Get to know Ky

Hey there! I'm Ky, the Operational and Project Management Maestro and Safety Superhero of Virtuallair! With over two decades of experience spanning from pastry kitchens to multi-million dollar projects, while I may prefer to stay out of the camera lens [unless someone is with me, forcing me to smile - who can relate?], I bring a unique blend of precision, passion, and playfulness to everything I do.

My journey is as diverse as my skill set. As a young dreamer, I wanted to be an engineer, but when told it was a "man's industry," I pivoted to hospitality. Little did the world know this detour would lead to a force of nature in operational and project management and safety leadership.

I am a safety-savvy, data-loving dynamo who has a knack for making even the dullest safety procedures sexy (yes, you read that right). After a life-changing incident where a team member lost a finger, I dove headfirst into Work Health & Safety, earning a diploma and developing a talent for seamlessly integrating safety into operations workflows. I'm the person you want in your corner when things get tough - just don't try to hug me, okay?

But I'm not just about safety - I'm a bona fide data wizard. Once, I performed a deep dive into labour costs that would make most accountants weep with joy. The result? I created an internal casual pool that slashed agency labour costs from $250k per month to zero, saving the business a cool $150k. That's not just bean-counting; that's bean-multiplication!

When I'm not crunching numbers or ensuring everyone keeps their fingers intact, you'll find me:

Quoting The Simpsons with alarming accuracy
Building Lego sets (eventually - Rome wasn't built in a day, people!)
Fanboying over Batman (move over, Bruce Wayne)
Diving deep into true crime podcasts (purely for research, I promise)
Cleaning (yes, I actually enjoy it - I don't get it either)
Running a successful eBay business (because apparently sleep is for the weak)
Playing video games with the intensity of a pro gamer (watch out for my Crash Bandicoot skills!)
Geeking out over dinosaurs and Buzz Lightyear

My passion for learning is unmatched. When something piques my interest, I dive in headfirst, emerging as an expert faster than you can say "hyperfocus." This trait has led me down some fascinating rabbit holes, from mastering obscure trivia to dreaming of becoming a professional researcher.

In the professional world, I'm a LEAN principle guru, implementing these methodologies in large-scale kitchens to boost efficiency and reduce injuries. It's like I've got a black belt in making kitchens run smoother than a well-oiled wok. But my real claim to fame? Orchestrating the mobilisation of an $80 million business acquisition, working alongside competitors to ensure a smooth transition. My secret weapon? A meticulously managed Gantt chart and the ability to juggle stakeholders like a circus pro.

Starting as a pastry chef (inadvertently working for an international drug import/export mogul - talk about spicing up my CV!), I quickly rose through the ranks of hospitality management. I've tackled everything from $10K ventures to $80 million behemoths in sectors ranging from Sports & Leisure catering for museums and zoos, to Fine Dining Services for corporate boardrooms, from Education and Healthcare food services to Defence support, and from Offshore & Remote catering to Facility Management and Security Services. Always with a spreadsheet in one hand and a witty quip in the other, my approach to work is as unique as my journey.

My superpower? Seeing the hidden potential in people and processes. I'm the Talent Whisperer, coaxing out skills you didn't even know you had. My uncanny ability to understand anyone, regardless of accent, makes me a communication wizard. And if you're pregnant and craving fried chicken and dessert? I've got you covered, no questions asked.

Fair warning: My sense of humour is a force to be reckoned with. It's like a surprise party for your funny bone - unexpected, delightful, and leaving you in stitches. I have this uncanny ability to inject laughter into even the most serious situations, turning mundane meetings into comedy gold and dull workdays into laugh-filled adventures. It's not just that I'm funny; it's that I make everything around me more fun. Even in the midst of tight deadlines or challenging projects, my wit shines through, creating an atmosphere where work feels less like work and more like a really productive comedy club. But don't be fooled by all the laughs - when it comes to getting things done, I'm as serious as they come. I just prove that efficiency and hilarity can go hand in hand. Once you're in my inner circle, you're family - and I'll move heaven and earth for my people - you're part of a non-stop fun fest where every day is an opportunity for joy, no matter how tough the task at hand.

So whether you need a project managed, a safety protocol sexified, or just someone to geek out with over The Shield (my favourite TV show), I'm your go-to gal. I may have been fully cling-wrapped by my team, but I always come out on top. That's the Ky way!

Ready to embark on an operational or project management adventure with a side of wit, a dash of safety, and a whole lot of data-driven magic? I'm ready to bring my A-game (and probably a Batman reference or two) to your business challenges. Let's turn your business data into your business advantage - and have a laugh while we're at it!