And I think putting myself in that position where I was completely outside my comfort zone is probably what has set me up for success throughout my whole career.
Because before each step, I go, right, what do I need to do so that I can be confident and go into this role and own it?
Welcome to Building Doors.In this series, you'll develop the skills to build a roadmap for success, get inspired by those leaders who have come before you, and give you the confidence to stop waiting and start building.
Lydia Gentle is an award-winning engineer recognized as one of Engineers Australia's top 100 women.She's got a strong background in sustainable engineering and has led innovative projects that have significantly advanced the renewable energy sector.
I really wanted to get Lydia on because she is so well known in the industry as a passionate advocate for diversity in engineering, and she's really keen on mentoring the next generation of female engineers.
What I wanted to do today in this episode is really understand her career and get some practical tips, tricks, and insights into how you can progress your leadership career and what it means to be a female in the engineering field.
Welcome to the Building Doors Podcast. Welcome to the Building Doors podcast, Lydia.I'm so excited to have you on.I've been keen to book you in for a while, but you have been busy and leading so many massive teams as well and traveling.
So I want to just share with, I guess, the listeners as well, a little bit of a personal anecdote.I remember so way back. interviewing actually at John Holland in one of my first internal roles.
And I do remember, I think it was Chris Island and I at the time, we both said after that, we were like, wow, she's going places.
And I did say to you just quietly before the podcast that I'm just, yeah, incredibly impressed and proud of how much you have achieved, not only for the industry as a whole, but also for women and paving the way.And it's also just not something that
you talk about, you've also been active in mentoring and advocating for women.And I sat at an event recently and at a table with your new team as well who spoke really highly of you.So I just want to share that with you before we get stuck into it.
Hey, thanks Lauren.Who would have thought 14 years ago we'd be sitting here.I know.
And to think we only met when I was like 10. or 10, you know, and I'm still in my 20s.It's crazy.Look, I want to just start with engineering, like unpacking why you chose that as a career.
Because I know, I've heard you speak at an event about it recently.I'm sure the listeners would love to understand what led you to picking that as your area of interest.
Um, so I grew up in a small country farm in North Queensland, in Ingham.I had no idea what I was going to be when I graduated school.
I honestly thought I'd probably be a hairdresser and stay in the local community because that's what a lot of women did.But it was actually my grade 12 maths teacher who was also an engineer.
We were sitting down having to fill out our QTAC forms for university and he said to me, you should apply for engineering.You've got one of the most amazing maths brains I've ever seen. I was like, oh, engineering sounds fancy.
So I put that on my QTAC and I got accepted straight away.So that's how I got into engineering.
How important is it for, was it to get that little nudge?I mean, you're in a regional town, you may not know of engineering or what's possible.
Did that have a big impact and is it something you think about today for other people living regionally too?
Oh, absolutely.I think if it wasn't my teacher, I would never have applied for engineering.I think I just didn't think that would be possible for me, especially back then being female, not really.
having encountered anyone in the professional sphere, um, I never imagined I could become an engineer.
And I think having those guidance counselors and the teachers that support students, I've seen with all the work that I've done since leaving uni that really that's where you can have some of the biggest impact.
It's just making people aware of what they can do.Cause you just don't know what you don't know.
No.And so when you went into engineering, was it what you expected?What lived up the hype and what was maybe a bit different?
I kind of got sold the dream that I'd be designing bridges and roads and traveling the world.And if I look back, I probably have done that.So it probably definitely has.I think for me, you can't really define what engineering is.
Like we do absolutely everything.Engineers design everything from coffee cup to your mobile phone to spaceships and And then we do the design, we do mining.It's such a diverse field.
And I think that's why I love being an engineer is that you can absolutely choose your own adventure.You can work on anything that interests you.
I think it really just teaches you to be a problem solver and there's skills that you can use anywhere in your career.
So, I actually met with a young engineer a couple of weeks ago.She's at that point where she's in her undergraduate and she's trying to go, do I want contract, consultancy, client side, what am I looking for?
How does she make the decision as to what she wants to do?Do you feel people are just better off getting out there and giving it a go or what did you learn about the differences between all those different parts of the sector?
