23 in ‘23: Meet 23 inspiring female leaders at nbn
40-minute read
Collectively, these 23 inspiring female leaders share more than 136 years of experience at nbn. Here, we learn about their career journeys and advice to others.
In this story:
At nbn, we understand the importance of fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture. This is essential for us to collaborate effectively, develop innovative solutions, and serve our customers, partners, and the communities we operate within better.
We’re for gender equality and supporting more women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) careers. nbn is also committed to more women in leadership and our goal is to achieve 40 per cent female representation in management roles by 2025.
And we’re well on our way.
Here, meet 23 of nbn’s inspiring female leaders who are already bringing their unique experiences, perspectives and expertise to help lift the digital capability of Australia.
1. Lisa Berrie
General Manager, Land Access and Stakeholder Engagement
Time at nbn: Almost 12 years
"As tough as it is, embracing change is the key to personal and career growth."
How would you describe your leadership style/approach?
The key characteristics of my style are remaining calm in the face of ambiguity and complexity; encouraging decision-making at appropriate levels of the business; being as transparent as possible; leading by example; and fostering work/life balance.
I have an authentic relationship with my team, and the pride I take in their achievements is clear to see. This sense of belonging and achievement leads the team to have greater motivation, engagement and productivity.
Do you have a mentor or are you a mentor? If so, can you tell us about the benefits?
I have been both a mentee and a mentor over the course of my career. I find being in a relationship where I am mentored helps push me out of my comfort zone and encourages me to be more fearless.
I am an introvert and can get a bit comfortable staying in the background, so this type of relationship encourages me to apply for a new role or push ahead with difficult conversations that I’ve been putting off.
Who/what inspires you in your role as a leader?
Early in my career, I was a facilitator for Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People program, which influenced my personal development and leadership style.
The concept of ‘sphere of influence’ particularly resonates with me and helps me manage my stress levels when managing ambiguity and complexity.
What advice would you give aspiring or fellow leaders?
As tough as it is, embracing change is the key to personal and career growth.
Use your team effectively – you don’t need to know everything, trust your team to get it right.
Take time out to celebrate the little achievements. A phone call saying ‘thanks’ can make all the difference to someone’s day.
What do you love about working at nbn?
Given my tenure, it is evident that I really enjoy working at nbn.
I’m always learning new things and finding challenging ways to use my skills and experience. I love the culture here, the Operations team and the fantastic people who contribute to it.
I feel truly valued as an employee, and I value the privilege of having flexible work arrangements so that I can work in the way that I find most productive and still have time to enjoy my rural lifestyle.
2. Rosalie Berry
Executive Manager, External Workforce Capability
Time at nbn: 13 years
"The world is not made up of a singular persona, and that should be reflected within an organisation and through service offerings."
How would you describe your leadership style/approach?
My approach centres on learning, growing and achieving together. I want to ensure that the team feels supported and that we are contributing to something meaningful. I like to help the team explore new things and continue developing, deliver quality outcomes, and ensure we have a good time while we do it.
It’s important that work doesn’t feel like a slog, even though there will be times when things are especially challenging.
'Diversity, equity and inclusion’ (DEI) are heard a lot now, but what does it mean to you?
At its core, it is about listening, understanding and respect. DEI means genuinely welcoming variety into spaces, enabling a diversity of thought and opinion, and providing a safer environment to broaden ideas and create better outcomes.
Why do you think equity is important in organisations?
Equity provides an opportunity to acknowledge the different barriers individuals and groups can face, and then work on ways to provide a more level playing field. It can provide opportunities that would not otherwise exist.
Equity fosters a fair and inclusive workplace, which promotes diversity of thinking and, when looking externally, allows organisations to better understand and meet the needs of their diverse customer bases.
The world is not made up of a singular persona, and that should be reflected within an organisation and through service offerings.
What advice would you give aspiring or fellow leaders?
Two things spring to mind.
One is that you may not consider yourself a leader because you don’t have direct reports – but you are still influencing people and leading the way in your behaviour, perspective, work, career journey and more. Just because you don’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not happening.
Another is that your style is yours – you don’t have to have the same leadership style as someone else to be considered a leader. You can take parts of leadership that you have liked and styles that haven’t landed well with you, or from how you have managed things previously.
Take direction on how you can lead from those around you, including your team, if you manage one. Importantly, how you make people feel creates an impact, and it’s a never-ending learning experience.
What would you say to female leaders and aspiring female leaders considering a career in STEM, telecommunications or at nbn?
There is a whole world of possibility beyond what you know is there and, perhaps, what you first encounter.
I didn’t know all the different opportunities and roles available, the diverse range of people I would engage with, the innovations, technologies, ideas and creations that I would be part of… and I’m still learning.
3. Nicki Drinkwater
Executive General Manager, Marketing
Time at nbn: Almost three years
"The team that wins is not always the team of better individuals, but it's the team that pulls their individuals together."
How would you describe your leadership style/approach?
I try to think of it as a balance between challenge and support, so making sure people have got the support that they need but that they’re also challenged to achieve their full potential.
My background is in elite sports, both as a player and as an administrator for most of my career – almost 20 years and mostly team sports. So, I like to use the team sports analogy.
