What keeps me passionate and engaged at Northrop are the people! I thoroughly enjoy working with likeminded individuals that are equally passionate about their work. The people at Northrop are genuine, collaborative, talented, supportive and moreover they are fun and enjoyable to work with.

Northrop provides me with the opportunities to engage in exciting and meaningful projects, collaborate closely with great clients, and work alongside talented individuals. This environment inspires me daily, fueling my motivation to contribute positively and approach challenges with enthusiasm. As a leader, I aim to instill this same sense of inspiration and motivation in my team. I endeavor to encourage a culture where positivity and enthusiasm are celebrated. By empowering and supporting my team members to take ownership of their roles and providing them with the support they need, I aim to inspire them to deliver their best work and achieve collective successes.

Firstly, and most importantly I would say be true to yourself. In my mind a successful leader is authentic and genuine; this will earn you the trust and respect of your colleagues and clients alike. Surround yourself with good people who share your values and complement your skills, as they will support your growth and contribute positively to your team’s success. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek help when needed; this not only shows humility but also accelerates your learning and problem-solving abilities. Finally, don’t forget to invest time in your own growth and development, embracing new challenges and opportunities for personal and professional development is not only important for your own career growth, but beneficial to those you lead and influence.

As a busy mum of two young children, Will (8) and Isabella (5), my time for personal hobbies is limited. While I used to indulge in travelling, I now cherish family outings outdoors—spending time exploring beaches, parks, or bushwalks. Engaging in these activities outside of work is crucial for maintaining balance, enhancing my mental wellbeing, and gaining perspective. They provide moments of relaxation and fun that help me stay focused and effective in my career.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of advocating for the engineering profession, with a particular focus on female participation. I am passionate about engaging with the community to promote the profession and encourage females to join the industry. As an ambassador and role model for diversity in engineering, I feel immensely proud when I receive feedback and hear stories about how I have positively impacted the career journeys of individuals in our profession.

This would have to be a project I worked on in a past life, prior to joining Northrop. I was the lead engineer on the Randwick hospital redevelopment—a large $750 million new Acute Services Building. This project was not only high profile and politically sensitive but also technically complex, with tight deadlines and multiple stakeholders to manage. It was my first experience working on a hospital project and the largest project I had ever worked on at that time.

Through this project, I gained invaluable perspectives on understanding client needs and navigating the differing demands of various stakeholders. I learnt the value of building strong relationships with stakeholders and collaborating effectively with design team members. On top of this I became highly efficient in managing my time, and balancing the needs of my team members, of which the needs for strengthening these skills was compounded by the fact that I was working in a part-time capacity.

Professionally, my involvement in the Randwick hospital redevelopment not only enhanced my technical skills but also broadened my expertise as a consultant. I developed new skill sets beyond technical knowledge, marking a significant step in my professional growth and expanding my capabilities in project management and stakeholder engagement.