Case Study: Yvonne von Hartel
In a successful career that has spanned 40 years, Yvonne von Hartel has carved her niche as a leading figure in Victoria's architectural industry. As a founding Principal of peckvonhartel, the design practice she established and runs with her husband Robert Peck (MBA 1973), Yvonne's body of work boasts an impressive list of Australian and international design achievements, including the refurbishment of Melbourne's Queen Victorian Women's Centre and urban developments such as Hong Kong's Ko Shan Road Park.
Yvonne recently added to her accolades by being awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2007 Queen's Birthday honours. This recognition stems from her dedication and service to architecture, design and building through her involvement as a member and director of numerous organisations. She has also worked tirelessly to help promote women in business, particularly focusing on raising the profile of women within the building and design industries - a traditionally male dominated sector.
Yvonne von Hartel has maintained a strong connection with Melbourne Business School since completing the Advanced Management Program (AMP) nearly two decades ago. Undertaking the program at a time when she needed the additional leadership skills to enhance her board contributions and work with corporate clients, Yvonne has continued to apply her knowledge and learnings from the AMP.
"The AMP taught me how to deal effectively with multiple stakeholders at various levels of seniority. I learned to see and appreciate different perspectives, incorporating them into my frame of thinking. By seeing more than one view, you're capable of making greater contributions to your staff, board and shareholders."
Leading a busy design practice means no two days are ever the same for Yvonne. Her commitment to her clients involves guiding them from the initial commissioning stage of a project through to final completion.
"I apply the strong stakeholder relationship and people management skills I gained from the AMP when liaising with diverse industry boards including: Building Industry Sector Board of Standards Australia; Sustainability Board of Standards Australia; Building Commission Building Advisory Council; and the Victorian Design Advisory Council. I also use these skills as a Design Advisor to some of Australia's largest corporations such as BHP Billiton, AXA and ANZ in the procurement of their headquarters buildings."
Yvonne also understands the importance of her role as leader and mentor within her business - and in the design community. She has served as a role model for women in her profession and has increased the participation of women in her practice. Yvonne believes in leading by example and being open to consultation and dialogue.
"Leadership requires hard work. To earn respect, admiration and trust as a leader, you need to listen while directing the people around you."