If you think about team sports and we liken leadership to being the captain, the analogy is that a captain plays their part on a field, but most of their job is about getting the most out of others, and acknowledging that everyone in the team is different and has unique skills and strengths that they bring.
The beauty of this type of high-performance team environment is that the team that wins is not always the team of better individuals, but it's the team that pulls their individuals together.
'Diversity, equity and inclusion’ (DEI) are heard a lot now, but what does it mean to you?
To me, it means giving every person the opportunity to be their best self. No matter who they are, where they come from or what they want to do. If we can build every player in our team to be the best person they can be, not only will they feel valued, enabled and rewarded, but we will benefit more as a team or, in this analogy, as an organisation.
What do you love about working at nbn?
The reason I joined nbn is that I genuinely saw the opportunity to make a difference and to work for a company that was doing something meaningful for our society. I also love the fact that we are young in our journey at nbn. We are still evolving, and the pace of change has never been more rapid internally and externally with everything that's going on around us. I’d never worked in telco, or in any government organisation, so I was excited and up for the challenge!
I love working in environments where there’s a lot of opportunity to make a difference and I think so many people are attracted to nbn for that reason – the opportunity to make a difference and do something more than just work. We’re full of amazing people.
What advice would you give aspiring or fellow leaders?
I genuinely believe you can learn something from everyone, but the most important thing is to work out what that means for you, who you want to be, and know what your version, story and purpose are.
4. Jo Dutton
Executive General Manager, Technology Transformation
Time at nbn: Almost five years
"Prepare to influence and be influenced – you never know where the next great idea is coming from, and it probably won’t be yours."
How would you describe your leadership style/approach?
My approach is collaborative and supportive – I believe in ‘servant leadership’. I try hard to give clear direction on what we are trying to achieve, and then empower and support teams to achieve those outcomes.
Do you have a mentor or are you a mentor? If so, can you tell us about the benefits?
I am a mentor – I see the role of mentoring others as a core part of my role at nbn. I get a huge amount of satisfaction seeing people grow because of the support or perspectives I can bring.
I always find I get fresh insights and ways of doing things from building those relationships as well.
We can all learn from each other.
Why do you think equity is important in organisations?
Equity is especially important in organisations like nbn that are here to deliver a service for everyone – I don’t think you can deliver that fantastic experience unless your organisation reflects the community it serves and understands the different elements of that community.
We can only get that if we listen and understand those experiences on an equal footing, i.e. listening to be curious and never dismissing a different opinion.
Who/what inspires you in your role as a leader?
The people I admire most in leadership are those who give back as part of what they do – Bill Gates always springs to mind, but it’s less about prominent leaders and more about those who show integrity in the way they lead and stay true to the values they espouse and their purpose.
I also admire leaders who truly support the development of their teams and create environments to allow people to reach their full potential.
What advice would you give aspiring or fellow leaders?
Put time and effort into building a championship team as opposed to a team of champions – it really is the team and range of opinions that will make you stronger.
Be curious and really listen to those other opinions.
Prepare to influence and be influenced – you never know where the next great idea is coming from, and it probably won’t be yours.
And what would you say to female leaders and aspiring female leaders considering a career in STEM, telecommunications or at nbn?
I have studied and worked in STEM for 30 years now (eek!) and it has given me a stimulating, exciting and rewarding career. STEM careers are really focused on changing the world for the better – what’s not to like?
5. Smriti Halgekar
General Manager, Business Operations and Executive Governance
Time at nbn: Seven years
"Stay curious, believe in yourself and give it a go!"
How would you describe your leadership style/approach?
My approach to leadership centres around influencing, coaching and motivating people to work together to achieve common goals. I encourage my team to think fearlessly and adapt to new ways of working while staying aligned with the overall strategy.
I believe in the power of Co-Elevation® (by Keith Ferrazzi), which is an approach to co-create solutions through fluid partnerships and self-organising teams to go higher together.
Who/what inspires you in your role as a leader?
I’m inspired by the purpose and the people of nbn. We have a strong purpose at nbn that allows us to keep front of mind what we can bring to the people of Australia, combining that with the amazing people here who share this passion and commitment to our purpose.
What advice would you give aspiring or fellow leaders?
When we co-elevate, we work with more positive energy, generate more innovative ideas, expand our abilities and execute faster.
As leaders, it is our responsibility to co-elevate and enable our teams to achieve a collective vision.
Why do you think equity is important in organisations?
Having equity allows for an engaged workforce. Having a fair distribution of work and power along with a safe, respectful and inclusive working environment means there is a place for everyone, and everyone has a role to play. An engaged workforce is the key to success for an organisation.
What would you say to female leaders and aspiring female leaders considering a career in STEM, telecommunications or at nbn?
I would say that continue to stay curious, believe in yourself, and give it a go. This sometimes could mean embracing scenarios, especially when it may feel outside of your comfort zone. More often than you think, these become amazing opportunities.
6. Sarah Humphreys
General Manager, Integrated Prioritisation Planning
Time at nbn: Five years
"Understand your strengths and weaknesses. Work on any major gaps but double down on your strengths to give you confidence."
How would you describe your leadership style/approach?
Consultative, collaborative, supportive and honest. I like to understand what is important to my colleagues and team members, so I can learn how best to work together.
Who/what inspires you in your role as a leader?
