Creative Manager at RiseSmart with 18 years' experience in private and public sectors — nationally and globally with a focus on embedding diversity and inclusion principles in the workplace
The ‘Answers to Thriving' is an ongoing interview series that takes a look at the women who have created a life of success. We uncover key moments, lessons and habits that have influenced the life they lead today.
You can’t start the day without:
Strong black tea. Leave-the-tea-bag-in-no milk-no sugar type of strong.
A favourite quote is:
“The only people who never fail are those who never try” from Ilka Chase.
One wellness ritual you do regularly:
60-second hug (hubby, kid, friend etc.) for the connection and the feel good hormones.
A recommended read for personal growth:
‘Boys will be Boys’ from Clementine Ford to know more about how embedded toxic masculinity is and how we can better raise boys. Her previous book 'Fight like a girl' is worth a read too.
How do you go about self development?
I say yes to opportunities out of my comfort zone.
Which business or person inspires you right now and why?
Entrepreneurs like Melanie Perkins co-founder of Canva for her drive and vision in the tech space. In general, anyone who found and pursued their passion.
What has been the most defining moment in your career to date?
With hindsight, it was when my role of 7 years was made redundant while I was on maternity leave. This prompted me to look for employers whose values aligned with mine and this led to a career path in the gender equality space, which I found truly rewarding.
For women who are looking for roles with more flexibility, how would you recommend seeking out those positions?
You first need to look for a flexible company – a company where flexible working arrangements are the norm and not the exception. There is a list of Employer of Choice for Gender Equality here and a few job boards such as FlexCareers that only work with progressive companies who walk the talk. In general, my advice is to apply for the job you’re after, even if advertised as full-time. The goal is to get in front of the decision-maker and if you’re the person they need for the job (and this is the right company for you), chances are that flexibility can be negotiated right there and then or down the track. I’ve used this strategy twice successfully.
My advice is to apply for the job you’re after, even if advertised as full-time. The goal is to get in front of the decision-maker and if you’re the person they need for the job, chances are that flexibility can be negotiated right there and then
Who has helped you progress in your career the most and what did they do to support you?
My husband. Although we tend to manage our family 50/50 (he does drop off, I do pick ups, he does the food shopping, I cook dinners etc.), he takes over 100% when I need to commit to work outside my usual working hours, be it travelling, attending conferences or working on a tight deadline. Thanks to his support and availability, I’m able to invest more of myself in my career when I need to.
A fear you've had to overcome to pursue your ambitions:
Originally from France, I moved to Australia 20 years ago. Public speaking is one thing, public speaking in another language than your own is another! It took some time to be confident in English in front of an audience. Accents are great ice breakers though.
An achievement you're most proud of:
Quitting smoking 12 years ago, running a half-marathon, quitting alcohol 1 year ago, volunteering for the Invictus Games in Sydney last year.
Life/career advice you wish you had been given in your early 20s:
It doesn't have to be perfect! Just do it to the best of your ability.
For women who want to make a positive change in their life but don't know where to start, what advice would you give them?
There is no silver bullet that works for everyone so I go by ‘happy me, happy everybody’ and make sure that I choose to do what makes me happy so I can in turn contribute to the happiness of those around me.
I choose to do what makes me happy so I can in turn contribute to the happiness of those around me.
What does thriving mean to you?
Going further and further in a healthy way.
Anything else you would like to share with the Thrivhers community?
I’m a big believer of ‘paying it forward’ and supporting each other, especially other women. I will do so by sharing this community with others and recommending other women for this piece.
Thank you Peggy
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