I guess I've been privileged to having worked both in design, construction and our owners team, so you get to have the benefit of hindsight.
I started my career as a design engineer and I think those few years that I did really grounded me to understand how to design concepts and buildings and structures.
And then when I got into construction, I was able to use that knowledge that I'd gained, you know, as a design engineer in the consultancy to really find some really low cost, innovative solutions as you do when you're in the contractor side.
And now being owner's team, you really have the benefit of being able to be quite innovative, to invest in new technologies, to invest in new applications and projects which are really going to help improve what you're trying to do.
So I think all three areas definitely have their benefits.It's irrespective of where you start, just finding something that you enjoy, I think is really key.
With your career journey as well, being a young woman graduating, moving, being based regionally, moving to bigger places, bigger teams, where have you been underestimated in your career?
Probably quite a bit.I'm a very positive person, and I think people sometimes see that the main guy can be a bit soft.But I guess if you put me in the situation, I can be quite dominant and have to stand my ground.
But I do like to come across as quite an open people person.And I think the first time you meet me, you might assume that maybe I don't quite know what I'm talking about.
And I've enjoyed that quite a lot of times in my career, to be honest, where someone's asked me a question and I've always been able to come up with that solution.
And I think especially earlier on in my career where people are just trying to see if I knew what I was talking about, you'd get asked some questions.
And I've always found, because I've been always researched before I did something and did my homework and tried to deeply understand what I was doing, that I was able to give those answers and come up with innovative solutions.
So there's been quite a few times where people have said to me, well, you know, you're quite impressive.
I even had an example recently where when I was promoted and someone said to me, I'm sure people are going to underestimate you, but you're going to absolutely kill it because I've seen how many times people have thought that you're not capable and then you've just been amazing.
So I think people will underestimate you. But I think you need to have the confidence in yourself that you can do what you're going to do.
And by doing your research, by understanding what you need to do, listening to your team, listening to your people, you'll develop that confidence.And then I think you can really show people what you're capable of.
Do you think that you had an innate level of confidence when you did graduate?Or as you just sort of alluded to there, was it something you built that capability over time as you built knowledge?
Was it harder to be confident when you were still learning? Did you fake it until you make it sort of thing?
Well, I think I've always been inquisitive.That's probably why I'm an engineer.So when I first started, I've more just asked a lot of questions.And I found people were so willing to share their knowledge and their experience.
So I didn't need to be confident because I had the opportunity.When you're a graduate, you really get that opportunity to learn.And I absolutely took full advantage of that. And then I remember my first or my second role out of university.
I worked overseas in London.Awesome.And I got employed as a structural engineer.And I think I only had about 18 months experience.And they said to me, we're employing you as a structural engineer.We expect you to act as one.
So for me, that was probably really when I was like, right, I need to have that confidence in myself and I need to know what I'm going to do if I'm going to be successful.
And that was a whole new experience because all the codes or the standards for the UK are completely different to Australia.So there was a lot of studying, a lot of trying to understand the concepts.
And I think putting myself in that position where I was completely outside my comfort zone is probably what has set me up for success throughout my whole career.
Because before each step, I go, right, what do I need to do so that I can be confident and go into this role and own it?But always still be inquisitive.And I think you can learn a lot from other people.
I love that curious mindset, like being able to ask the questions, but knowing that you don't need to know all the answers yet.
One of the things we spoke about quickly before the podcast as well is that you've gone from leading smaller teams to massive teams, right?What was the maximum?You've had 680, you were saying?Yeah.Yeah.
Share with me, what's that like essentially being a leader of a team that you can't possibly see everybody?So how have you adjusted your style with the different size teams that you've worked with?
For me, my key point has always been a visible leader.So even in that position, I was attending three or four pre-starts every morning, trying to get around to all the crews.
We were doing day shift, night shift, and just being there so people could see me and answer questions.So I think irrespective of your team size, you need to be visible.
And if you have those larger teams, you need to really go outside of your way to be able to see everyone. Even in my current role, trying to get around to all my different teams, quite geographically dispersed, takes time.