A strong sense of purpose inspired me. At nbn, we have an important role to play for Australians and I want to be able to look back later in life and be proud of the nbn® network and the positive impact it has on our country. My teammates also inspire me as they are all intelligent and dedicated people.
Do you have a mentor or are you a mentor? If so, can you tell us about the benefits?
I have an informal mentor whom I have known for more than 10 years. My mentor helps me reflect on where I can improve myself in my current roles or consider the next opportunities and challenges. Through this mentor relationship, I feel well-supported, more conscious about making changes, and more confident to push myself when the timing is right.
‘Diversity, equity and inclusion’ (DEI) are heard a lot now, but what does it mean to you?
To me, this means proactively embracing and supporting people in their entirety. To do this requires a level of understanding and vulnerability so that support or considerations can be identified.
When DEI is achieved, individuals feel motivated to contribute fully, and organisations benefit through the diversity of thought and aligning their internal teams with the diversity of customers externally.
What advice would you give aspiring or fellow leaders?
Understand your strengths and weaknesses. Work on any major gaps but double down on your strengths to give you confidence.
Take opportunities that come up or seek new opportunities if you feel stuck. Occasionally take calculated risks to shake things up, growth comes from being slightly uncomfortable.
What would you say to female leaders and aspiring female leaders considering a career in STEM, telecommunications or at nbn?
Do it! Technology is the enabler for a business or customer outcome and therefore careers in these areas are rewarding and impactful. There are lots of problems that can be better solved with a diverse team.
If you have a passion or an interest, get involved as these sectors need diverse representation to ensure the solutions, analysis and insights generated are not biased, and accurately represent and serve the society we are all part of.
7. Lauren Jordan
Senior Manager, Sustainability Governance and Social Value
Time at nbn: Eight years
"Take actions that remove barriers and discrimination, bring in people from all walks of life, and respect and listen to them."
How would you describe your leadership style/approach?
Helping colleagues or team members achieve their goals makes me happy – so helping by coaching or mentoring, or just being a sounding board for ideas, is a key part of my leadership style. I think my approach also changes depending on the situation – everyone works differently.
And authenticity is so important in leaders. If there are two values that drive me the most, they are equity and authenticity. Being authentic means it’s okay to be vulnerable, own your mistakes and just be yourself. No one is perfect and there’s no point faking it or pretending – people can see through that!
Who/what inspires you in your role as a leader?
I am inspired by the possibilities in my role – the possibilities for creating positive and mitigating negative impacts on people and the environment. It is all about creating impact and, whether leading directly or influencing others, the possibility to make a positive difference inspires me.
'Diversity, equity and inclusion’ (DEI) are heard a lot now, but what does it mean to you?
Diversity is about celebrating and encouraging differences. Everyone is unique and have their own lived experience – intersectionality is also important to keep front of mind – and these differences shouldn’t limit the opportunities you get in life or put barriers in front of you.
Inclusion is where people, feel safe to be themselves, no matter their background. When there is an inclusive space people should feel a sense of belonging and safety, supporting their wellbeing.
Take actions that remove barriers and discrimination, bring in people from all walks of life, and respect and listen to them.
Why do you think equity is important in organisations?
Equity is crucial to give everyone, no matter who they are, opportunity, which means removing any discrimination or barriers people face. Organisations need equity to ensure opportunities are accessible to all, so everyone can be enabled to do amazing things with their strengths.
What do you love about working at nbn?
I love the opportunity to create a positive impact for people across Australia.
I wanted to work for an organisation that has a strong purpose – and, ultimately, we exist for a social purpose.
Through the nbn® network and our work, we can create positive impacts on people’s lives through digital connectivity.
What would you say to female leaders and aspiring female leaders considering a career in STEM, telecommunications or at nbn?
As someone who doesn’t really have a STEM background and who had no telco experience before working at nbn, I would say, just go for it! You can learn anything you don’t know on the job.
8. Angie Kerle
General Manager, Field Operations North-East Region
Time at nbn: Four years
"The leadership shadow you cast defines you and I am very conscious of that."
How would you describe your leadership style/approach?
I think of myself as someone who leads from within. People don’t work for me; I work for them.
It’s my role to provide direction, support and to represent challenges and opportunities identified by them to improve the business.
I don’t believe in hierarchy, we have different job titles with different accountabilities. Anyone should be able to have a conversation with a frontline technician or the CEO and feel safe doing so – we are all human.
Who/what inspires you in your role as a leader?
My leadership inspiration comes from leaders I have worked for in the past that I admire and respect, and those that I haven’t – you can learn from every leader on both who you want to be as a leader and who you don’t want to be.
I also love Simon Sinek. I find the way he espouses leadership very much resonates with the way I want to lead.
The leadership shadow you cast defines you and I am very conscious of that.
Do you have a mentor or are you a mentor? If so, can you tell us about the benefits?
I provide mentorship to several people across the company as part of our ‘Rise and Shine’ program and to another mentee, which started not long after I joined nbn. That has been a very rewarding relationship.
While I love mentor/mentee relationships, to get the best value, I find they need to be organic and not forced.
Sometimes forced relationships won’t work for either party. If the benefits aren’t being seen, there is nothing wrong with looking elsewhere.
What advice would you give aspiring or fellow leaders?
