I was a relatively inexperienced management consultant. I heard that I was being assigned to a project at in Botswana....off we went. Arriving there little did I know that I would meet someone who would have a gigantic impact in my life. Both then and even now....14 years later. Sitting at the one and only restaurant one night, I was sure I heard a very pronounced American accent. Julie McManus had entered my life.... Even though I was deployed on a cost saving/profitability increase project and Julie was involved in the "people side" of the project, I was immediately aware of her quiet, confident manner in everything she did. All decisions and actions were firstly considered for the benefit of the client's needs and following on that, what was best for the team. Now, many years later, do I only realize how Julie used her position and maturity as a leader and manager to ensure the team could get on with the task at hand. Effectively shielding us from all "white noise" that had been going on in the background. The true measure of a great leader and manager. Traits I have tried to emulate as a manager, even to this day. If my memory serves me right, that project was one of the more successful projects in the South African unit's history. Fast forward 14 years and I consider Julie to still be one of my best friends and she impacts my life to this day. Sometimes just a quick how are you? All the while giving of herself with truly no ulterior motive, other than making sure you are good. Julie is a remarkable woman, leader and manager. I would walk through the proverbial fire and would follow her into "battle" without a moment's hesitation.

Julie is a leader, inspiring her team to want to follow her with her positive attitude, interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate at all levels. She truly connects with people, wants to see them succeed, and is the first to celebrate their accomplishments.

I can say that Julie is, by far, one of the most capable and exceptional leaders that I have had the opportunity to work with. The change that she helped foster in our company culture, due to her servant leadership style, was nothing more than astounding. She has the ability to break down any barriers and bring people, with different skillsets and mind-frames, together through her unsurpassed capacity to listen - therefore influencing favorable change that is long lasting. I cannot say enough about the positive impact that Julie had on our company, and me personally. She is truly one of the rarest kind of gems.

Julie is able to tenaciously drive the efforts of internal and external resources, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned and focused on delivering their respective contributions on time and to the highest quality standards. Her adept communication and leadership skills foster a collaborative environment where teams are motivated to excel, leading to a cohesive and efficient workflow.

She is a people first leader who manages to build strong connections effortlessly with a "whatever it takes" approach while also fostering relationship building at every level. No matter the title, everyone was made to feel seen and heard AND no suggestion ever fell on deaf ears. If there is a way- Julie will find it

Julie has a valuable combination of both practical work/leadership experience and top flight project management skills. She connected well with people at all levels and was valued for her ability to deliver what the 'customers' needed. She has excellent technical expertise and applies it in a way that is seen as enabling rather than directing. I have no doubt in her ability to increase both the performance and skill levels of the groups with whom she works.

Julie is a hard working and dedicated executive of the highest integrity. She is committed 100% to anything she takes on and is loyal to both employees and the company. Julie is one of the most results-oriented individuals I have worked with. If you want something done, and want it done right, Julie will make it happen. Julie is forward looking and can gauge the impact and consequences of processes and procedures on the larger organization. Personally, Julie is all business when doing business, yet she is a good confidant and friend. I have great respect for her.

I had the pleasure to work with Julie in two different projects, one in a big chemical company in Brazil and another in one of the biggest mining company in the world, and I am confident to say that her coaching and leadership skills were a key factor for the projects to reach its goals. By working under her supervision I had clear knowledge of the things that needed to get done and she also provided positive and constructive feedback regarding my activities, which was very important for me to improve myself and to fell motivated about the work that I was performing. As a good manager Julie also asked us to provide feedback to her about the work she was performing, showing a true willingness to evaluate her on actions toward the project and the people she worked with. On the projects we worked together Julie had a key role coaching senior management on management and leadership skills and I could witness how eager they were for every coaching session with her, this shows how talented she is. I learned a lot working with Julie and I am certain that anyone who works with her will share the same opinion of how much value she can add to an organization.

I worked four fantastic years with Julie and hope to work with her again one day. Julie consistently provides great leadership, problem solving ability, and a well thought out approach to addressing client needs. She always provides her team with the proper coaching and support to help them exceed expectations. Always to be counted on, Julie is a charm.