But, you know, it's that commitment to being visible.And then when I'm there, it's being present.So not really answering my phone for phone calls, not attending any meetings, but just being present there for the team.
And I think that really shows people that you're genuine, that you're a genuine leader, that you care about them.You want to understand what their challenges are.
And you just have general conversations, and people quite often will open up and say, hey, I'm struggling with this, or can you assist in that way?
And I think that's been really what's helped me be quite a successful leader is just being present, being visible, and listening to my team.
What do you think people want?So that visibility, that listening has really helped you as a leader.What do you look for in a leader?And tell us, I guess, about some of the inspiring leaders you've worked for in the past.
I have had one leader that was absolutely amazing, and it probably depends what stage you're at with your career.I was probably about 10 years ago now, I just started doing some marine work.I'd never worked in the marine environment in my life.
And he was just very open with his time.He was quite a seasoned marine engineer.So he shared with me a lot of his knowledge, but he also gave me the space to make my own mistakes.
Because I think that's really important, but also knowing that you're supported.So if you made a mistake, it's like, okay, well, what's the first step you're going to take to try to rectify this?It wasn't that I was blamed for making a mistake.
It was like, you know, that's excellent.You've learned something.How do you go from here?And I think that's the key thing with engineers is basically we design things.
from failing, because every time we've designed something, we've probably tried it and went, no, that didn't work.Let's try something different.
So it's having that mindset to know it's okay to fail, but knowing that you're supportive and you've got people around you to help and controls to ensure that, you know, you don't want to fail and hurt anyone.
That's definitely not what I meant, but just fail to try different things.
It's funny, that example, I was talking to an engineer, it was a couple of weeks ago now, we had lunch and caught up and she was speaking about doing structures and she goes, there's such a low tolerance for error because of the way the project's been bid and because of what she's doing and she can sometimes find it stressful not wanting to make a mistake.
But that's a really good example around creating that safe space where a growth mindset where if you make a mistake, it's okay, what's the lesson from it?How can we improve it next time?
I hope she's listening to the episode and if not, I will make sure that I share a copy with her because one of the things that we underestimate is what that kind of safe culture to fail offers people.
How do you create that kind of environment in a larger team?Because you've had that as a leader for you.How do you create that sort of safe space in your team now?
I think one of the things I've noticed is no one's ever going to do something the same way that you would do it.So when someone has a you know, responsibility to do something.It's about guiding them.And then they'll come back to you with their ideas.
And then you can either say, have you considered this?You know, this might happen as a result of what you're proposing.So it's more about giving guidance and advice rather than trying to tell someone.
I have actually found that really difficult and something I've struggled with.Especially when you have OCD like me and you want everything perfect.
I think that's really what enables people to learn is that they've tried it and then you can give them that really clear pointed advice to go, Hey, consider this.And it just really gets them thinking differently.So for me, that's key.
It's knowing that they've got that support, they can come up with something and then if it's not. quite what is required.They know that they're not going to be told, oh, that's rubbish.It's, yeah, that's good, but consider these aspects.
And it's just, yeah, changing that mindset and knowing it that your team are supported.
What I think I did want to touch on as well is you've got quite a big role.And I want to be clear, I ask this question to men and women because it's nothing annoys me more than when they ask women, how do you do it all?
But then they get the men on the podcast and they don't talk to them about the juggle of family and stuff.But the reality is that the industry demands a lot of us in general.
I'm really keen to understand what was it like navigating when you had a family and you're still driven, you're still that person that's done all those studies and done all these amazing things.How do you find a new normal and navigate that?
I'm still learning so please teach me.
It's been a struggle.I've got two.They're getting older now.So my kids are seven and nine.They're working full time.My husband works full time.We're actually building a house.So there is a lot on at the moment.
And for me, I think it was really important.My husband and I sat down and wrote, what are we going to do with the pickups?So I pick up the kids twice a week.
So I know those two days, I'm going to start early and make sure that I'm there to pick them up. And then for me, it's really important once I get home is the phone and the laptop stays in the car or stays on the hall table.It doesn't come inside.