Take ownership of your own development – don’t sit around waiting for someone to hand it to you. Go and chase it. Seek guidance from leaders you respect, look for opportunities to stretch, and research what leader you want to be and what shadow you want to cast.
There are plenty of books, publications, TED talks and other videos out there to really grow the theoretical aspects of leadership and then chase the opportunities to put them into practice.
You don’t need direct leadership of people to practice leadership. It can be done from within your own team as a peer leader, indirectly, such as in a project management role, or as an acting people leader.
What would you say to female leaders and aspiring female leaders considering a career in STEM, telecommunications or at nbn?
Go for it! There is absolutely nothing stopping you from joining telco. It’s just another industry.
The skills you have are transferable across many industries. As long as you have the aptitude and attitude to learn, telco will be an extremely fulfilling career choice.
9. Sally Kincaid
Chief People and Culture Officer
Time at nbn: Four years
"When we all see inclusion as our role – our duty, in fact – we create great workplaces."
How would you describe your leadership style/approach?
My leadership style is purpose-led and results-oriented. Whether working one on one, in a team setting or at the enterprise level, my leadership approach is to be transparent about purpose, and work together to identify what and how we deliver the results needed to get to that purpose.
'Diversity, equity and inclusion’ (DEI) are heard a lot now, but what does it mean to you?
When we line up at the starting blocks of our careers, we have all had a different set of circumstances, opportunities or barriers to overcome to get there. DEI is about enabling more people out of the starting blocks, more people to stay on track, and helping more people into the starting blocks in the first place!
Why do you think equity is important in organisations?
Diversity, equity and inclusion are in every organisation but not every organisation treats them as important. Those that don’t are missing out – for their people, customers and business results.
Do you have a mentor or are you a mentor? If so, can you tell us about the benefits?
I had an American boss, Harry Stout, who would regularly quote, ‘Feedback is the breakfast of champions’ (Ken Blanchard). But Harry went a step further – feedback was about delivering it, seeking it and receiving it. And each of these had benefits in both personal and professional relationships.
What do you love about working at nbn?
I know many of my colleagues will have answered this with our purpose, to lift the digital capability of Australia, and that we are truly purpose-led. I love this about nbn, too. I also love that we don’t take that for granted but that we keep innovating to keep lifting the digital capability of Australia in a very fast-paced world.
What advice would you give aspiring or fellow leaders?
Working as the Chief People and Culture Officer, it is easy to think that DEI is ‘my job’.
Indra Nooyi – author of My Full Life: Work, Family, and Our Future – says, ‘Diversity and inclusion cannot simply be delegated to one individual. That is a cop-out’.
To aspiring and fellow leaders, my advice would be that we all set the tone in our workplaces but, as leaders, we cast a wider shadow. When we all see inclusion as our role – our duty, in fact – we create great workplaces.
What would you say to female leaders and aspiring female leaders considering a career in STEM, telecommunications or at nbn?
To support our commitment to increasing female representation in STEM careers, nbn has joined the Australian Academy of Science Women in STEM as a champion of the Decadal Plan to encourage organisations to work towards gender equity – there is so much leadership, cohesion, education and industry action, it is a great time to think about a career in STEM.
10. Marie Le Bras
General Manager, Legal – Strategy and Policy
Time at nbn: 12 years
"It’s not only okay to be different, it’s awesome to be different."
How would you describe your leadership style/approach?
To me, leadership is about service. I am here to support my team in achieving their career aspirations and contributing to the company’s aims. I do this by providing them with opportunities that align with their development goals and their strengths. I help connect them with others who they can learn from, or who they can coach in turn. I take a coaching approach to empower them to make their own decisions and help the company succeed.
Who/what inspires you in your role as a leader?
At nbn, I am lucky to have people who inspire me in my role as a leader. Outside of work, I’m inspired by people in the public sphere who lead with their heart, and put people first even when (or especially when) faced with extreme challenge and opposition. People like Jacinda Ardern and Julia Gillard.
Closer to home – and where it all began – I’m inspired by my parents. My Mum had formal leadership roles throughout her career in IT. Through her, I learned that leading people can be both challenging and greatly rewarding. This is because caring for others deeply, like they’re your family, takes devotion and energy, and it’s also uplifting to see them grow and prosper.
My Dad had career leadership roles, too. However, he found one of his most rewarding leadership roles later in life through his work with underprivileged schools as part of his local Lions Club. Through him, I’ve learned that when you find a way to use your skills and experience to help others, in whatever role available to you and whenever that might be in life, you can make a lasting and positive impact on the world.
What do you love about working at nbn?
What I love most about nbn is the people. I’ve been supported by so many wonderful leaders and teams. I’ve had many opportunities to develop through a variety of roles and in various team contexts.
I am a proud migrant woman of colour, and I’ve felt accepted and welcomed to the table. As I’ve grown professionally and personally, I have found my voice so that I’m heard at the table, too.
I’ve had a chance to pay it forward and pass on what I have learned to others, empowering them to find their voice.
What would you say to female leaders and aspiring female leaders considering a career in STEM, telecommunications or at nbn?
You have nothing to lose. Don’t overthink it or talk yourself out of it based on your current qualifications or experience. Be bold!
Whatever you don’t already know, you can learn. And what you do already know, you can use to bring a fresh perspective in the leadership, STEM or telco arena.
