hIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR TEAM!

With our teams going all over the world, they have had some tremendous experiences that have honed them into the subject matter experts in their practice-- all while having fun. We decided to ask them a few questions about their experiences and share them with you. 

Leah Southers is a Senior Manager within Assurance and Advisory Services. She has traveled with Williams Adley from her time as an Associate until now.  She shared some of her experiences with our team.

  Check out Leah's responses below.

What is your favorite travel experience while with Williams Adley?

I try to find something exciting to do everywhere I go.  However, I really enjoyed Marrakech, Morocco because there was so much to do.  There were plenty of exciting places to eat and interesting sites to see, such as Majorelle Garden, Jemaa el-Fnaa, and various mosques throughout the city.  On the weekend, my team and I took a day trip to an area just outside of Marrakech and rode camels and ATVs through the Palmeraie. 

Since it was a work project, how did you squeeze in time for fun?

We visited Jemaa el-fnaa, which is a massive square and marketplace in the Marrakech old city, in the evenings after work since it stayed open pretty late.  We visited the rest of the places during the weekend. 

What did you wish you knew before you left?

French.  I wish I knew French.

What is the hardest part about traveling for a company project?

Being away from family and friends can be difficult.  Language barriers and the volume of work can also be difficult to navigate.  Also, many of our projects require us to travel to remote regions of the country to verify project performance, so travel times can be lengthy and accommodations can be very basic.  However, overall the positives far outweigh the negatives.

What type of project took you overseas?

An attestation examination of an education project funded by the US Government.

What advice would you offer a new team mate, prior to travelling?

Get out of the hotel and see everything you can while you’re there! Although you will spend most of your week working, find time for fun on the weekends or evenings. Even countries you’ve never heard of can be amazing if you approach it with an open mind and an adventurous spirit. Travel can be a life-changing experience but only if you get out of the hotel and make the most of it. 

Did you read about the country before you left or did you “wing it”?

I did my research ahead of time and had a list of places I wanted to go while in the country. 

What is your longest travel time and where did you go?

My longest travel time was about a day and a half to Phnom Penh, Cambodia.  Plus, we had to travel to several rural provinces and often spent several hours each day traveling to various project sites.

What is your favorite country, so far, and why? 

I enjoy countries that aren’t your usual tourist destinations.  I think they’re more interesting and exciting.  I really enjoyed Ethiopia.  The people there are so friendly, a lot people in Addis Ababa speak English (which is a major plus), the food is amazing, and there are a lot of exciting tourist things to do.  I’ve been to Ethiopia three times and was fortunate to be able to visit the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the tomb of Haile Selassi, Entoto Hill, and several other interesting places.