on mutual respect, as is our work partnership.

Neither of us are particularly funny – but we find ourselves laughing together every day.

Christine makes it easy to show up and give your best because she brings out the best in the team. She’s tough but fair, kind, thoughtful, and loyal beyond words.

For me personally, she’s my sounding board, my voice of reason – I can’t imagine doing this stuff without her. She just gets me.

Christine Gannon: 

I first met Katie when she came in as a freelancer in early 2019. She had recently moved back to Queensland after 25 years overseas and was dipping her toe back in the water in the local market.

I was immediately impressed with her strategic talent and ability to build rapport with clients. We clicked immediately, so of course, I never let her leave and she’s been a critical part of our team ever since.

Our relationship is built on mutual trust and understanding, with a singular commitment to making the work better. I think we are a great sounding board for each other and bring different perspectives and experiences to the table to get to a better outcome.

Katie is a formidable strategist, a dynamic presenter, and a lovely person – the holy trinity! She brings her full passion to any project and is a huge motivating force for the team.

People can think that Brisbane is an industry outpost where nothing good happens, but they have it all wrong. I’m lucky to work with world-class talent like Katie doing world-class work every day; that’s what makes it all worthwhile.

Katie on Christine:

Most memorable moment with the Christine: There have been many, but I’ll never forget our first meeting – Christine’s energy was infectious. I instantly wanted to be a part of her team.

Describe Christine in one word: Dynamo

Christine’s most annoying habit or endearing behaviour: Pressure makes diamonds – both endearing and annoying! Christine is definitely a diamond.

 

Christine on Katie:

Most memorable moment with Katie: Being in the trenches before a big presentation or pitch – these are the times when we pull together and lift each other up, and the work is at its purest.

Describe Katie in one word: Scary (IYKYK 😊)

Katie’s most annoying habit or endearing behaviour: She hates to lose!

 

If you and a colleague would like to submit your story to Dynamic duos, please email kwelch@mumbrella.com.au.

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