It’s not only okay to be different, it’s awesome to be different. Remember to bring another sister with you.
11. Ankita Mahapatra (Moses)
Executive Manager, Commercial Deals Design
Time at nbn: 10 years
"Sometimes, you don’t realise how far you’ve come or how much you’ve grown until you start sharing your experiences with someone else."
How would you describe your leadership style/approach?
I fundamentally believe that as a leader you need to be flexible and have a wide range of leadership styles you can draw upon depending on the situation. So, I would say my leadership style is transformational. I believe in building a star team with diverse skills and expertise so I can draw upon them depending on the task at hand but also for the team to have the ability to learn from each other, including myself.
Who/what inspires you in your role as a leader?
For me, professional inspiration comes in many forms primarily from the people in my life and being part of an organisation like nbn where we are so passionate about lifting the digital capability of Australia.
As a leader, inspiration comes from solving big, meaningful problems where we have overcome the odds and make the impossible possible with people I admire and love to work with.
What do you love about working at nbn?
nbn is a great place to work not only from a career perspective but also for work/life balance.
I have been privileged to have supportive leaders who have been invested in my growth and career while also believing in me to manage a team and grow a young family at the same time.
Earlier this year, I had to urgently fly back to India to care for a family member who was going through health issues. My manager and team have been so supportive, and I was able to fly to India with one day’s notice to be there for my family.
The support and love I have received from across nbn has been amazing. In times like this, it makes me feel so good that I work for an organisation where family needs come first, and the organisation is there to support you.
Do you have a mentor or are you a mentor? If so, can you tell us about the benefits?
I have been lucky to have good mentors in my life and have benefited from those relationships to be who and where I am today. Thus, becoming a mentor was a no-brainer for me and I am thoroughly satisfied from giving back. Giving my time and knowledge to my mentees is a hugely rewarding experience, especially when I can help them achieve the results they hoped for.
It also gives me a new perspective as I get to view and understand a problem through the lens of my mentees, and have an opportunity to reflect and learn from them.
Sometimes, you don’t realise how far you’ve come or how much you’ve grown until you start sharing your experiences with someone else. Mentoring can serve as an opportunity to reflect on the progress you’ve made and build confidence as you realise that you have unique knowledge, which is valuable for others.
12. Rachael McIntyre
Executive General Manager, Stakeholder Relations
Time at nbn: Eight years
"Every moment is an opportunity to lead well."
How would you describe your leadership style/approach?
I really enjoy leading diverse teams, both in terms of their styles and also their area of subject matter expertise, I’m somewhat a collector of teams! As hard as it can be, I also enjoy leading through change and transformation.
I strive to support and inspire my team so that they can achieve more than they ever thought possible by tapping into their potential. I have spent a lot of time thinking about what makes a good leader and continuously working on becoming a better one.
I lead with my heart – in both my professional and personal life – and endeavour to find a balance between leading and being led. Leadership and being a good leader require time, ongoing self-reflection and improvement.
Every moment is an opportunity to lead well.
Who/what inspires you in your role as a leader?
Honestly, my colleagues and my team – every day. Not just what they do but how they do it and how they show up. We have seen and continue to experience constant change outside of nbn, both the ups and the downs, as well as change within nbn itself – it’s difficult to control many of these forces. It's these times, particularly that strong and thoughtful leadership matters.
Leadership extends beyond formal roles; each one of us plays a leadership role in our own lives. The words we choose, the decisions we make, and the behaviours we exhibit or exemplify all contribute to being a good leader. Through our actions, we set the tone and shape the culture, ultimately creating an environment where extraordinary accomplishments can thrive.
Why do you think equity is important in organisations?
I’m very passionate about equity and inclusion – fundamentally, as a human, I believe we are all equal, and everyone should have the right to fair treatment, opportunity and advancement.
Do you have a mentor or are you a mentor? If so, can you tell us about the benefits?
I’ve been fortunate to have a number of great mentors across my career that have guided and supported me, been truthful and constructive with their feedback, actively advocated for me and despite their own heavy workloads they have been exceptionally generous with their time.
I have been even luckier to give back in a small way by being part of nbn’s Navigate Program for the last three years and what’s been so impressive is the level of incredible female talent we have at nbn. As much as I have given, I feel I have received so much more in return from those I have sponsored.
What would you say to female leaders and aspiring female leaders considering a career in STEM, telecommunications or at nbn?
Don’t be afraid to get uncomfortable. You may find opportunities that you think you can’t do, but the truth is that you really can. There is a diverse choice of roles within STEM, telecommunications and nbn, so it’s okay to feel uncomfortable and try things you’ve never done before.
You never know, it might turn out that you love it, or you are exposed to a role or area that you were unaware of that piques your curiosity and passion.
13. Alexandra Nguyen
General Manager, Customer and nbn Accessibility Implementation
Time at nbn: Four years
"What's constructive feedback to take on board and what’s just someone’s opinion?"
How would you describe your leadership style/approach?
I would say my leadership style is strong but soft – strong and clear on what I need but knowing when to be soft as well. And I think knowing when to apply either one or both is vital as a leader. For me, integrity is also important – always doing what I say that I'll do.
'Diversity, equity and inclusion’ (DEI) are heard a lot now, but what does it mean to you?
