Linda Paru outlines path to being a successful businesswoman in Papua New Guinea

Welcome,

Education, determination and passion are the main driving forces behind the success of Linda Sincha Paru, an Human Resources specialist, who is now expanding the business she established almost five years ago, HR Business Solutions. As she told Business Advantage PNG, that energy is also used to support other up-and-coming businesswomen.

HR Business Solution's Linda Sincha Paru

HR Business Solution’s Linda Sincha Paru

After 22 years climbing the corporate ladder, Linda Sincha Paru found the urge to run a business and make it work well was so strong I went for it.

That was in 2010.

I owned it by myself until about 18 months ago when I had to bring in business partners, mainly for expansion and to get a greater share of the market place in infrastructure and asset building,she tells Business Advantage PNG.

When I first started I had about six employees. Our first contract was with Telikom PNG. We were so fortunate-Telikom PNG gave us a little room.

Within a few months, the company had grown; employing 11 staff and moved to Pacific View Apartments at 2 Mile.

From there we really grew and by 2012 we had many challenges, and I realised that as a woman owning a business, I needed to have more ammunition, more exposure, and so what I thought about was combining technology and communications and that is how my current business partners came onto the scene.

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So she sought out business partners with expertise in communications and technology engineering. The company now has a staff of 22. 

It was tough. If I had then all the information I now have, I might still be an employee today.

First job

The eldest of five siblings, Paru was born in Cape Rodney in Central Province. Her mother is a mix parentage of Kikori in the Gulf of Papua and West Papua. Her father is from Kairuku in Central.

‘… I realised that as a woman owning a business, I needed to have more ammunition, more exposure, and so what I thought about was combining technology and communications and that is how my current business partners came onto the scene.

Parus first job in HR was with the PNG Banking Corporation.She  majored in Psychology at the University of PNG, before going to Sydney University, where she graduated in 2004 with a Masters in International Business and Human Resources.

One of the reasons I did international business was I was very enthusiastic about being a HR Manager that operated across boundaries within the Asia Pacific region

When I was studying international business I realised Asia was the next big developing world.

When the global food company Cargill was coming into PNG, she called up the head of the recruitment agency doing recruitment for Cargill and said that even if it meant a pay cut, she would be go to provincial PNG, to get the experience.

So I went firstly to Milne Bay. I became the HR Manager, then the Group HR Manager, with the head office based in Singapore, working and travelling throughout the three plantations within PNG and Asia.

‘‘I truly believe being resilient, determined, innovative and passionate are the keys to success, but been these alone are not enough.’ 

I enjoyed it so much. I travelled to China, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, PNG and it was amazing and put me about five years ahead of PNG in the HR field.

In early 2009, the ANZ Bank recruited her as Head of its HR Division, north-west Pacific region, responsible for PNG, Solomon Islands & Timor. And 18 months later, her own company, HR Business Solutions came into being.

Resilience

‘‘I truly believe being resilient, determined, innovative and passionate are the keys to success, but been these alone are not enough,’ she says.

You also must network and most importantly listen to your clients and provide what is required and needed at the right price, be professional and always present facts and build relationships and encourage ideas from your team.

I always acknowledge the team around me for my success. Without a great team I am not sure I would have achieved my goals and aspirations. I still feel I have a lot to learn yet to be truly considered a successful business person in PNG.

So is it any different for women than men in order to be successful in PNG?

Advice

It’s all about having the right advice, access to finance for startup and been innovative and determined to succeed will produce a business person whether it’s women or men doesn’t matter.

You also must network and most importantly listen to your clients and provide what is required and needed at the right price, be professional and always present facts and build relationships and encourage ideas from your team.’

Her current batch of clients includes the Internal Revenue Commission, National Airport Corporation, Newcrest Mining Limited and NAQIA.

Shes also proud of her two boys who she raised by herself, aged 21 and 14.

They travelled with me extensively throughout Asia.

HR Consulting Services

Paru and partners’ company carries out standard HR activities of recruitment, outplacement, payroll and logistics administration, training and arranging visas and work permits.

In terms of adding value, we do a lot of assessments when we hire people. I think one of the unique things that we do is behavioural interviewing and computer testing of candidates so that we are able to tell our clients more about candidate’s behaviours and computer literacy skills prior to employment.

Based on her experiences working for Cargill, in PNG & Singapore, the company has set up a help 24-hour desk facility.

Cargill looked after about 33,000 people at their helpdesk in Singapore. So when I returned to PNG, I really wanted to have a helpdesk here.’

Audits

HR is not just a growth industry, but its reach is broadening, she says.

Recruitment is only one of the many products that we have. One of our biggest services is HR & Payroll Audits.

We are one of the few companies, like Price Waterhouse and Deloitte, which do Human Resource Practices & Payroll Audits.

Some of the things we audit are employee communications. We ask for example, is the employer regularly communicating with the people; how do they do their record-keeping; accuracy of time keeping for payroll; the benefits and health insurance they have for their people; leave compliance; do they have job descriptions and are they set down correctly in line with labour laws; how are they hiring; turnover, disciplinary procedures, internships. What is their performance management process?’

