Meet some of the inspiring Women of UNSW Business
What did you invest in yourself to get to where you are now?
The investment I made to get to where I am now has been an ongoing element of my personality. I have a goal in my head, and then I work out the steps to get there. In a workplace, this is formal planning for a project, but personally, it is a constant idea you keep on top of your mind. One tip I use is to have your goals as your passwords; then, you are reminded of them multiple times a day.
Stay focused on your goal, but stay flexible in your approach. Life throws obstacles, but if you’re determined, you’ll find a way around or incorporate them into your journey. Just like hill running—short sharp hills, long slow hills, dark, rain, heat, companions, or solo—you might get lapped or pass someone. Keep chipping away, one step at a time, and you’ll reach the top.
However, knowing when to stop is crucial. I wouldn’t sacrifice my home or partner to achieve these goals. You must identify your limits and what you’re willing to forgo to reach your goal.
I also have a personal philosophy that there is no reason why I can’t be the best in the world at what I am doing, as I’m no different to someone in London, New York, or Paris. I always try to be the best I can be at everything.
What advice would you give to the next generation of leaders?
Losing my job a few times has been my best career move, and my advice is not to be afraid. I was shoved out of my comfort zone to try something new, and my life took off in an incredible new direction that I would not have dreamed of. One example is when I lost a job in a shopping centre. I then looked after the retailers and shopping centres in a travel behaviour change programme for the Commonwealth Games, leading to Organisational Change Management – a job I love.
My other piece of advice is to be open to all new opportunities. Having thoughts such as ‘I’d only work for a big-name company’ might limit you, and you can miss out on working on another opportunity that allows you to excel in the role. Being open to new opportunities may also let you start your own company.
Also, be aware of the rules you make for yourself, such as “I’m bad at presentations.” Thoughts like this might not be accurate, but I think they can be self-perpetuating. Listen to the stories you tell yourself, and you might suddenly become aware of some self-limiting rules. Try flipping the story in your head to ‘I’m amazing at presentations”. Flipping this will help you understand and execute the work you must do so you can excel in your role.
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