Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself and what drives you in your work?

I’m passionate about problem-solving and bringing clarity to complex situations, especially when it comes to law and construction. My role allows me to combine my skills in litigation with my interest in how projects come to life. What drives me is the ability to make a real impact—whether that’s helping clients navigate difficult situations or advocating for solutions that promote fairness and equity in the industry. Every day presents new challenges, and I thrive on finding practical, effective solutions.

Q: Why do you think International Women’s Day is an important occasion to celebrate?

International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on how far we’ve come, but also to acknowledge that there’s still a long way to go. It’s a moment to celebrate the achievements of women in all fields, recognize the barriers we’ve overcome, and come together to address ongoing challenges. It's a chance to highlight the importance of equality, not just for today, but for future generations. It also provides a platform for amplifying the voices of women everywhere, which is essential in driving change.

Q: This year’s theme is ‘Accelerate Action’ - what does that mean to you, both personally and professionally?

"Accelerate Action" resonates deeply with me, both personally and professionally. It’s a call to stop waiting for change and to actively push for change. Professionally, this means advocating for more inclusive policies in the workplace, like equal pay and opportunities for women to rise in leadership. Personally, it’s about taking ownership of the changes I want to see in my own environment and being proactive in mentoring others. It’s not enough to recognise inequality—we need to act on it, now.

Q: Have you faced any barriers in your career as a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?

Yes, I’ve encountered barriers, and like many women, there have been moments where I felt I had to prove myself more than my male counterparts. One of the biggest barriers I’ve faced was being one of the few women in leadership in my area of law, especially in construction litigation. But instead of letting it discourage me, I used it as motivation to work harder, build my expertise, and find supportive networks of women and allies. Surrounding myself with mentors who believed in me and consistently pushing myself to be at the top of my game helped me overcome those challenges.

Q: What is one action we can take today to help accelerate gender equity?

One action we can take today is to be intentional about creating spaces for women to be heard and recognised. Whether that’s in meetings, at conferences, or in casual conversations, we need to make sure women are included, their voices are amplified, and their contributions are celebrated. We should actively seek out opportunities to mentor and support women, especially in male-dominated fields.

Q: Many women experience imposter syndrome in leadership roles - have you ever felt this, and how do you manage it?

Yes, absolutely. Imposter syndrome is something that many women experience, especially when stepping into leadership roles or when breaking new ground. I’ve certainly had moments of doubt, questioning whether I truly belong or if I’m capable of doing the job at the level expected of me. I manage it by reminding myself of my achievements and the hard work that got me here. I also lean on my mentors and colleagues for support and feedback. Over time, I’ve learned that those feelings don’t define me and that I can continue to grow, learn, and thrive, despite them.

Q: How do you balance career growth with other aspects of life?

Good question! As a full time working Mum to a 6 year old and a 4 year old, I am probably not the best person to ask. Denita Wan once shared a tip that she uses at a WIBAS event – “When the elevator door closes, take a breath and leave it outside the door. It will be there waiting for you at 8pm when the kids are in bed.” Some days it works better than others.

Q: Who has been a role model or mentor that has influenced your journey?

Working with Tim Osborn and Christie Howson for two and a half years has given me critical insight into the kind of leader I want to be. It has shown me how critical respect is when it comes to effective leadership. Tim and Christie are probably the most influential role models that I have had in my career to date.

Q: What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

“Action precedes motivation.”

Q: If you could give one key message to young women about pursuing their ambitions, what would it be?

Trust in yourself and your abilities. There will always be people who doubt you or make you question your path, but it’s essential to stay true to your vision of your career. If someone is making you question your path, ask yourself – “Has this person earned the right to affect how I view myself?” Usually, the answer is no. Grow a network of people who support you, take risks, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

Final Thoughts: What’s a defining moment in your career that shaped who you are today?

In 2023, while I was in the trenches of the specialist accreditation course, I lost my Dad to suicide. It made me realise that I can do hard things. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes a significant life event to make you believe that. Though it may seem simple, the mantra “This is hard, but I can do hard things” has been a source of strength and resilience during some of the toughest moments in my life.