This year, ilumin celebrates an extraordinary milestone. Two of our longest-serving team members, Sieny and Linda, have each reached 30 years working with us. In a world where careers often shift every few years, three decades of loyalty is remarkable and their stories reflect both personal achievement and the evolution of ilumin over time.
How it all began
In the mid-1990s, two very different career journeys started at what was then Millar and Miller.
For Sieny, 1995 marked a turning point. After raising her children and facing personal changes, she was ready to return to the workforce. “I saw an ad in the local paper for part-time hours. When I rang the number, it turned out to be Millar and Miller. I thought, oh my goodness, it is Diane. I had worked with her years earlier.”
Linda was just starting out. Still studying at polytech, she had little work experience but was determined to break into the profession. She applied for a Junior Accountant role after spotting a newspaper advertisement. “My contract at the time said I had to stay at least two years. I definitely never imagined those two years would turn into thirty.”
Highlights and milestones
Both recall fond memories from their early years at the firm. Staff trips with the late Pat Millar are among the standouts. “We would sail across to Picton, head into the Marlborough Sounds and stay at the Lochmara Lodge. With only a dozen or so staff, it felt more like a family holiday than work,” says Sieny. Linda remembers the yacht trips too, calling them “some very memorable staff events.”
A defining milestone was the rebrand from Millar and Miller to ilumin. It marked the end of the Diane Miller era and ushered in a new chapter under new leadership. The new name reflected a fresh vision and introduced a more collaborative and transparent culture. “There is a lot more sharing of information and ideas now,” says Sieny. Linda agrees, noting that the rebrand was “one of the most significant changes we experienced.”
The people at the heart
When asked why they have stayed so long, both point first to the people.
For Sieny, strong mentors shaped her early years. “Diane Miller was firm but fair and an incredible trainer.” For Linda, the answer is simpler. “I have never had a reason to leave. I have always been happy here.”
That stability has helped to define ilumin’s culture. Unlike larger firms, it is not a stepping stone but a place where people build lasting careers and long-term relationships. “Over 30 years you get to experience your colleagues’ families growing up alongside your own, which is really special,” says Sieny.
Challenges and growth
Longevity brings its share of challenges. For Linda, one of the biggest has been stepping into the role of training new staff. “It was not something I expected but over time I have become confident in guiding others. The feedback I get is that I am good at it, which makes me proud.”
For Sieny, the transition to Client Manager was a defining moment. When partner responsibilities shifted, she began leading client interviews and managing relationships directly. “It was a big step up, but I already knew the clients well, which made the change much easier.”
Changing times
While the fundamentals of accounting remain the same, the tools and environment have changed dramatically.
Technology has been the biggest driver. When Sieny returned to work in 1995, she had to quickly catch up on advances she had missed while raising her family. “I had used computers before, but when I came back everything had changed. Suddenly there were computers on every desk and email was starting to be used. It was a huge adjustment.”
Linda remembers the rows of filing cabinets that once dominated the office. “Every year we boxed up paper records for archiving. Now we are fully digital and paperless. Covid really accelerated that shift.”
Marking the milestone and looking ahead
The ilumin team celebrated the milestone with decorated desks and a team lunch. Small gestures that carried a big message of appreciation.
Looking to the future, both take different views. Sieny is beginning to think about retirement, spending more time with her grandchildren and perhaps enjoying more tramping. Linda is content to continue as she is. “I am taking it one day at a time and plan to still be here for the foreseeable future.”
A legacy of dedication
Three decades at one workplace is an extraordinary achievement. For ilumin, it reflects the strength of its culture and values. For Sieny and Linda, it has been about people, purpose and the satisfaction of growing alongside colleagues and clients.
Their loyalty and contribution have been invaluable. As ilumin looks to the future, we are proud to celebrate their journeys and grateful for the example they have set. Here is to 30 years of dedication and to many more memories still to come.
