Careers & Conversations

From Grad love to Marriage at RSM

You don't expect to meet the love of your life while waiting for a job interview, do you?

Well, that's exactly how Peter and Stephanie Kanellis met as grads and now 15 years later, they are happily married, have two adorable kids (Christen, 3 & Jonathan, 1) and are still working at RSM. 

Based in our Sydney office, Peter and Stephanie share what it's like to work together and how RSM supports them and their family. 

HOW DID YOU GUYS MEET?  

Stephanie: We met when interviewing for grad positions in 2007. We were both waiting in the reception lounge and probably regarded each other more as competition than anything else! It was at grad week where we got to know each other a little more. I think we managed to keep our relationship under wraps for a grand total of two weeks.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT RSM?

Peter: We have both been at RSM for just over 14 years, I cannot believe how fast time has gone by!

Stephanie: It feels like a lifetime ago! We started about a week apart so Pete will boast that his career has been far more extensive.

HOW DO YOU GUYS FIND WORKING TOGETHER?

Peter: I think it actually works quite well. We know exactly what each other is going through when work is busy or stressful, and can also help each other if either one of us has an accounting or tax question.

Stephanie: Like everything in life, there are pros and cons. We probably talk about work more than your average couple and we fear that our kids will aspire to become accountants.

On the plus side, it’s nice having lots of common friends and colleagues. We can sneak in a cheeky date on the way in and out of work and we both understand what the other is rambling on about (to an extent).

HAS THE WAY YOU WORK TOGETHER EVOLVED AS YOUR ROLES HAVE CHANGED?

Peter: Not really. To be honest, we don't see each other much during work hours as we work in different teams. We have always tried to keep to ourselves and our own teams during work, and only really catch up at lunch or once we are done for the day.

Stephanie: I actually think the way we work together has evolved over time. As our roles have changed, I find that we have similar professional challenges and goals but it is very rare that we'll be working on the same clients these days.

WHAT IS YOUR WORK-FROM-HOME SETUP LIKE?  DO YOU PREFER TO WORK TOGETHER OR KEEP SEPARATE SPACES?

Peter: I mostly prefer to work apart, the two of us spend a lot of time either on phone calls or on virtual meetings which can be extremely distracting for the other person. My home setup is quite standard and rather boring, just my laptop and my second screen.

Stephanie: Definitely separate spaces! We’re both too chatty (usually with other people) and we’ve had to move house so that we could put a whole floor between our WFH spaces.

HOW DOES RSM SUPPORT YOUR WORK-LIFE BALANCE?

Peter: RSM has been great and extremely supportive, especially knowing that we are two principals with two young children. RSM was really understanding towards the end of last year when Steph and I had to home quarantine with our kids for two weeks, definitely was not easy!

Stephanie: I also work a 4 day week which gives me a little more personal time. I have a fantastic team and it’s never been an issue to re-shuffle commitments or priorities when we need to. That gives me a little more control in shifting the balance as needed.

RSM also caters to family life and some of the challenges it may face with FlexatRSM, ParentsatWork programs, and including family-friendly corporate events in the schedule. 

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THIS VALENTINE'S DAY?

Peter: Probably low-key and relaxing. We have had a lot of fun Valentine's Day dinners since we have been together. I am hoping that we can put the little ones down to sleep early and enjoy a nice dinner and movie.

Stephanie: None yet (that I’m aware of)… We’ve had some pretty great ones over the years but there’s nothing like two cheeky (but adorable) toddlers to lower one's expectations!