Page 23 - YOU Magazine | Issue 2

FRANCHISEE PROFILE
Susanne Jones
In times of uncertainty it’s important to have a strong leadership team to gain confidence from, so says Susanne Jones.
For Susanne Jones business is about as personal as it gets. “Who I am is reflected in
everything I do,” the managing director of Just Better Care Brisbane North says.
“This is a values-based business.” The dual Franchise Owner landed on Australian shores in 2008 from her native Germany, courtesy of a husband
a role in workplace coaching which she left in 2014 to become a Business Manager at Just Better Care’s Brisbane North CBD and Brisbane Outer North.
Having added new financial viability and governance skills
to her already impressive CV, by 2015 she found herself a Franchise Owner. Susanne’s passion for helping people saw her granted
health partnerships. In addition, both branches are Registered NDIS providers.
In March, Just Better Care Brisbane North opened up another office in Gaythorne in Brisbane’s CBD.
“We soon became a part of the community – they know who we are and what we stand for. It was slow growth in terms
who had transitioned from the British military to its Australian equivalent. Whilst she may not have been in the defence force, Susanne herself would prove just as strong a force to be reckoned with.
The career which would
result in her joining Just Better Care began with Susanne’s appointment as a workforce planning coordinator for a state- based not-for-profit organisation.
During her four-year employment term she rose
to become Team Leader and eventually Operations Manager, before falling victim to a shock redundancy.
Susanne’s pragmatic approach to self-discovery led her to pursue
Fellow Membership to the Institute of Managers and Leaders, in turn enabling her to attract a strong team in support.
“At our core we provide the same services as the organisation down the road. The difference sits with our people,” Susanne says.
All 70-plus team members are equipped with the skills and autonomy to make informed choices for themselves. Susanne says an authentic and consistent approach has helped attract a high calibre of staff to the business.
Clearly Susanne’s formula has proved successful with both franchises enjoying sustained growth, having enhanced their offering through local allied
of the business but it was sustainable. [The new office] allowed us to both extend our footprint and have more visibility in the area.”
Susanne says when people select Just Better Care they do so because they are choosing the people attached to the business. As a result, the business’ retention is very high.
“Even with COVID-19 we’re trying to communicate with our customers because ultimately they need to be empowered to make their own decisions.”
“It’s not just about doing the tasks. It’s about being an active leader who tries to listen to understand, rather than listen to respond. People need to know that they matter.”
“This is a values-based business.”
You WINTER 2020 23