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is a really personal journey for me. My parents are refugees from Vietnam. Growing up, I didn’t have a background where my parents had university degrees or were working in an office. They came to Australia with nothing – my Mum sewed and my Dad worked in a factory, now they run a commercial tomato farm.
So, for me, DEI is recognising skills and talent, and not seeing a person for what they look like, who they identify with or what their background is. It’s understanding their journey and how their skills can be transferrable.
Why do you think equity is important in organisations?
Equity is important in an organisation like nbn because of what we're doing, what our purpose is and what we're building for the nation.
I think it's important in how we play a critical role to create fair access, opportunity and advancement for all those that we connect, not just pockets of the community but every community – and that's a huge responsibility.
What do you love about working at nbn?
I love the people. We have such amazing talent and a lot of innovation that comes from people. So, whenever there's a problem, I really love how people rally around it and try to solve it together.
And I truly believe in the work that we're doing, building this digital network for Australia, and think that would resonate for a lot of people.
What advice would you give aspiring or fellow leaders?
I think we forget about all the great things we’ve achieved yet spend so much time dwelling on that one negative piece of feedback and let it eat away at us. So, my advice is to continue to evolve and grow but learn to decipher what's constructive feedback to take on board and what’s just someone’s opinion?
Always remember your successes and why you are where you are.
One of my favourite quotes is from Hillary Rodham Clinton where she says to take criticism seriously but not personally. She says if there's truth or merit in the criticism, try to learn from it. Otherwise, let it roll off you. Or you will just keep getting lost in feedback – and a lot of it is not constructive for you.
14. Divya Pasupuleti
Executive Manager, Business Strategy and Enablement
Time at nbn: Five years
"A person’s background, upbringing and lived experiences play a huge role in how they show up in situations and what they make of them."
How would you describe your leadership style/approach?
I have undergone quite a transformation in my leadership journey, and found my style with a values-driven, authentic and agile form of leadership. Earlier in my career, I tried to code-switch and emulate masculine and standardised behaviours of leadership, just to fit in and be taken as a serious leader. But it was in no way authentic or even sustainable.
Now, I am very comfortable in my ‘skin’ and find it more rewarding and impactful leading from a place of authenticity, integrity and values.
Who/what inspires you in your role as a leader?
People around me. People from all walks of life, my mentors and leaders, my peers and team members, my family and friends, role models – I draw inspiration from all my direct and indirect experiences with people.
I try to be a leader I would like to have. A leader who is empathetic, curious, empowering and inclusive. Someone who opens doors and opportunities (learning and progression) for you that you didn’t know existed. A leader who helps you be the best version of yourself and above all, who is authentic and fun.
Why do you think equity is important in organisations?
Not everyone has the same starting point. A person’s background, upbringing and lived experiences play a huge role in how they show up in situations and what they make of them. Understanding this will go a long way in ensuring everyone within a team or organisation gets a fair go at applying themselves fully, and this is why equity is important in organisations.
What do you love about working at nbn?
I joined nbn as I strongly connected to its purpose and mission, but I stayed for the culture.
Culture, at its very core, is people and values and I see that as the strength of this magnificent organisation. People at nbn genuinely care – for each other, our customers and our business. There is a genuine desire to build diverse and inclusive teams, and an investment in the development of people at all stages in their careers.
What would you say to female leaders and aspiring female leaders considering a career in STEM, telecommunications or at nbn?
Believe in yourself. As female leaders, it is the hardest thing to do but also the most needed. Female leaders tend to be very giving and believing in their teams and colleagues, but when it comes to them, imposter syndrome and self-doubt kicks in.
Back yourself and put yourself out there – it’s the only way to grow and contribute. Find mentors and role models or, even better, be one. You can’t be what you can’t see. As a female immigrant from a culturally diverse background, I find this to be the most powerful way of building diversity in organisations.
And my advice to my fellow women of colour is don’t try to fit in, be proud of being different and own it.
15. Anna Perrin
Chief Customer Officer
Time at nbn: Almost eight months
"My aspiration is to be an amazing contributor to nbn, to be a great leader of this business, and an awesome Mum."
How would you describe your leadership style/approach?
My natural leadership style is to be optimistic about the opportunity ahead, to dive into challenges and to be future-focused.
My key strength is in building high-performing teams, who collaborate effectively, are strategic, execute effectively and, most importantly, enjoy what they are doing. I’m also a passionate believer in technology.
Do you have a mentor or are you a mentor? If so, can you tell us about the benefits?
I’ve been very lucky to have had mentors through the course of my career who have been fearless in giving me feedback and helping to shape significant moments that matter in my career. I have always sought mentors myself – asking previous leaders, industry contacts or colleagues who I feel I can learn something from or are significantly different from me.
Getting diversity of thought through your mentoring relationship is critical.
I'm often asked to mentor women and I'm always happy to mentor women, but I do think women finding a male mentor can be helpful for diversity of thought.
What do you love about working at nbn?
I love nbn’s purpose and mission. I'm personally connected to the mission, and we are creating something that's better for future generations.
We have a culture where people support each other. It's a culture where equity and diversity is celebrated. It's a core value that I've seen lived in nbn – and I think that's amazing.
What advice would you give aspiring or fellow leaders?
