Lauren Deetlefs: Honoured with the Mark Lonnon Employee of the Year Award

Lauren Deetlefs is incredibly humbled and honoured to have received the Mark Lonnon Employee of the Year Award so early in her career at PKF. Celebrating this achievement at the firm’s End of Financial Year Ball made the evening even more special for her.

Just over two and a half years ago, Lauren and her husband, along with their 2-year-old and 6-month-old baby, moved across the world. The past few years have been among the most challenging yet rewarding of her life, and she is deeply thankful for where they have landed. Every single person at PKF has contributed to this remarkable journey.

Although Lauren had met some audit partners via video call interviews before moving, her first day still felt like stepping into the unknown. Thankfully, she was welcomed with genuine kindness and smiles. The diverse audit team, with members from all over the world, made settling in easier. It was comforting for her to be surrounded by likeminded people.

Since joining PKF, several experiences have inspired Lauren to bring her best self to work every day. Participating in the PKF Dare to Aspire Program, facilitated by Kylee Dare and Helen Wiseman, was particularly impactful. This program reinforced the firm's commitment to developing leaders with strong morals, ethics, and drive. It helped her connect with colleagues across business units and feel more integrated into the wider firm.

Additionally, Lauren has found a safe and purposeful space in the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Council as well as the Gender Equity Network. These initiatives are another avenue in which Lauren thrives as she is able to see the tangible outcomes for her colleagues in making PKF a better place for all.

“I am incredibly grateful for the support I have received since joining the firm. In particular, a big thank you to the audit partners, especially Marty, Clayton, Kev, and Hutch. Their support has been invaluable to me and my family, and I hope to pay it forward someday. The partners at PKF have been instrumental in driving their team culture and ensuring it is a place where people strive to be their best selves.” Lauren said.

“I also want to thank every member of the audit team. Their support and friendship make coming to work enjoyable and interesting every day.

“The award is really shared with my husband Wesley. It is incredibly difficult to fully commit to work with such young children without strong support, and he has provided that and more.”

Lauren is excited about the future and is eager to continue to grow in her role as PKF continue to evolve.