Reflection

It’s coming up to a year since I started my (more official) journey to the Board. So I thought it would be a great time to reflect and appreciate how far I’ve come! Particularly because as a part of my journey, reflection and gratitude has become a piece of my daily routine.  

In my plan I set in October 2018 I had four big juicy goals I wanted to achieve over the year...

1. Get more industry accreditation and certification (Five year goal to get my MBA)

I started my MBA... and I’m already five terms in! This has been a great experience, but I won’t lie - it’s tricky managing study, work and life. But I love what I’m learning and how I can apply this to my work to grow myself and my team. 

The secret sauce is support - from your family, friends and work. As well as anyone who wants to help! I’ve reached out to the experts I know to give me insight and advice, and I’m so grateful for their support. 

2. Win an award 

We had a very proud moment recently being a part of the winning team at Sydney Water’s Annual Lifestream Awards, for putting customers at the heart for our 2018 customer engagement program.

3. Volunteer

I’m lucky that with work there are always volunteering opportunities, which I was a part of for our water efficient ‘Tiny House’ community awareness activation for our drought campaign. 

But I’m always looking at more industry volunteering opportunities, particularly for my community.  

4. Go to a conference

I was accepted into the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) Young Utility Leaders Program. Not exactly a conference... but learning so much more and getting more industry experience sitting on the WSAA Utility Excellence Committee (UEC). 

I’m so appreciative of how far I’ve come over the past 12 months! But I won’t lie, it has been very challenging. There’s been tears, but also a lot of joy. My biggest lesson over the past year is to ALWAYS ask for help and never prioritise anything over my health and wellbeing. 

Another great lesson is the power of dedication - I do what I do, not only for myself... but also for my family, my friends and my community. Sometimes I use this trick to get through mundane tasks eg “do your laundry in honour of mum!”

My next steps? Reset my goals for next year! 

So what’s on the cards for 2020... well I’ll finish my MBA and WSAA Leadership program, but I also want to strengthen my coaching skills, be guided and supported with mentoring and more volunteering. But most importantly find balance… balance… balance... AND have fun!

How will I do this? Put my health and wellbeing first - always. I’ve been working towards having an ‘hour of power' most mornings by going for a run and doing some yoga. I’ll flex this by aiming to do a marathon next year, starting my yoga teaching accreditation and a splash of travel. Because after all, you can only achieve your goals if your health and wellbeing is in check.

#Bringon2020