Tell me about a defining moment in your career.

It was 2016 when I stepped onto the red dot of the TEDx stage in Vancouver Canada. Little did I know that this defining moment would shape my career in ways I couldn’t imagine.

My talk titled “Feeling stuck – fuelling life from average to epic” has since reached over a million views on YouTube. The outpouring of support and engagement reminded me of the power of storytelling and the ripple effect it can create. 

Getting to that TEDx stage wasn’t an easy journey. It took countless hours of research, preparation and training. I rehearsed my talk over and over, rewriting scripts and seeking guidance from multiple coaches with different opinions. There were moments of doubt and uncertainty, but I persevered. All in, over 380 hours was put into this engagement.  

Since that remarkable experience, my career has taken flight. I have had the privilege of speaking at over 900 events worldwide. At each stage, each audience offers me a chance to share my insights and knowledge.  Through these engagements, I have been able to discuss current trends in the market, providing valuable insights to both professionals and enthusiasts alike.

But it doesn’t stop there. The TEDx talk also positioned me as a speaker of futuristic trends at some of the biggest education conferences in Australia. Being able to represent Global Rev Gen and Quant Plus in these spaces has been incredibly fulfilling.

What do you like most about your job?

My job at GRG doesn’t feel like a job to me, but rather a calling that fuels my purpose and passion. Working at GRG is exciting because we engage with 50% of higher education entities in the sector, and we are growing into a fully integrated agency.

What I appreciate the most about my role is its diversity. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities as I interact with different clients. Each client has their own unique playbook and roadmap, which keeps me on my toes and requires me to wear many hats.

What’s your biggest challenge now?

My biggest challenge now is navigating between the growing changes in the advertising, technology and market automation pillars while trying to meet the demands of an industry that is ripe for disruption and evolved change.

The emergence of new-age technology is changing the workforce and how we work. With these changes comes a new complexity of challenges as new frameworks need to be looked at and built.

Tell us about your best work trip

Every trip is memorable. I embarked on a work trip that turned out to be the best experience of my professional life. This journey allowed me to combine three of my greatest passions: history, public speaking, and connecting with people. I was invited to speak at the International Education Association of Australia conference held in Canberra.

Not only did I share my knowledge and insights with fellow professionals in the education sector, but I also got to explore the fascinating city of Canberra. One highlight of the trip was visiting the renowned war memorial, where I was deeply moved by the stories and sacrifices of those who fought for their countries. The experience left a lasting impression on me and further fuelled my passion for history.

Moreover, the conference provided a platform for networking and establishing meaningful connections with like-minded individuals in the education field. I made lifelong connections and forged valuable partnerships that continue to benefit my career to this day.

And your worst? 

On the other end of the spectrum, I recall the worst trip I ever experienced. It happened during a winter expedition to Canada. As luck would have it, we found ourselves trapped in a relentless snowstorm, leading to a series of unexpected challenges and delays.

“It turned out that two escaped convicts had coincidentally boarded the same bus”

To reach our intended destination of Washington DC from Vancouver, we had to resort to alternative modes of transportation. Trains, buses and even planes were enlisted as we navigated through the treacherous weather conditions. The journey became a test of endurance and patience as we encountered numerous pivots and setbacks along the way.

Adding to the chaotic nature of the trip, fate played a rather amusing yet unsettling twist. It turned out that two escaped convicts had coincidentally boarded the same bus as our delegation. To my surprise, they ended up sitting right next to me throughout the journey. 

Although the situation was far from ideal, I couldn’t help but find some humour in the absurdity of it all.

Despite the obstacles and unexpected encounters, we eventually reached our destination, albeit much later than anticipated. The experience taught me to remain resilient in the face of adversity and to find humour in the most unlikely circumstances.