1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

In more recent times since the challenges have moved away from the traditional management of people to supporting our teams. Since the Pandemic the way orgnisations function has changed, some for the better and some create greater challenges.

Guiding change is probably one of the biggest, especially as business as usual continues to move forward and evolve at a rapid rate. The orgnisation I'm with at the moment has a lean structure, so everybody is rolling up their sleeves to get the day to day done, so navigating and guiding change in an established business is challenging.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I actually joined St John Ambulance (Qld) as a Cadet as part of the youth program when I was 11 years old, this spiked my interest in moving into the health sector as a Paramedic. St John as part of their youth program and the opportunities had I had with my employer (Qld Ambulance Service) helped me develop into the leader I am today.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

Most mornings are chaos with two kids at home with the two of us working/studying. Once the kids have been dropped off, i'm generally on the phone starting my work day. I try to touch base with one of my direct reports each day as a touch point to see how they are travelling.

From there it's usually a day full of meetings, putting out spot fires and planning for the week/month ahead. There is never a dull moment working in a NFP! I try to get the most out of my work days as I try to ensure I switch off when I get home (as the events can have just as much chaos as the mornings some times!). I love to unwind with the family at the end of the day.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

I don't pretend to know everything, but I do know that if you surround yourself with the right people and trust them you'll do great. This has rung true to me recently and reminded me how important it is to have trust in your team and the work that they do.

It can be easy to want to take over and micro-manage different things, however having the ability and faith in the team to take that step back can pay so many dividends.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

Dare to lead by Brene Brown. The book talks about leadership not being about titles, status and power over people.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone!

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

I'm big on feedback and closing the loop with people. I also think it's important that the team give me feedback on my performance. I love getting feedback from the team on how they believe I'm performing and how we are connecting as team.