A day in the life of ... Colleen Fakalogotoa

We talk to Coleen Fakalogotoa about what a typical day looks like for her at Family Start Manukau

Q: What’s your official job title, and what does it mean?

A: “I am the Chief Executive Officer or CEO of FSM. It feels like being a big bird sitting on an egg, constantly incubating new thoughts, ideas and ways to move into the future. I also have to be good at reading tea leaves to fathom out what the future holds.”

Q: What time do you usually get into the office, and what’s the first thing you do?

A: “About 7am to beat the traffic. It’s quiet, there’s not many interruptions and it gives me a chance to sit and think. The first thing I do is turn on my computer and make a cup of tea!”

Q: What’s the most important part of your day?

A: “When I’m talking to somebody else, hearing about what’s going on and asking questions so I can understand their perspective. It can be too easy in this position to be isolated from the truth – people either don’t want to bother you or they want to tell you good things to keep you happy. I need to keep grounded and keep in touch with reality.”

Q: What’s your favourite part of your day?

A: “When I’m in the company of someone who has a real passion for what they do, and I’m listening to their stories and thinking ‘I’m so glad I’m here’. It helps me connect.”

Q: What’s the one thing about work you would change?

A: “I’d like to get out more, to walk and think in a different environment like the Botanic Gardens. But I worry that people will think I’m wasting time!”