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

At school I loved science, particularly playing with my chemistry set. I went to university not knowing what I wanted to do for a career but I knew I wanted science to be a part of it. When I graduated and there weren’t a lot of jobs in chemistry I took a position in a marketing department of a university and loved the work but missed the science. So when a position came up that gave me the opportunity to combine both, I jumped at it and haven’t looked back.

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

Taking a leap of faith after 10 years in a government research agency to co-found my own business in technology commercialisation (helping researchers and innovators get their inventions out of the lab and into use).

How did your time at UNSW Sydney prepare you for this?

I came to UNSW specifically to do an industry-sponsored honours project in surface science because I wanted my research work to make a direct difference to industry with a practical application. My project at UNSW opened up my first role in technology commercialisation (combining my chemistry with marketing) at ANSTO (Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Association) as it required surface science knowledge and experience.

What do you love the most about your role?

It’s not boring. Everyday I’m in awe working with the most inspiring creative researchers and innovators who are developing better ways to improve our health, our industries and our environment. Every day is new and challenging as my team and I work out how to best get our clients technologies out into use across the world. Even the most awesome inventions need marketing to succeed.

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

Catherine Livingstone, Katherine Woodthorpe and Angela Merkel – No nonsense, smart, ethical, technically, commercially and politically astute. Able to move between the technical, business and government spheres and make the hard calls for the greater good.

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

We need more of you. Put your hand up for every opportunity and take them. Don’t ask, don’t get! Too often we second guess our ability, wait to be asked and don’t apply if we don’t meet all of the criteria. Yes, it’s uncomfortable, but that means you are growing. And yes, I feel uncomfortable, but you push through it. 

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

There are lots of different initiatives being implemented across STEM sectors. When its normal to have equal gender representation in STEM research, industry at senior management level and boards, and when men feel they can take parental leave without discrimination, then we will have done enough.

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

Not as much as I’d like across the various sectors we deal with. My company stands out within the industry as our workforce and management team is primarily women who want to work flexibly around life, not live around work. 

 

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