And then those few hours till eight o'clock while the kids are awake before they go to bed, it's just being present as a mum.Because that was always my biggest struggle is I think it's really easy to prioritize work.
Sometimes it can be really difficult to prioritize your family.So I had to set some deliberate boundaries that family time is family time.And I still travel a couple of nights a week.
But yeah, those two nights that I've committed to picking up the kids is knowing that I'm there absolutely present with them.And every night when I am home, making sure that I am present.
Because it's so easy to get distracted by phones and just those little things.And then for me, it's just time management.Like, I love my calendar.Me and my husband have a joint calendar as well.And we put all the events in there.
So if he's got an event that he needs to go away for work, then I'll know, I'll juggle my calendar to suit and vice versa. We even put weekends aside where we're like, it's a family weekend.
No, we're not catching up with anyone, we're just going to have a family weekend.And I think it's really important to go, right, what are my key areas and what do I need to focus on?There was a profile I've used once called the domain profiles.
Apparently there's about ten domains in everyone's life.So along the lines of family, work, sporting, community, Christianity, and you just list the importance from one to ten and how satisfied you are.
with how you're meeting that importance to your life.So for me, sport's probably not that important.So I rank that pretty low, and I'm happy with that.But then there are some things that are quite important to me.So family.
So it's about then understanding where is it at?Am I actually giving it the right priority that it needs?So that's probably a good activity that I recommend people to do is just think, what are those 10 big areas in someone's life?
And are you giving them the priority that they need?And if you're not, then why don't you reprioritize?Some of the other things that maybe you're doing that aren't quite as important.
Yeah.You can do it as well if you're a kinesthetic or a visual learner as well.You can draw a circle and then you put it into a pie, like a pie, and then you do the domains, you write the domains out, and then you measure where you're at.
And then if you're a visual person, like and you like pie charts, because hey, I'm shouting to all the engineers out there, you can see as well how
So, once you've done that, then you put those domains that are the main one and how filled up you are in each of them.And if there's a domain that's really important to you that you're not really filled up,
then it's an area that you can see that you might be neglecting.But it's funny though, until you do that, you know, you can feel out of balance but you don't know why.Yeah.
And I think that that's a really important exercise to go what's important to you.
Do you look at the domains when you're looking at making a decision to like whether you take a role, whether you take a promotion or whether you say yes to events and things like that?Is that something you reevaluate and look at consistently?
I do.I also have a really good conversation about it with my husband as well, saying, hey, I'm feeling a little bit out of balance here.Can you support or what can I do to support you?But for me, it's also understanding that it changes.
So starting a new role, I knew work was probably going to take one of those larger domains.And having that conversation up front, kind of with the kids, so that they knew, hey, for a few months, I'm just going to be a little bit busier.
But then it gets to a point where you go, right, I feel like I need to rebalance and spend more time with family.Because when you are balanced,
I think that's when you give your all to both work, to your family, and you feel really good and you've got that energy.So it's important to find that balance.So absolutely, I think it's then important to go, right, where am I at now?
So maybe that might get to a time where you go, my fitness isn't where it needs to be and I need to give more attention in this area, so what can I do to make time?
So it's definitely something that you need to focus, like re-look at and re-focus on every few months because it's interesting just to see how things can slide if you don't continually focus on them and put the, you know, the measures in place to ensure that the important things become your priority.
if you were to give advice to engineers coming through the industry right now, and feedback I've received, it can be quite challenging at the moment.In some of the industries, there's rising supply costs, a lot of additional pressure.
What advice would you give to engineers coming through the field right now around how to navigate sometimes uncertain times and what they can do to maintain their own balance?
I can't speak highly enough about being an engineer.So if you're considering being an engineer, I highly recommend it.You'll have an amazing career.You rock, engineers.Because you can work in so many different areas.
Like I've known engineers that have gone on into banking, they've gone on to teaching.It can be quite dynamic.
And I think that's an important call out, is often if you're going to choose a career, or you want to get into resources, or you want to get into construction, there are quite some long days.
I know when I was doing oil and gas, I was leaving home at 3.30 in the morning.I wasn't getting home until 6 or 7 at night.
