Meet The Team

Managing Director

Jude Mahony

Growing up in the West Australian mining town of Boulder, Jude has worked around the world on some of the largest organisational transformation and change projects. This unique combination gives her a perspective of “boots on ground” practicality with a strategic and commercial lens as her in-built radar.

A tenacious problem solver with a focus on finding practical solutions, no rock is ever left unturned, no cat left unherded with Jude. She has annoyingly specific attention to detail and a unique knack for quickly seeing and connecting the big picture. 

Her logic, imagination, intuition, and capabilities are backed by more than 20 years experience across different industries. A believer that every organisation is a people-based organisation, tailoring your workforce to meet your business and customer requirements is her specialty and passion.

Jude is always happy to have a coffee and chew your ear off about all things people, family, pets and Kath & Kim! Did we mention, she’s now a published author too?!

Senior Associate

Deborah Kockernack

We have a saying at Optimal that "everyone needs a Debs".

Whatever the challenge Deb is a force to be reckoned with. No role is 'too hard' to fill and Deb thrives on a challenge. 

With more than 20 years' experience in the recruitment and human resources arena, Deb's network is vast and she always has a fresh pipeline of talent with whom she has built great relationships. 

Her personable and enthusiastic style is legendary at Optimal and its rare to see her without a smile on her face. 

Client & Marketing Associate

Charlotte Willis

Have you heard of the six degrees of separation? It’s the theory that all people are six, or fewer, social connections away from each other. Well, one of those social connections is bound to be Lottie! Lottie knows everyone, and it’s not hard to understand how she has developed such an extensive network. Lottie is a 'people person'. She strives to understand each client’s unique needs and always goes above and beyond to ensure her clients are happy and their projects are successful.

Lottie is responsible for defining, developing, and implementing detailed outbound marketing plans and tactics for the Optimal Resourcing business.

Originally from the UK, Lottie now calls Perth home, she draws on her diverse cross-industries experience to make connections with people.

Chair Dog

Shelby

Shelby is our relaxed, friendly chairdog who likes to hangout with her favourite people rather than doing any work. She’s often found asleep on the job or looking for treats in the office.

She has an extensive wardrobe and just comes to the office to show off her new outfits.

She sees herself as a bark-eting expert and loves paw-litics.

When she’s not at work she couldn’t think of anything worse than camping, she hates ruffing it and would much rather be having a paw-dicure.

Senior Associate

Rowena Smith

Rowena is a jet setter; she has worked all over the world and her network and knowledge reflects this.

Rowena is a natural storyteller and system thinker who knows how to translate what people want into employee value proposition and technology solutions that can be implemented to build your workforce. She is exceptionally talented at bringing an employer brand to life, to attract the best talent.

Generous with her time and knowledge, Rowena is on the Board of Directors for Cystic Fibrosis WA, which is a cause very close to her heart.

When she’s not deep into analytics and business strategy, you may find her out running with the dog!

(Can you tell we're big animal lovers here at Optimal!?)

Associate

Jasmin Turner

Loves kids, that's why she likes us, plus her mum is the boss so she's been forced into it. Also studying to be a psychologist, working part-time, mum to Hazel the choc lab, payer of bills and wages, Jas has lived overseas for five years and brings a positive, needed balance to our high "I" team. She is the voice of reason, the bringer of tea and treats, the chairdog whisperer and mother-hen. Giggler, tennis-nerd, Friends fanatic, soon to be married to Mark - also a tennis-nerd and high "I" personality - Jasmin is our reminder that kindness really doesn't ever go out of fashion.