Michał’s story: Food with soul
Shula’s story: From the Ground Up
I have spent most of my career in facilities and operational management. In 2020, I decided to take a leap and try FIFO (fly-in, fly-out). Like many people in the industry, I started in the casual utility pool, working across housekeeping, mine-site cleaning, kitchen operations, bar and retail, and administration.
In 2021, Sodexo contacted me after reviewing my résumé. During the recruitment process, they asked, “How did you find starting out in a hands-on role?” At the time, it felt like a simple question. Later, I realized it reflected exactly what Sodexo values - leaders who understand the work from the ground up and appreciate the day-to-day challenges faced by frontline teams.
That was the moment I thought, yes, I fit here.
At the camp where I am currently based, we serve more than 1,000 meals each day, maintain high accommodation standards, and provide a welcoming tavern space where people can unwind after work. When people return to camp after long, demanding shifts, our focus is on delivering a safe, reliable and welcoming environment that supports quality of life and helps people recharge for the next day.
Turning a personal challenge into a new professional chapter
In 2022, I took time away from work to undergo breast cancer treatment. At the same time, both of my daughters were in the final stages of completing their university degrees at the University of Western Australia, and their encouragement played a big part in my decision to start university myself. Approaching 50, I knew it was a significant step, but one I felt ready to take.
I enrolled in a Bachelor of Business and Human Resource Management online through Adelaide University, using the time to challenge myself and gain a broader perspective on my career.
Part of my studies focused on the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which gave me the opportunity to explore how Sodexo integrates sustainability and social responsibility into its business strategy. That learning shifted the way I viewed both my role and my employer, reinforcing that my work is about more than delivering services, it’s about contributing to something meaningful.
My passion for encouraging talent and increasing retention
Mentoring and career development are a core part of my role, and one of the aspects I enjoy most. I am genuinely enthusiastic about retaining great people and supporting them to build long-term careers with Sodexo.
We employ people from a wide range of backgrounds and experience levels, and in the energy and resources sector, starting FIFO can feel daunting. Getting on a plane and heading to a remote site is a big step. Part of my role is to help ease those nerves, build confidence, and create an environment where people feel supported from day one.
I am still on that same journey myself, continuing to learn, develop and grow, and I take immense pride in supporting my teams as they build confidence, capability and long-term careers with Sodexo.
Sodexo’s gender network has opened my eyes to the wider company
I am now in my second year as Sodexo’s Gender Network Employee Champion for Australia, a role that has broadened my understanding of the business at a global level. Sodexo is a strong advocate for culture and belonging, and we genuinely take the time to understand how people feel so they can bring their whole selves to work and perform at their best. We value diversity and recognize the strength and capability it brings to our workforce.