But I prioritized that earlier in my career so I could have that knowledge and that learning to set me up for success as I progress, and then you need a bit more of a balance.
I think while you are young and you can spend that time to learn things and not say notable opportunities, it's the perfect time in your career to do it.But I think it's like anything, your career is what you make it as well.
So if you go, my priority now is only to work. nine till five, that's fine as well.And it just means that the pathways that you take might change depending on what's important to you.
So going back to the domains, because not everyone wants to work, you know, 14, 16 hour days.And that's completely fine.So I think it's more important to sit down and go, what are my values?What do I want to achieve?
And then mapping out your career aligned to that.And if you go, look, that's really not aligned to what I want to do with my time, then finding those roles that are more suited to that.Cause that's the great thing about engineering.
There's so many different areas that you can work in.
funny thing happened, I have to share it because you're probably listening to the podcast.
So I called someone I'd worked with in a previous role about a job recently and she goes, I listened to your podcast and I reassessed my whole life and I'm now a dog groomer.
She said that I looked at what I wanted out of my life, that was her pathway and most people have stayed in engineering and done those sort of careers.
But it's interesting, like I think so often people don't take that time to sit down and figure out what do they really want out of their life and I think engineering, had I had my time over,
I'm fascinated by engineering so I do see the merits in and the other thing is even if you're not great or particularly gifted in maths and science and some of those areas, it can still be a really great option because I think sometimes young women that I've been speaking to when we go to schools through NAWAC and things like that,
are a little deterred sometimes because they feel if they're not good at the STEM subjects that there's not going to be that pathway there.
But then I know a lot of, and I won't name you, but I know a lot of people that are now ops managers or construction managers that only just passed uni as well.
So I think it's really great that you share how wonderful the industry is to try and encourage more people to look at it as well.
So moving forward, if you're looking at what's coming up for you, what are some of your big rocks, I guess, or big goals in your career and, you know, the impact you're looking to have in the industry?
I think I've had such an amazing career.So I've just done 20 years now.Yes.And over that time, I've done heaps.Like I've worked all over the world.I've got four degrees now.I think I became a welding inspector at one stage.
Why do you have four degrees?What are they?I did engineering.Yeah, I know that one. Then I went back and did project management.Yep.Thank you.Then I did a Masters of Engineering and then I went back and did my Senior Executive MBA.Oh, wow.So, yeah.
Wow.Okay, so another thing, I've got a friend of mine doing a Masters and she's got young kids.How was the juggle with study and work?Oh, it was not easy.
It never is.So I was really deliberate though.So, so I've done all my degrees differently.
So when I did my Masters of Engineering, that took me four years and I did it one subject a semester and just fitted in at night, each night doing a little bit of work to do all the assignments.
When I did my MBA, I realized there's a whole heap of different courses that could suit your lifestyle.So with Melbourne Business School, the senior executive MBA is actually a 10-day intensive every six weeks.Okay.
So for me, that was perfect because I had the support of work and I was like, I can put a delegate in, I can go down there, I can do four subjects at once.It was big days.We were starting at six o'clock in the morning and finishing at ten at night.
Wow. But you can get all that done and then in the six weeks in between, you're just doing your readings and commuting on the train, I just do my readings.Yeah.To and from work each day.
So that was a really good way of being able to manage work and studies and family.So it's all about finding what are some of the different ways that you can learn.
And I think post COVID there's so many different courses now and suited to all different Types of learning either on residential, you know, online.So yeah, it's finding what's important for you.
I wanted to ask this because I've been curious about this.You have progressed so far in your career in those 20 years, right?And this is something I'm super curious about.
So when you were going and taking the next role and then sort of climbing up and advancing your career, what drove you to keep doing that?
If I look at my family, so my dad only went to school grade five and my mom went to school to grade seven.So I probably didn't mention this at the start, but dad was always in my ear saying, you have to go to university.
Like you absolutely have to because I never got the opportunities to.So I very much had instilled in me just to be inquisitive and learn. So I think I've taken that through with me throughout every stage of my career.
It's just wanting to learn, wanting to know more, just putting my hand up and saying, yes, an opportunity arose.And I think for me, I can't remember where I heard it once.
