Current role: Chief People Officer
Current organisation: Movember
Last role at PwC: Human Capital Senior Director - Consulting Australia (ASEANZ)
Time at PwC: 2017 - 2020
How is Movember’s employment value proposition being developed to attract and retain talent as we move into new ways of working?
Working for a purpose is hard to replicate. It’s a true privilege to be a custodian for such an iconic Australian founded charity. Our people really feel this, and believe in the cause.
Operating in over 20 countries globally, the impact we have is immense and incredibly humbling. As a leader of the PeopleMo team I feel we already have a head start on our EVP.
That being said, we’re not immune to the talent market pressures. It’s not enough just to rely on this. What is key from our perspective is getting the basics right. By that I mean give people clear roles, clear accountabilities for what and how they perform, and an environment that is truly inclusive is a non-negotiable. From there, we build out our unique talent and development proposition. Being a small organisation, we need to be, and can be creative and agile with what we do.
As leaders in mental health we also understand the importance of doing what we ask others to do, and realise this starts with us. We constantly look for ways to role model vulnerability, connection and positive help seeking behaviors so all of team Movember can thrive.
We’re in a growth phase, which is incredibly exciting. And although we’re 18 years old, we still very much hold onto our roots that we can “have fun doing good” – for the face of men’s health globally.
How did Covid impact this year’s Movember campaign?
I could not be prouder of the Mo community in 2021. They have turned up in an amazing way to get this campaign to get together, have fun and promote men’s health.
Given that the campaign has only just come to a close, it’s early days to assess, but with our community and partner support we’re tracking to an impressive result yet again. This income enables us to continue to make an amazing impact not just here, but globally.
It really feels like this moment in our lives although challenging in many ways for people has enabled us to reflect on the importance of connection and has opened up the conversation for men about their health.
With mental health being a much discussed topic during the pandemic, our community have truly shown up, not only on the fundraising front, but also by way of helping carry and share vital health information and tools that encourage those wanting to seek help themselves, or support others experiencing mental health challenges during a difficult time.
What’s the one career achievement you’re most proud of?
Being able to leverage my corporate experience and psychology expertise to establish the Male Champions of Change in Sport for Australia.
Under the stewardship of Elizabeth Broderick and with the support of both Peggy O’Neal (President, Richmond Football Club) and Brendon Gale (CEO, Richmond Football Club) we were able to start the conversation around gender equity in Australian sport, covering all aspects of the industry, not just the elite athletes.
The impact of such a conversation reaches beyond the sport itself and has enabled conversations and change that produces greater social cohesion and equality. Through this leadership, sport has taken an active role in advocating respect for women and recognition of a broader conversation that promotes greater levels of inclusion needed in Australia, all through the power and influence of elite sport.
The group has continued to grow and flourish beyond my tenure in the AFL and so I’m incredibly proud about the impact I made on this journey.
What’s been your biggest career challenge and how have you overcome it?
Self-belief in my skills and capability. Having not followed a 'traditional' career path into human capital / HR and choosing to explore a business psychology pathway, has resulted in the need to build a strong value proposition and develop my network to advocate for and support my journey.
Critical to working through this was my attitude and innate love of learning, both about the world around me and also through deep reflection on how I show up as a leader. Also, defining what is important to me and what I want to be known for. This is critical to help navigate through role choices and dilemmas that you are faced within your career.
What’s the most valuable lesson you learnt during your career at PwC and how has that helped you get to where you are today?
Relationships. The generosity of the partnership has extended beyond my time with the firm, and in my experience that is something that is unique to professional services.
Whether it’s partners and directors still with the firm, or colleagues that have now moved on, the relationships made while you are with ‘P’dubs’ extend beyond your tenure. I can’t count how many times I’ve connected with various PwC friends in the last 18 months.
This is very special and powerful. It’s helped me both personally and professionally during a challenging time for all.
What was your dream job ‘growing up’ and why?
I feel pretty fortunate to have found a way to channel my two passions, combining psychology with the human body in the form of neuropsychology – brain / mind / body connection. This has evolved from a clinical passion to a focus on human high performance in the context of mental health and organisational psychology, closely connected to sports psychology.
If you could have an hour lunch with anyone - dead or alive - who would it be and why?
I’d love to have some time with Miriam Margolyes. For me, she epitomises the ability to hold true to her core, not be shaped by strong forces around her, and definitely not mainstream.
Perhaps also given the past few years, having lunch with someone so funny and always outspoken would be a great joy. Something I’m sure we would all value at the moment!
