What do you do in your role at TACSI?
My role is many things; I work in the business and on the business.
In the team, I help create the conditions for all of these brilliant people I have the privilege of working with (and learning from) to do their best work with our partners and communities.
And of course, you'll find me popping into projects here and there to understand emerging patterns and keep the FOMO at bay.
When you're not at work, what do you get up to?
First and foremost, my spare time is about enjoying precious family time with my young children.
I'm privileged to live by the beach – and as someone who didn't grow up by the beach, each and everyday feels like a surprise and a wonder!
As an active surf lifesaver, nippers water safety volunteer and the Diversity and Inclusion Advisor across the Sydney region, this connection point to place and people has become integral to my life.
It really highlights to me the importance of community organisations; the positive ripple effects they create through building connection, belonging, tolerance, broader changes experienced by communities and, ultimately, public value above and beyond their defined mission in times of personal need.
What change would you like to see in the world, and why?
We are faced with some profound issues around how we live on this planet, and the systems we uphold that continue to create inequity, violence and disconnection.
I'd like to see braver leadership decisions across government and broader society that support us to take leaps forward and challenge the way things are done, while bringing all people along.
What were you doing before working at TACSI?
My background is diverse. I have travelled and lived away a lot, and those adventures are part of who I am.
I've worked in front line service organisations, in management consultancy, in big creative agencies and in academia. At the heart of it all, it’s the creative drive to find new ways to address challenges. Recently, I've enjoyed learning more in the policy space through my studies.
Who inspires you, and why?
I'd like to reference someone amazing that makes me sound deep, but gosh, I'm spoilt for choice at TACSI aren't I?
The people I work with each and every day inspire me. Everyone has such unique experiences that they bring to bear in the work, and I'm forever learning and unlearning.
Looking back at your career, what’s been the highlight?
I think every chapter in my career has added something significant to my learning, and without that, I wouldn't be here today. I've had lots and lots of fun.
One thing that stands out is my transition from commercial design to social design when I worked at University of Technology Sydney – it felt life changing. I was suddenly able to see a whole new perspective and opportunity to use the skills and passion I had in a completely new way.
What are you reading/watching/listening to at the moment?
To be honest, I'm watching and reading things that just make me happy.
This type of work and the people it attracts (who are driven by curiosity and a passion for social change) means that it can occupy every space of your brain.
Over the pandemic, I learnt that I needed to be okay using my time in less seemingly 'productive' ways.
In our professional lives, we're bombarded by content with a guilt that we should be across this constantly, but it's important we create boundaries to just be, to connect and disconnect.
So, my act of self care is to be okay stepping back and being sucked into a story for the pure pleasure of it.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you 'grew up'?
Always a designer! In fact, my sister and I are both designers by trade, and have built upon those foundations in our own niche ways.
We were brought up with an innate curiosity and drive to solve problems – to build and make. Put us in a room together with a gin and tonic and that's our jam.
What's a book, film or resource that you would recommend to someone interested in social impact?
Oh, there's too many! I suggest reading widely with a critical eye; there's underlying assumptions and world views in all of these.
I've found it incredibly helpful to spot those and then interpret for yourself what it does or doesn't mean for you in your work.