Never assume that somebody knows you're an aspiring leader. It's always good to make it clear to people what you want. Don't be shy about saying, ‘I want to be the CEO’ or shy about telling me, ‘I want your job’. This is exactly what all leaders want from their people – we want people who are aspiring and pushing up and who are demonstrating capability ahead of time.
What would you say to female leaders and aspiring female leaders considering a career in STEM, telecommunications or at nbn?
Telecommunications is the best, most innovative industry and we often don't talk about ourselves very well. The reality is that this is the most exciting industry to be in and, genuinely, what we do underpins all the things that happen in the society that we serve.
Our industry connects people in all aspects of their personal and professional lives, as a result, we are imaginative and creative at heart. The best telecoms engineers are super creative, as they/we are designing networks that design the future way society plays out.
So, I would encourage all women to be part of this dynamic, innovative and creative industry.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
My aspiration is to be an amazing contributor to nbn, to be a great leader of this business, and an awesome Mum.
I absolutely love being a Mum. I'm passionate and committed to both and I want to be successful in both, as it’s a key part of who I am.
I am also a mad sports fan, which my two boys and my partner love – in our house it’s cricket, AFL, NRL and more recently soccer (or football). It’s all about supporting your team and unifying around a common goal, which goes full circle back to my leadership style.
16. Pam Ramali
General Manager, Commercial Development and Growth
Time at nbn: Five years
"Diversity, equity and inclusion: it must start somewhere. It must start with me and working for a company that's committed to it."
How would you describe your leadership style/approach?
I would describe my leadership style as people and systems-centric – I focus on what we can accomplish together. Often the problem right in front of us isn't necessarily the one problem that needs to be solved. So, my leadership style is looking more broadly at a situation and understanding what the problem is, and how we can get 'greater than the sum of its parts' results.
Who/what inspires you in your role as a leader?
The types of people who are most inspiring to me are those who have a balance of EQ and IQ. Super capable, intelligent, sharp and able to solve whatever is thrown at them, but also who have a very keen sense of the kind of support, development, coaching and growth people need. That’s the kind of leader I aspire to be and would like to think I'm known for.
Why do you think equity is important in organisations?
If managed well and harnessed properly, diversity of thought is the most powerful thing that organisations and teams have. To become the best organisations and superpowers that Australian companies can be, they must have diversity to enable and have the right level playing field for all different types of diversity, backgrounds and thought.
As I hire, I notice that hiring managers in Australia tend to only pick people who've done exactly the same thing. Whereas, in the US, where I came from, you tend to hire more for transferable skills – people don't necessarily have to have done the exact same role in the exact same space to be the best candidate.
At a previous organisation, I was working with recruiters to hire my team and I had to ask them, why are you only presenting this very narrow view of candidates to me? The product we were working on needed to be different and if I kept hiring the same kind of people who had been working on the older products, nothing would change.
What do you love about working at nbn?
One reason is our impact – the opportunities and change that we can drive. We have such a massive impact on the way lives are lived in Australia, and there are a lot of opportunities in that, which you don't find in many other places.
The second one is the culture. Our people support and help each other.
The third is around diversity and equity. nbn is committed to making that a reality and starting to change what has been an unchanged history in Australian corporations. I have a four-year-old daughter and one of my goals is for when she grows up not even having to have the discussion around diversity, equity and inclusion.
And it must start somewhere. It must start with me and working for a company that's committed to it.
17. Naomi Read
Head of nbn Local, SA and NT
Time at nbn: 10 years
"Be curious and ask questions of yourself and others. Find ways to keep listening and learning."
How would you describe your leadership style/approach?
As a customer-facing leader, I value curiosity, adaptability, empathy and applying a growth mindset to challenges and opportunities.
Who/what inspires you in your role as a leader?
I feel inspired when leaders have encouraged me to develop my skills and extend my capabilities. I’ve learned so much by stretching outside my comfort zone. I try to create these opportunities and encourage my team in similar ways.
I am energised by new concepts, so I soak up leadership podcasts and books, with Brené Brown and Carol Dweck on high rotation. Different information and perspectives keep me inspired, motivated and help me to generate new ideas.
Why do you think equity is important in organisations?
If we really value equity, then we make it a priority to identify and understand specific needs, differences and circumstances. Where are the blockers that prevent full participation? We create equity when we address those specific needs in considerate ways.
Equity in organisations is important because it enables greater employee engagement and improved performance.
'Diversity, equity and inclusion’ (DEI) are heard a lot now, but what does it mean to you?
A team culture that values and respects diversity, equity and inclusion will enable team members to develop and grow – and enhances our team’s opportunities for success.
Do you have a mentor or are you a mentor? If so, can you tell us about the benefits?
One of my mentors is the first people leader I worked with at nbn, who is still within the business today. I’ve always appreciated their honesty and understanding.
One of the best pieces of advice I received from this fantastic leader was to find ways to experience nbn from a different perspective and to seek out new challenges and consider them as valuable learning opportunities.
What do you love about working at nbn?
I’m very motivated by nbn’s nation-enabling purpose.
I’m grateful to work in a role that enables me to experience so many wonderful parts of regional and remote Australia, and to meet and understand such a variety of community members from all walks of life.
I appreciate the learning opportunities and the fantastic people I’ve worked with along the way.
What advice would you give aspiring or fellow leaders?
