Amanda Ward

Background

About Amanda Ward

I've been fortunate to gain invaluable experience living in 4 countries and working for diverse companies. I have used this varied experience to hone my expertise in nurturing and growing business relationships and improving business processes. My career began in HR where I learned the value of empathy, active listening and clear communication. These skills are the key to my success as a Client Relations Manager, allowing me to understand and anticipate client needs and provide practical solutions. I focus on developing tailored client strategies that develop loyalty and trust. My approach is relationship-driven: I prioritize long-term partnership value over short-term gains. I have found that the longest-lasting client relationships enable both companies to succeed together.Whilst working for Price Waterhouse Coopers I was seconded to Moscow to create an international assignment function and train the local HR team to manage the function upon my departure. It was a volatile time in Russia and the experience taught me how to thrive with limited guidance, appreciate that different cultures have different working styles, and the needs of customers should always be placed first. Whilst employed by GMAC I was seconded to Singapore to create a fully outsourced international assignment function within a short time frame. My ability to work independently and under pressure was invaluable. I needed to quickly build trust and confidence with the 13 key client stakeholders located across Asia, whilst enhancing the skill set within the internal team. To complete the project successfully I used the 5 E’s of change management; envision, engage, energize, enable, and execute. I relocated to the USA through marriage and was delighted to be hired by an ex-colleague to create a Client Service function to manage an extensive client portfolio (including Allen Overy, HSBC, Johnson & Johnson, Jotun, Marriott Hotels, The Walt Disney Company, and World Bank). My immediate objectives were to increase client retention from 65% to 95% and to increase client revenue. Both objectives were achieved within 2 years.When I sought a new challenge, I was hired by another ex-colleague to implement processes and procedures to improve the company operations. The role includes the oversight of the Client Service function.