There are a lot of people looking at me as a role model and while its very challenging, I do my best to act as a mentor as well.’

Paru is hopeful of carrying out a NEC decision to audit up to 28 government departments and 19 provincial governments and 19 hospitals.

That was deferred from last year because of budget constraints and other challenges. That is a massive project.

Mentoring

There are a lot of people looking at me as a role model and while its very challenging, I do my best to act as a mentor as well.

Its a very individual thing.

When I was still working for ANZ as Head of HR I used to spend time with professional businesswomen and there were girls still in school who needed mentoring so I offered my services.’

Paru is currently working with a gender expert on a joint ABD-DFAT project proposal which aims to provide mentoring for about 40 women, working closely with Business Coalition for Women.

Organisations

Paru is involved with  the PNG APEC Secretariat as the Executive Director for PNG Focus on APEC Women’s Economic Empowerment representing private sector women entrepreneurs.

I look after the private economic sector for women in APEC in PNG and HR Business Solutions Limited is one  of the two women businesses recognised in PNG as pushing gender equality and Im really proud of that.’ 

Comments

  1. Hannah Job says

    Excellent woman Model, I admire you well as being HR person myself.

  2. Charlene Birengka says

    Linda you inspired me with your words. I’m happy for you to challenge me as well as young woman I look forward for it.
    Thanks once again.
    God bless you.

  3. This advisory passage encourages and motivates some of the potential business people who’s their business journeys are along the way. It is very helpful and I personally congratulate you Linda for the success story.

    Thank you.

    Lawrence Kalo

  4. Florence Horuavie says

    Hi Linda,
    Congratulations. You have done exceptionally well. You are a real model that other Papua New Guineans especially women can learn from and follow likewise.
    May I know what kind of training your company deliver.

    Thanks

  5. Neville Aru says

    Thank you Linda for your publication . I am the up and coming leader of this nation so far I’m studying business management course in my year 11 taking up: Accounting, economics, and business studies as i read your article i was so inspired with every single words that you have made. I believe that your words one day i would fulfil it.. I salute your word of exhortation truely and honestly you are my role model and my mentor… One day I’ll be like you…

  6. Angela Kumie says

    congraluations Linda.I don’t know you but Im so blessed with the passion and the drive you have to set up your business.You really motivated me

    Angela Kumie

  7. Congratulations Linda. Proud of you. You are a role model for Wantok Women in Pacific. Best Wishes for you and the company.

  8. Maggie Moi-he says

    Thank you Business Advantage for publishing Linda’s inspiring and success story.
    To Linda, Congratulations. Your story is not only inspiring but, an classic example of success and achievement resulting from; self confidence, determination and hard work. I admire your approach and attitude. Keep up your good work and keep reaching for the stars.

  9. Congratulations Linda! Honestly I dream of that day when I can take that leap, its just amazing how you and other like minded women can do it, I salute your enthusiasm and believe in your keys to success. Truly awesome and inspirational!

  10. Linda thank you for sharing this. It is inspiring! Lilly

  11. Linda – Congratulations! This is truly inspiring to a woman, to strive and succeed in the business world where men dominate. I hope the current government can support in ways that other women who also want to go into business can get assistance.

  12. Linda’s story is truly inspirational. Well done!!

  13. Helen Nanumea says

    An exceptional story!! Well done Linda, I am inspired!

  14. Thank you Business Advantage for Linda’s story. Very Inspirational.
    Well done Linda. You are a role model for budding entrepreneurs in PNG.

  15. Mark Puri says

    Linda has done exceptionally well.
    Keep striving for excellence.

  16. Ovia Morea says

    Congratulations to Linda for achieving her aspirations and determination to own a business. And that is why businesses are known to be Ventures where one has to overcome ‘calculated’ risks through strategic planning and execution.

  17. Ritha.Maken says

    I am encouraged by Linda Paru’s publication. As a professional female PNG citizen it was a great pleasure reading this article as I prepare to step out of formal employment and start up my own business.

  18. Congratulations Linda Paru,
    I am proud to be a Telikom PNG Limited staff – a company, that believes in the abilities and potentials of local Papua New Guinean staff and local small-to-middle business entrepreneurs.

    You’re an inspiration to the men and women employees and employers in Papua New Guinea.
    Keep aiming for the north stars.

  19. David Tootell. says

    Linda, firstly well done, We are unknown to each other but I would like to think that we can share an interest in Education for our PNG friends. I have been doing building in PNG for some time and have future interest in another business that you may be able to assist me….
    I look forward to your reply ….David Tootell.

    • Linda Sincha Paru says

      Dear David,

      Thanks for your kind words, and look forward to your contact..Linda

      • Samantha. Maiwori says

        Hi Ms Linda.
        It is so challengingto your story. I was so impressed
        We own Samish Coffin Production here at Kirakira village Sabama got it Registered with IPA. We are right now looking for business partners atleast to keep us going…. If you allow us to provide the coffins for your your staff at an affordable Prices….
        Thanks for your time and understanding and awaiting for your favourable response.
        Samish Coffin Production
        Phone-79244477 /WhatsApp 78446017.

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