8 COMMUNITY NEWS
Singapore American · April 2018
Martin Rudden: Life After The American Club How long did you work at The American Club (TAC)? I started in October 1999 as Head Tennis Pro. In 2001, I moved into the role of Director of Fitness and Leisure. There were various Senior Manager roles through to the role of Co-Assistant General Manager in 2007/2008 (with Patricia Au who is still doing amazing work at TAC). I was appointed General Manager (GM) in March 2012 after Kathleen Urquhart, the previous GM, resigned in late 2011. It was a very proud moment and the outpouring of support from the membership was amazing. So, when I walked out on my last day (December 18, 2017), it had been almost six years as GM and over 18 years of my (and my family’s) life committed to TAC and the broader American Club in Singapore.
What are your fondest memories? We often commented that my (our) experiences would make for an interesting book! It’s hard to pick only a handful but, in no particular order… • I loved, and was always very proud, to address the team at the Staff Dinner & Dance (D&D) and present the Employee Awards and Long Service Awards. There were many special moments over the years at our D&D including all staff (and General Committee Members) on the dance floor just ‘rocking the place’! • I loved the off-site leadership meetings/team building activities. While we had unique skills, personalities and styles, we created a wonderful, synergetic team. I really miss each and every one of the Senior Staff. • I thoroughly enjoyed our Club-wide parties. They were a massive amount of work but the team was extraordinary and the members (and their friends) loved them. I, and the Senior Managers wouldn’t leave the party till every person (sometimes around 1000 people were in attendance) had left and we’d head out for a celebratory drink to mark another huge but safe event. • I always looked forward to hosting the visiting US Military. We had some wonderful events at the old Poolside and to speak to the young men and women, who so proudly wear ‘The uniform’ and genuinely appreciate the staff and members’ hospitality at TAC, was uplifting indeed. • While we didn’t have many serious disciplinary issues, over many years there were some very colorful and challenging situations. A few stick out, but of course the details are private and confidential! • I have to admit to having a sweet tooth and in my daily rounds of the Club I loved visiting the Pastry Kitchen with Chef Yeni and her team. They would often say, “Boss, we have something we’d like you to try.” I was always happy to provide my opinion! • The membership and the staff provided an extraordinary community of diversity, stories, historical perspectives and ideas. Each day I was inspired to spend time in the clubhouse and foster those relationships. The New Member Orientation was also energizing as the influx
of new individuals provided that positive injection of excitement and freshness. • The vote of the approval to proceed with the $65m redevelopment was hugely satisfying. It ensured the community would stay at the leading edge of a Club experience in both Singapore and well beyond for many, many years to come.
What are your greatest achievements during your time as GM? Of course, I was blessed to have an amazing leadership team to help create the vision and support its implementation. But, with humility, I would suggest the following: • A leader sets the tone for a company. I was committed to developing an environment based on trust, one that was inspiring and respectful. I constantly reminded the team (of around 400 full time, part time and contract staff) that every single person contributes to the success of the organization (every role is important whether in the front or ‘heart’ of house). • The Club cannot operate in isolation. The commitment to nurturing relationships with our Union, Government and Community Partners was very important. The success of this focus was well documented in the Club Magazine and witnessed via industry leading awards/recognitions. These were not something we actively pursued but a result of best-in-class practices and strong relationships. Tan Lee Lee, the current Senior Director of People Development, was inspirational with this focus as well. • The commitment to the Redevelopment Project and drive to get support from both within the staff and membership communities was a huge undertaking. Of course, once the milestone vote of approval was achieved, it was many years of extra commitment by so many staff (and amazing volunteers). However, it’s a game-changer and will re-invent our offerings for many years ahead. Tang Teck Wah, the current Senior Director of Faculties and Security, has been extraordinary, both prior to the vote and throughout this project. • Our mantra of “Happy Staff = Happy Members” led to a strategic focus on staff training and staff welfare. The commitment to these deliverables was significant and witnessed by a recent period of the lowest staff attrition in the Club’s history. The end result was, even during this period of upheaval, member engagement and satisfaction remained high.
What do you miss the most about working at TAC? Actually, there are quite a few things that I miss that kept me fully engaged until the final day. • The business itself is wonderfully dynamic and extremely challenging. Those in the community may not realize that the Club’s operation is one of the most diverse and robust private social clubs in the world. At the same time, it was incumbent of the team to work ahead and be strategic in its planning process to
Martin and his wife Jane recently enjoying a bottle of champagne that a friend had saved from their wedding 14 years ago. He said it would be served only when they returned home to Melbourne!
ensure each business unit keeps evolving. Combined with staff issues (personal and professional) meant the work environment was always buzzing! • The people, both members and staff, were enlightening and super-special. The friendships, both professional and personal, were a daily joy and made the many hours every day, every week and every month at TAC possible. • Our committee volunteers have been outstanding. Over the years, the expertise and efforts of literally hundreds of members has been inspirational. It was my honor to work with so many committed people and, while we didn't always agree, you admire the desire to contribute to the betterment of our business and community.
What’s next for Mr. Rudden’s career in Australia? I’m currently taking some time to settle the family into life in Melbourne. The new schools, sports teams, house, etc., all need lots of attention (as all expats know). Reconnecting with old mates, as well as friends who moved to Melbourne from Singapore, is also part of the weekly program. Importantly, time with family has been a priority as my father is unwell. When things start to feel comfortable/normal then I have a few exciting ideas that I’ll start to pursue. Thankfully my wife is continuing with her regional role out of the Melbourne office so we’re appreciative of her company being open to the shift. As a finishing note, I wanted to congratulate Mr. Devin Kimble on his appointment as General Manager; I hope that he and the team are wildly successful as a new era for TAC begins.
We have an opportunity for you! AAS is looking for people to help us out with a family fun line dance at our 4th of July Celebration. Contact our Events Manager, Sarah Walston for full details: events@aasingapore.com