The Supplier Development Program is a first of its kind, and we’re proud to be partnering with Mirvac on it. We’re working alongside four certified social enterprises – CommUnity Construction, Green Connect, Reground and YMCA Rebuild – to help boost their capabilities and capacity, so they’re better positioned in the future to deliver on larger contracts.
Recently, we hosted a special panel event to hear from participants on this unique program. Here’s what they shared about their experience gained and lessons learnt.
Participants during the panel discussion.
From left to right, front row: Tara Anderson, Ninna Larsen, Robert Servine, Deepen Somaiya and Kase Jong.
From left to right, back row: Sarah Clarke, David Haller, Hedayat Osyan and Damien Carmody.
Invaluable guidance
Coming into the program, Hedayat Osyan, Founder at CommUnity Construction was really excited to build a relationship with his mentor David Haller, National Operations Manager, Construction at Mirvac. Hedayat was looking to build his business across the country and adding more services. But David pointed out a few critical things that got him thinking.
“I was obsessed in expanding my business, but I wasn’t aware of some critical factors. David asked me some really important questions regarding a strategic plan, how to build a strong team to deliver high quality services, about partnerships and how to be a successful partner. This program has really helped me be prepared for the next stage of being a successful social enterprise.”
More than just a transactional vendor relationship
When asked why he had joined the program David shared, “We should be doing things like this, as it’s an opportunity to give back. What makes a successful business is more than just transactional vendor relationship.”
Labour shortages have created undersupply which is a significant gap in the construction industry. Commenting on this David says, “It’s time we do get an opportunity to broaden our horizon and understanding. There are more options out there.”
He also added that social enterprises bring a different culture, a strong sense of wanting to work, provide a different perspective and have the ability to contribute more than just a service, but rather a relationship for the long-term which is certainly needed to improve the construction industry.
Working through challenges, together
Most social enterprises face limited resources, deep industry knowledge, connections and some lack efficient processes, systems and operations.
Damein Carmody, YMCA Rebuild Manager said he found working with his mentor Kase Jong, Regional Operations Manager VIC, Construction at Mirvac – life changing.
“To be able to work with Kase, as a live mentor that was able to listen to our challenges and deliver amazing responses to the different problem we faced, was life changing. We spoke about tactics versus strategy. A lot of social enterprises try to fix the problem each step. Whereas Kase asked us to take a breath and step back and make us think about what our strategy is, to deliver things on a grand scale. This has genuinely changed the way Rebuild operates.”
Understanding each other to unlock opportunities
Reflecting on his time working with Damien, Kase has gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for social enterprises. “It’s been an absolute honour working with Damien and his team, and it has opened my eyes. There are a lot of social enterprises out there that are already successful and ready to go now.
"And it just takes core strategic partners, like Mirvac, to be able to give them that opportunity and given them that playing field to grow at a much more sustainable rate, rather than continuously going in hard tendering… having spikes and drops in workload. It cannot work this way for social enterprises. They need partners like us to be able to give that consistent workload.”
More than just a job
For Kim Host, Resource Recovery Manager, Asset Management at Mirvac being part of the Supplier Development Program as a mentor has given her a positive personal experience.
"During the program, I realised the real difference a company like Mirvac can make within the community. The mentoring program provided a convergence of ideas, a collaborative vision and exposure to a wider audience. This allowed the mentoring sessions to extend to other internal and external stakeholders to better understand the role of social enterprise in our communities and business today.
On a personal level, working with Ninna at Reground and other social enterprises has been one of the highlights of my career. Understanding the impact we can make to other human beings, particularly at such a turbulent time in our local and global communities is heart, mind and soul warming."
The gift of feedback and being human
Reflecting on her experience, Ninna Larsen Founder at Reground shares some of her highlights. “Kim has facilitated a lot of connections and has provided so much feedback on the services that we provide to Mirvac. It has helped us hone our story that we tell now, through receiving honest feedback as it’s about storytelling and how we connect with others. It's been wonderful.
“I’ve learned over the past year that we’re all human and that social enterprise can be a pathway for people to get involved with something that’s more purpose driven and something that actually make and impact in the community.”
Shifting “heart to head” a little more
Green Connect had come to a point where key business decisions needed to be made, in order to grow their business further while still holding true to their purpose. During the program, Robert Servine, General Manager had an introduction to Toyota facilitated by Social Traders. Robert and his team were supported in transforming their operations to be more efficient and to grow at scale.
“As our business grew, our processes did not change. Which meant we were packing 150 vegetable boxes the same way that we pack 20 boxes. We had Toyota come in and work with us over 5 months, and we went from packing a box in 72 seconds down to 42 seconds. What used to be a very stressful day for us is now not at all. And we have the capacity to grow our vegetable box business without having to add additional labour and cost. It’s been a very tangible success for us and I’m very appreciative for the opportunity.”
A great time to be in procurement, do good
“It’s a great time to be in the procurement profession. Social procurement is a double-edged sword in a good way. You’re spending money, you’re getting quality goods and services with a commercial baseline, but you’re also making sure that you’re driving really good impact in the community.
"I challenge anyone that’s interest in this, to go out to one of these social enterprises and visit them. See the change that they’re making in real life, in the community. Once you see that you can never unsee it again. At the end of the day, it’s about doing the right thing,” Deepen Somaiya, Responsible Sourcing Manager, Group Advisory Solutions at Mirvac.