“People don’t remember the steps you took, but how you made them feel and the impression you left behind.”
Early Life and the Power of Dance
Jasmine O’Reilly’s story begins far from spreadsheets, project plans, or ERP systems—it begins on a dance floor. From the age of three until sixteen, Jasmine immersed herself in the world of competitive dance, training three to four hours every day after school.
By eleven, she had achieved the extraordinary, becoming the youngest person in her association to win an Australasian scholarship—a feat she repeated at twelve. “These years shaped me in ways a résumé could never show,” Jasmine reflects. Discipline, determination, and the courage to keep growing through every victory and defeat became her foundation.
Lessons Learned on the Dance Floor
It wasn’t just about perfecting routines or winning competitions. Dance taught Jasmine about resilience, presence, and emotional intelligence. “I learned the value of consistent effort, knowing that even 1% improvements add up to something extraordinary over time,” she says.
“People don’t remember the steps you took, but how you made them feel and the impression you left behind.”
These early lessons would quietly shape her approach to leadership and transformation later in life.
Navigating Professional Complexity
Her professional path took her through government, private enterprise, and not-for-profit sectors, where she led complex programs of work and guided organisations through transformation. From frontline delivery roles to senior leadership positions, Jasmine honed her expertise in project governance, human-centred design, and organisational change.
One of the most enduring lessons came from a mentor who introduced her to a guiding mantra: “What? So what? Now what?” Jasmine carried it into every change management project she led.
- What? – Understand the situation clearly.
- So what? – Identify its real impact on people and the organisation.
- Now what? – Act decisively with empathy and strategy.
“Above all, I learned that resilience is a superpower, one that has carried me through moments of complexity and change in my professional life.”
People First, Always
Despite the technical complexity of her work, Jasmine insists her focus has always been people first. “Technology will only deliver its full potential if the people using it are engaged, supported, and clear on the ‘why’ behind the change,” she explains.
Creating Impact Through Mentorship
Inspired by her journey, Jasmine founded LVL Up Consulting, later rebranded as The Outlier Group, a business devoted to enabling people-centred transformation. Her mantra continued to guide her here too—helping organisations pause, assess, and take purposeful action.
Her passion extends beyond consultancy—mentoring emerging professionals, sharing job leads, speaking at industry events, and supporting others navigating ERP challenges has become central to her purpose.
“Connections. The more we learn from each other, the stronger we all become,” Jasmine reflects. “Whether it’s sharing experiences, ideas, or simply offering perspective, those connections make navigating challenges so much easier and far more rewarding.”
Lessons That Transcend Systems
For Jasmine, the lessons from the dance floor remain ever-present: the power of persistence, the courage to grow, and the importance of leaving people feeling seen and supported. Her mentor’s words—What? So what? Now what?—continue to shape her approach to transformation and leadership. They are lessons that transcend systems, software, or strategy—they are lessons about life, leadership, and the enduring impact of human connection.
Advice for Emerging Professionals
For newcomers to ERP or transformation projects, Jasmine offers simple yet profound guidance: start with people, not systems. Focus on listening, communicating, and building trust across teams. Don’t be afraid to ask for help—mentorship, peer support, or external expertise can make all the difference.
“You don’t have to navigate it alone.”
A Legacy of Connection
Jasmine O’Reilly’s story is a reminder that while tools, processes, and technology matter, the heart of every transformation is people—and the courage, resilience, and care we bring to them. Her mantra ensures that every challenge is met not just with strategy, but with humanity and clarity of purpose.
Connect with Jasmine on LinkedIn
