In December 2012 Flow welcomed a new colleague to its Johannesburg office: Ella Marren, an all-rounder who has certainly hit the ground running.
Ella grew up in Kroonstad, the third-largest town in the Free State. But her father moved the family to Johannesburg when she was a teenager, so that they could “experience life and the real world”.
She attained a secretarial diploma at Technikon Witwatersrand (now one of the University of Johannesburg’s campuses), and went on to work for an attorney whom she says taught her a lot about work ethics and being a perfectionist when it comes to her job.
Among other jobs, Ella also worked as a strategic planner for an advertising company, and a production manager for a branding and promotions company.
She giggles before telling me cryptically that “I’ve done other ‘funny’ jobs”. After much persuasion, she finally confesses that “I’ve worked as a hairdresser, a beautician and at a spa doing manicures, pedicures and waxing”, grimacing as she says the last two.
Growing up, Ella’s dream was to have a good life, with good values and principles, which she says she has achieved.
She enjoys spending quality time with family and close friends. “I’m not much of a gym person – I never have the time – but I do love the outdoors, taking long walks and shopping,” she says.
As a project manager at Flow, Ella is already doing big things: “Since I started working here I’ve been managing a huge project for Sasol mining. It’s been interesting so far and there is a lot of potential in this project.”
Although she’s only been here a little over a month, Ella feels right at home. “I enjoy working here; it’s a vibrant and lively company. I like that it’s a very diversified company,” she says.
Colleague Ros Caboz is a familiar face to Ella. Having worked together previously on production at an advertising company, Ros says she knew Ella was perfect for the position of project manager at Flow.
“I was so impressed with her work at the previous company, and when I needed help with the Sasol mining project, I knew she was exactly who I wanted. I know she will do well,” says Ros, also a project manager.