Risks can help you overcome challenges

Project Management Resource Group Corporation strives to build and manage client projects that consistently surpass expectations. Louise Spicer serves as the director of the Goad-Ballinger Apprenticeship Training Institute, an apprenticeship training facility that works side-by-side with PMRG Corporation.

PMRG delivers innovative urban infrastructure solutions employing advanced technologies to enhance urban functionality and aesthetics. Their smart lighting, interactive kiosks, and eco-friendly seating enhance public services, safety, and connectivity for residents. IoT and intelligent systems facilitate sustainable urban development and city management. Regardless of a company's digital transformation objectives, if the necessary infrastructure is lacking, they can step in!

Licensed professionals manage PMRG Corporation's engineering, construction, and projects. They have market understanding and can manage people, projects, and resources while predicting and solving problems. Their services include fiber networks, technology deployment, mobile towers, technical support, and solar energy systems. They improve network infrastructure and communication with telecom expertise. They also customize solutions to integrate new technology seamlessly, saving time and money. With strategic counsel and effective solutions, their experienced consultants help firms stay competitive in the continuously changing telecommunication sector.

Besides, Louise explains that engineering's Fiber Optic Operations provides fiber optic network installation, maintenance, and upgrades. To ensure dependability and efficiency, these services design and deploy modern data transmission systems with cutting-edge monitoring and troubleshooting. She states that Fiber Optic Operations Engineering scales perform effectively for the current telecommunications and data service infrastructures. Mobile Tower Engineering, Design, and Manufacturing offers comprehensive telecom tower solutions. Custom towers resist category 5 hurricanes. These services comply with industry standards and regulations from site appraisal and specialized design to fabrication and on-site assembly. With innovative technology and skills, they provide high-quality, scalable infrastructure to fulfill the growing demand for reliable mobile connectivity.

PMRG Corp works very closely with Goad-Ballinger Apprenticeship Training Institute. This nonprofit trains Certified Fiber Optic Technicians under the US Department of Labor’s Recognized Apprenticeship Program. Goad-Ballinger Apprenticeship Training Institute offers nine weeks of theoretical and practical training.

The independent Fiber Optic Association qualifies apprentices as CFOTs. The first 9 weeks, apprentices obtain 26 module certifications. After passing the CFOT exam, apprentices can work on PMRG Corp projects in the US or abroad. The Department of Labor stipulates that apprentices are paid from day one and will be provided wage increases every 960 hours. Apprentices can sit for their final exam, the Telecommunications Journeyman Certification, after their 2.5-year apprenticeship. Journeymen can build, manage, and operate telecommunication networks and solve complicated problems. Veteran-owned PMRG Corp also works with veteran charities to help veterans gain admission into the apprenticeship. Homeless veterans can stay in on-site accommodation during their 9-week in-class training. Apprentices learn budgeting to manage their financial independence and increase their revenues. Budgeting and finances are part of Louise's responsibilities, and she enjoys improving trainees' lives. Top Goad-Ballinger instructors have over 70 years of experience. After class, the apprentices can discuss subjects.

Louise notes that the sector is competitive; therefore, telecommunications businesses may benefit from outsourcing their training and certification for their staff. She cannot elaborate on this significant opportunity, as it is under investigation.

As ISPs and telecom providers build new fiber networks faster, the U.S. telecommunications market relies on them. Without a large and professional team of qualified fiber optic technicians, this is impossible. To enable new fiber networks, the US must create 2.1 million jobs by 2025 to achieve broadband and fiber expansion ambitions!

Louise holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, a Certificate IV in Small Business Management, and a Certificate in Accounting. She joined PMRG Corp in January 2024 after previously working with Ericsson Australia as the NBN Program Administrator and ANZ Banking Group Limited as the Executive Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer, Institutional, for several years, among other senior EA roles.

Louise enjoys cooking for friends and going to the Symphony. The world's most isolated capital city, Perth, Western Australia is her hometown. But she moved to Melbourne, Victoria about 20 years ago and adores it. She misses Melbourne, family, and friends. Louise moved to Springfield over a year ago. An ice storm in Springfield last January stunned her after a balmy Australian summer. It is noteworthy that Louise moved away from her family and friends to run the Goad-Ballinger Apprenticeship Institute alone. However, Louise has had amazing encounters.

Louise is proud to have participated in her former employer’s response to Japan's Fukushima nuclear accident in March 2011, while supporting the Global Head of Health, Safety, and Welfare. During the nuclear incident, potassium iodide was unavailable, so they worked with a local compounding pharmacy to make the medication in individual bottles for their Japanese personnel and their families. After making the medication, Louise collected and wrapped each glass bottle in bubble wrap and cardboard tubes, boxed it, and organized transportation to Japan for distribution.

Louise believes leaders should lead by example and be kind and empathetic. Leaders must combine strength, resilience, leadership, and situational awareness with soft skills.’ Louise says people are more likely to follow if they perceive that the company appreciates them. She believes that her small contribution has a positive impact on her coworkers. Louise has an administrative assistant, who she has encouraged to become a Mental-Health First Aider, and Notary. Mental Health First Aiders are common in Australian working environments, and so I wanted to incorporate this into Goad-Ballinger.

But the growing demand for their training worries Louise because growing too fast too soon can create its own set of problems. But if growth is effectively managed, it will in turn boost employment opportunities.

Leadership can reveal cultural issues in a business unit or firm. There are so many ‘red flags’ to look out for. If there is a cultural issue, for example, you may see high turnover. I have been fortunate to collaborate with some incredible leaders, which I am still in contact with. I have learned from them what works well and what should be avoided. For example, if competition between staff members is not managed well, it can alienate employees or encourage toxic and manipulative behaviors, which in turn may cause serious harm to your business. Unfortunately, I have seen this type of management style first hand also. According to Louise, businesses should encourage more collaboration, as it will enhance team cohesion. Employees have varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, resulting in numerous ideas and solutions that benefit the organization.

Louise thinks an important understated issue is the difference between the US-Australian employment law gap. Missouri is an "at will’ state, enabling termination without warning, which is illegal in Australia. Even though there are many similarities, Australia and the US differ culturally, economically, socially, and linguistically. Unexpected misinterpretations of her comments highlight the constant need for improvement. Missouri workers possess limited legal rights and benefits. Federal and State regulations do not require lunch breaks (even) for 8-hour shifts, there is also no requirement for paid PTO. Recent elections approved paid sick leave (up to 5 days annually) which is a positive step forward. I’m proud to say that we have implemented Annual Leave and Sick leave policies. Employees gain generous paid leave after 90 days of probation under both policies.

Louise prefers a 'Manage by Exception' style. She encourages her team to use their situational awareness, experience, and knowledge to make judgments, but if they need to go outside their limitations, they can ask her for help. She works with highly skilled people and does not presume she knows more. She thinks leaders should facilitate, guide and manage to achieve results while allowing autonomy, but they should also provide input if requested.

Finally, executives should value their executive assistants, personal assistants, or administrative assistants. They represent your company; they are your company’s eyes and ears. Invest in their education and responsibility. They are critical to any successful business. A well-organized EA/PA/AA can help a firm thrive and let you focus on important issues. Paying them generously will help! Few companies offer career paths for 'admin support staff.' Equal advancement opportunities are deserved. She cautions against losing a talented EA/PA/AA because replacing and training a new person will cost more.