Commodore Katherine Richards is the Chief Of Staff of the Royal Australian Navy’s Strategic Command. She recently completed a three year posting as the Director General of Engineering of the Royal Australian Navy. She graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering with First Class Honors in 1992. 

What first inspired you to pursue a career in this field?

I was inspired to choose engineering because of a desire to be part of the Royal Australian Navy and to contribute to something bigger to myself. 

What is biggest challenge you have faced in your career, and how did you overcome this?

I think you could write a book about the challenges I have faced. However, I am grateful for those challenges as they have made me a better person and a better engineer.

How did your time at UNSW prepare you for this?

It taught me to be highly disciplined. 

What do you love the most about your role?

I love the people and working with them to achieve the results. 

Name a woman or women you look up to most – why do they inspire you?

My sister-in-law who nursed her husband through a heart-lung transplant that didn’t succeed. She was compassionate, kind and strong and those are great qualities for any woman to have. 

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

If you’re having a tough time, just keep going. 

Do you think your industry is doing enough to champion gender diversity? 

Yes. Women in defence are no longer a minority and most definitely have an equal voice in every case.

Have you seen a change in gender diversity in the workplace over the last few decades?

I think the workplace is more accommodating of different views and opinions and that makes for better decisions. 

Is there anything else you would want to add?
We can’t be complacent. Let’s continue to understand the intrinsic value that each and every person brings to the workplace. We need to cherish that and champion it. 

 

     BACK