Candid conversations with directors on the interests and insights that have shaped their careers.
Most valuable career lesson?
That you can learn as much from those who work for you as those you work for. This lesson requires a willingness to delegate, trust and empower people. This allows them to reveal their talents, which you can then harness, both for their benefit and for the benefit of the organisation.
Early career risk that paid off?
By my nature, I am collaborative rather than adversarial, so my move from the legal profession to academia turned out to be both right and rewarding.You can sometimes find yourself in a career that is not totally suited to you, but that doesn’t mean you have to leave it behind completely. It just means you need to find a spot that will suit you better. I don’t like to become stale in any role, so I’m not afraid of setting my use-by date and taking on new challenges.
Philosophy on work-life integration?
I believe in working hard, but not allowing the role to consume me. I’ve managed to do that by believing my identity is more than the relationship to a current role. A separation from work is an important source of energy and it’s one way of making sure I devote time to family and friends. After all, they’re the ones who will be with you when you’re finished in the role. It’s also important to remember you’re really only a steward of the role while you’re in it.
Top-of-mind governance issue?
Identifying the real risks facing an organisation — and these can change monthly, yearly or daily — and developing strategies to manage them. Empathetic, compassionate and ethical leaders will always have the most important risks on their radar. They listen well, are open to the ideas of others and always have their sights on the horizon.
Work habits that improve your productivity?
The first is that life is easier when you curb your perfectionist traits — and I had no idea I was a perfectionist until my family pulled me up on it. The second is to be succinct rather than verbose. The third is remembering to use humour and never being afraid of laughing at yourself, because it helps to put things into perspective.
A passion project that gives you purpose?
I was a country kid and one of my teachers, a Sister of Mercy, encouraged me to go to university. Decades later, I’m still involved in the university sector. I was the first in my family to attend university and I realise how important encouragement is and that a helping hand at the right time is critical. A common thread in all of my roles has been to encourage and support students and those in need to help them to realise their potential.
Favourite way to de-stress?
Morning walks on the beach with my husband, Russell, and our dog, Blue. Also, family dinners with our daughter, Caitlin, and son-in-law, Fraser. There is lots of intergenerational conversation, camaraderie and humour.
Favourite travel spot?
Any ski destination on the eastern side of the Rocky Mountains, although my growing awareness of the risk-age equation sees me transitioning from downhill skiing to snowshoeing.
Directorships: Trustee director Mercy Ministry Companions, non-executive director UQ Residences Ltd and adjunct professor UQ Law School.
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