Helen Hamilton-James, the 407th person I’ve met on my quest to have lunch with 500 strangers, is managing partner of Deloitte’s Western Sydney office. Before that, she had a life-changing experience serving in the same role for Deloitte’s Papua New Guinea office.

From a professional perspective, the role compelled Helen to adapt to a very different business environment, do a lot more networking and take on a more active business development role. 

From a personal perspective, Helen (and her husband and children) had to adapt to a very different way of life and build a new social network.

Helen loved living in PNG – she appreciated being able to have more of an impact in her work than was possible in the larger Sydney office, and she enjoyed the people and culture.

Helen’s background is working in audit and assurance. Now, as the managing partner in Western Sydney – Australia’s third-largest economy – she does less direct client work and spends more time meeting key stakeholders and overseeing the business’s strategy.

While Helen is now a very happy Sydneysider, she grew up in the UK. Deloitte sent her to Sydney in her twenties, for what was supposed to be a temporary stint. Helen swore she’d be returning home – but once she bought a horse (Helen is a keen equestrian), her fate was sealed. Britain’s loss is Australia’s gain.