I read something once where someone said, the question that you should always ask yourself, is that your best work?And I do that to this day, and I do that with my team.If you're going to do something, Make it your best work.
And I think that's really what's always set me up for success, is if I do a document or a presentation or a report, it's like, is that my best work?And if it's not, then why am I doing it?
Because why do a half-baked job just for the sake of going, I've done it.Why not just do your best?And I think I've done that, yeah, throughout school with my studies.It's just, if you're going to do something, then do your best.
Otherwise, why are you committing to it?And I think that's really has driven me throughout my career. You know, now with my kids, wanting to show them, you can do anything that you put your mind to.
And just meeting so many wonderful people, I think that's just always encouraged me, yeah, to take that next step, to do something different.And always just being inquisitive, wanting to learn and finding out, yeah, some new information.
And you've always stretched yourself, you've always looked at the next thing. haven't stayed stagnant, they're always looking to grow four degrees, right?
One of the things I wanted to ask you, and this is just a curious question for me as well, so when we look at if you want to get promoted and you want to advance, do you think it is enough to just do a really good job and do your best work or is there more involved if you want to progress in the career ladder?
Is it possible to do it by just doing great work or is there more that you need to think of in terms of making yourself known or getting out there? Are there other parts or secrets to success or is it just doing great work?
Oh look, I think doing great work is a significant component of it and I think time and role is also really important and really having that grounding, that understanding before you move on to something else.
But again, another piece of advice that I got early in my career is your two up is your key to your next promotion.Ooh.
And I think that's really important because definitely your one up wants to encourage you, wants to develop you, but they've also, you know, if you're doing a really good job, they also go well.
And I know that to myself and it's something I'm quite mindful of, but I think it's important, you know, especially when you're younger in your career, is making sure you do get that face time with your two up and you are promoting yourself and your brand.
It's a very fine line.You don't want to be too advert and constantly out there and approaching people.But if you come up with something innovative that's your own, then absolutely sell it.
Because I think, yes, it's important to do a good job, but it's also important to stand out from everyone else.And I think that, yeah, the key to do that is finding out, you know, what are the key drivers in your business?Is it cost?Is it resources?
Is it innovation?And trying to do something aligned to those key priorities. that's completely yours, that you stand up from start to finish, so you can see what you're capable of.And that's something I'm seeing more.
I think anyone can do a really good job, but it's those people that go the extra mile, that put in that discretionary effort, they come up with those ideas when they don't have to.They're the ones that you go, yeah, that's pretty impressive.
I think you're showing that you can be proactive and you want to take those next steps.
That's really good advice because I think people just go, I'm working really hard but I don't know how, you know, a lot of times the managers will keep them there because they're such great workers but this is great to be getting that exposure to that one-up manager or two-up manager.
The other question I wanted to ask you is around your kids, because my kids are similar ages, so my kids are six and nine, and you start to see now, as they start to shape their little personalities and the quality of work they do, that they are just as much listening to what we tell them as to what we show them.
So what are some of the things that you're seeing in your kids now around work ethic and trying their best, maybe winning gold at Stanford's, I don't know.
But share with us some of the stuff that you're seeing now where I think that what we do in the workplace also impacts our children.
I think they do and I think, as I said earlier, being very deliberate about putting my phone away has been really key because you do hear that coming in from the kids that parents are always on their devices because I don't let my kids have their device during the week and so they don't see me online.
I do often say to my son especially, is that your best work?And he kind of just rolls his eyes at me and goes, really mom?I'm like, yes. know, if he doesn't get an A. But look, I think the kids know that they're absolutely loved.
And for me, that was key, is knowing that they're loved first.But then with that work ethic is knowing, yes, you should do more.And, you know, you should put your hand up to be involved in the extracurricular activities
So my daughter did just attend the Gold Coast at Stedford and won gold for the year two, three choir, which I was quite impressed about.
But it's also knowing that what really makes the world and our communities work are the people that put their hand up and they volunteer.So we do a lot of work with Rotary as well.
So I think it's important to know that it's a community and I think that ethic that I have that I'm trying to instill in the kids is more than just individual.It's how do you support those around you as well.
