Rebecca Mao: 'Feedback is an important part of being happy, healthy, and productive at work'

The world could have been looking at Dr Rebecca Mao if she hadn’t changed her mind just before starting university. The science whiz pivoted from a health sciences degree to law, and earlier this year, she made it to the partnership at Saunders Robinson Brown (SRB). 

In this May interview, Mao dishes to NZ Lawyer about her love of food, taking up golf, and why employee feedback is so valuable. 

What made you choose a career in law, and what's your favourite part of the job?  

I always thought I would have a career in the medical field having done well in my science subjects at school. Initially I signed up for a Bachelor of Health Sciences at university but shortly before I was due to start, I changed my mind and decided to do a double degree: Bachelor in Laws and Bachelor of Science. Whilst having exposure to both fields, I quickly realised that I was drawn to law. I enjoyed the problem solving, analysing and the challenge.   

I’m sure a lot of people say this but what I enjoy most about my job is that every day is completely different. I have a somewhat wide practice area and there are always new issues, challenges and opportunities. I also get to work with the great and supportive staff at SRB!  

What is going on at the organisation? Are there any new programs and initiatives that you’re particularly interested in?  

I’m interested in wellbeing and am a member of SRB’s Health, Safety and Wellbeing committee. The committee gathers feedback, implements change and raises awareness of issues. The committee also organises wellbeing initiatives and events to ensure our staff are looked after.  

The firm has also recently implemented ‘Weekly 10’, an online tool for staff to give and receive regular feedback to their responsible person (manager).  Research from across the marketplace has shown that, on average, 79% of employees feel they don’t get enough feedback from their managers. Feedback is an important part of being happy, healthy, and productive at work, now more than ever. Weekly10 helps:  

• Staff communicate better with their supervisors through regular, structured check-ins, 

• Receive more specific and timely feedback. 

• Give and receive regular praise for achievements and teamwork – within our teams and to other people within the firm;  

• Check that staff members have manageable workload and are engaged; and 

• Focus on the things that make us successful and productive. 

We can get so busy with our own workloads so the Weekly10 tool is a great opportunity for us to reflect and check in on our people.  

What has been your proudest accomplishment in the last year or so?  

My recent promotion to join the Saunders Robinson Brown partnership. The firm has significantly contributed to my career and development and it is rewarding to be recognised for my expertise.   

What should the profession focus more on? 

Being open to change. Whether it is in relation to technology, environment/sustainable initiatives or workplace attitudes. It is important to be open to change whilst being aware of its limitations and risks.  

What are the challenges you expect in your practice, and in the business of law in general, going forward?  

With the recent change in political landscape, inflation and high interest rates, the current economic climate is causing financial pressures on many businesses (small to large). Businesses need to make sure that they are equipped to face these challenging times and receive adequate advice where appropriate.  

What are you looking forward to the most in the coming year?  

After taking over four months off on sabbatical to travel last year (Europe, Asia and North America) I am looking forward to being back into routine, creating new and fostering existing client relationships and contributing to the on-going success of SRB.  

I’ve also just started playing golf! So looking forward to (hopefully) lowering my very high handicap.  

If you weren’t in law, what do you think you’d be doing as a career?  

Everyone knows me to be a very organised person and I love planning – so maybe something around that. I am also a self-proclaimed foodie so being a food critic would be fun!