Some plays basketball and if something on the team falls over, you know, he knows to stop to make sure they're okay.Because that's good sportsmanship.It is.
I think for me it's about raising good little humans rather than just people that want to have a great career.Because we need people from all different industries to make this world an amazing place.
So I think having good little kind humans for me is absolutely important and key and knowing that they're loved. And then I think they'll flourish into doing whatever they want to do.I love that.
That's awesome.Because the other thing is, guess what happens when you show your kids kindness and then they show kindness to others, they also show kindness to you.
Or when you see them do something for their sibling, when they're not fighting, right?But when they do something really kind and helpful, you kind of go, okay, yeah, we've done good here, you know.
And that's always been key for me, is helping people in their career.Like quite often someone will reach out and say, look, can I just have a coffee with you for half an hour?I've just got a few questions.
I mean, if I can make time, I'll always say yes, because I think it's the learning from people that is really important.And you never know when you're going to encounter someone again.
So for me, it doesn't matter if they're the cleaner or the CEO, just treating everyone the same with respect and kindness is really key.
And I don't know about you, but have you ever had those coffees where it was just a coffee for you and then you find out a couple of years later that that like was a really key moment for that person.
They needed to hear something or, and I think we underestimate that the power of words and the power of hearing something from the right person can completely change your whole day.
Yeah, that happened to me the other, probably a couple of years ago now, there was this one lady, she was seconded into a more senior role.And, you know, I honestly thought I just made a passing comment and I said, look, in the role, just own it.
Show everyone how awesome you are and you'll be fine. And I didn't really think anything of it.
And then a couple of years later, she actually said to me, that advice that you gave me that day, she said, that's really just helped me throughout my career.I know I've got a seat at the table.I just owned it.
And I was able to really give my all to the role.And I was like, I didn't realize that those small words would have such an impact.And I think that's important to realize that your words can have a significant impact.
Yeah, absolutely. And what is the legacy you want to leave for your life's work?We always ask this question, so everyone's always prepared for it.What's the legacy that you want to leave for the work that you've been doing?
I want people to know that you can do absolutely anything you want to do.If there's something that you enjoy, find your passion, make that your career, and you will have an amazing life.So my legacy is about helping those around me.
Having a great life, having a balance, and probably just being someone that people said, yeah, you know, she helped me when I needed it, she gave me some advice, and she aspired me to want to do more and be more.
We're going to go into the Rocket Round, which is just a quick sort of powwow, asking you a few questions at the end.So, coffee or wine?
Depends what time of day.
So both, yeah.And favorite holiday destination?
We did the Maldives last year.That was amazing.Just to turn off, the kids had so much fun.Yeah, just swim, eat.
That's my bucket list one.We're doing the U.S.this year and then next year I wanted to do, yeah.So my husband's listening.I would like to book that.Thank you.And what podcast are you listening to right now?
I love your podcast.Oh, thanks.There's a few.Sean McCambridge at Stella.Yes, he does one.Yeah, he does an amazing podcast too.Gets a lot of different people on there.
We've got a few at work.So for me, it's just, yeah, all different topics, especially when I'm in the car or on the train.Oh, nice.And what makes you feel like you're home?What makes me feel like I'm home?I hate my kids. Yeah.
Yeah.That's awesome.Thank you.And look, thanks for being so honest and open on the podcast.And I hope that, and I know that the listeners will take away some actionable insights.
It's always really important to me that when we get someone on that people feel like they've listened to the conversation, they get something out of the conversation.
So thank you so much for taking your time to come and your busy schedule to come on as a guest.I appreciate it. Oh, pleasure.And as always, if you like the podcast and enjoy it, please share it.
If you think there's someone that needs inspiration in their life and leadership, share the podcast, like, subscribe, rate, review.Seriously, someone left a review the other day.
It hasn't popped up yet, but it does make a huge difference if you do enjoy it.
So thank you so much. Thanks for listening to Building Doors.If you've got comments or questions, send them to hello at buildingdoors.com.au.And remember to subscribe, rate, and review.See you next time.
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