Be curious and ask questions of yourself and others. Find ways to keep listening and learning.
What would you say to female leaders and aspiring female leaders considering a career in STEM, telecommunications or at nbn?
Tap into what you enjoy and what motivates you. If you follow opportunities that enhance these factors, it will be a great base to build from.
When you have the chance to learn from interesting and inspiring people, their stories and experiences, the investment of your time is worth it.
18. Felicity Ross
Chief Corporate Affairs Officer
Time at nbn: Five years
"I love giving credit where it is due – when people deliver brilliantly, it’s my job to shout it out."
How would you describe your leadership style/approach?
I think people would say I am accessible, that I think about them as an individual. I appreciate that life and work often overlap. I give feedback openly and ask for the same back.
I face into issues, and I seek to create a cohesive team where it is clear what is expected. I don’t like it when people don’t deliver on their accountability – and if I think that’s the case, I will be very direct.
I love giving credit where it is due – when people deliver brilliantly, it’s my job to shout it out.
Who/what inspires you in your role as a leader?
I love that in my lifetime the ideal leader is no longer seen as someone who shares nothing of themselves and drives people so hard it is unhealthy.
I am inspired by leaders who manage that delicate balance between compassion for their team as individuals, and ensuring outcomes are achieved. ‘Firm but fair’ is how it is often described and that is how I would like to be perceived.
Why do you think equity is important in organisations?
I really struggled with imposter syndrome in the past. This is because, as a woman, I already started my working life from a naturally inequitable position. The impact of this inequity still happens to me today – from time-to-time people look to the male sitting next to me as the leader or repeat what I just said as if it was a new idea. They don’t even realise they are doing it half the time. It’s awkward for everyone.
Equity is about accepting the fact that not everyone is at the same point on the starting line either because of gender, ethnicity, accessibility, socio-economic background or lived experience, or many other factors that we might not initially see. This is a fact. Once you accept this fact, we all must take strides to acknowledge it and take dedicated steps to bring everyone to the same point. It won’t just happen organically. People don’t just ‘get over it’ without being championed.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
On the inside, I am still 17. My Granny told me that when she was 82 and I thought she was losing her marbles. I now completely get it.
I might look middle-aged and like I run certain things, but if we all shared a bit more about ourselves with those starting out in their careers, we’d really break down a lot of the anxiety people have about exploring what they want to do and asking for help.
So, next time you look at me, know that I am still that girl who went to my local high school with no contacts whatsoever, who hoped that one day I could work hard to deliver something with purpose, with good people who valued me for me.
I created that reality, and you can too.
19. Grace Singh
General Manager Safety, Wellbeing and Governance
Time at nbn: 18 months
"Practice the art of listening while doing."
How would you describe your leadership style/approach?
I like to think I am a caring, empathic and passionate leader with a transformational coaching style.
Who/what inspires you in your role as a leader?
I am inspired by making a difference – to be a voice and advocate for people to have what is needed to do their work safely, and to go home to the people they love and do the things they love in life.
'Diversity, equity and inclusion’ (DEI) are heard a lot now, but what does it mean to you?
To me, DEI is the basic human right to be who you are and choose to be. To feel safe and respected, have it acknowledged that everyone is different, and to be considerate about that person’s experiences.
I am a fifth-generation Fijian-born Indian. My ancestors were on the First Fleet ship, Leonidas, which arrived in Fiji in 1879. I deeply understand the human effects this had on the generations to follow and the impact of colonisation on communities. I am committed to supporting the voices of our First Nations people.
My parents came to Australia when I was a baby to give us access to education, health and careers. They came here as the ‘lucky country’, full of people from every part of the world. Regardless of their skin colour, gender, religion or heritage, they had an opportunity to build a life here in multicultural Australia.
My Mum didn’t have an education, my Dad taught her to read and write when I went to kindy. My career is driven to value my parents’ dreams and aspirations for me.
Do you have a mentor or are you a mentor? If so, can you tell us about the benefits?
I have been very fortunate to have had mentors in every organisation I have ever worked in – leaders and peers who have inspired me, supported me, challenged me and whom I have formed close bonds with.
I have benefited from the value of a different perspective or insight from their lived experience, and the voice of confidence when I have needed guidance. The opportunity to connect on ideas, problem-solving or just having an understanding ear to listen has so much value.
What do you love about working at nbn?
I am inspired by the brilliant people I work with and creating an impact together, particularly in digital inclusion, data safety and connecting across remote and rural Australia.
I love that the role we play connects Australians to the nbn® network and our purpose in the community. That we work with our employees, Delivery Partners, suppliers and retailers to create a safe and inclusive culture.
What advice would you give aspiring or fellow leaders?
Be open to opportunities to learn new things, and work on projects outside your area of expertise.
Practice the art of listening while doing and know that, regardless of all the processes, tools or goals, there is a person, colleague, customer, friend or loved one at the end of everything we do.
20. Annette Tolhurst
Senior Manager, Fixed Wireless and Satellite Performance Portfolio
Time at nbn: Eight years
"Leadership really comes from inspiring and enabling others."
How would you describe your leadership style/approach?
I adjust my leadership style to the person or team I am working with. If working with a highly experienced, specialised team, I focus on being quite hands-off – giving them the required outcome and letting them run with it. If it’s someone who has stepped up into a role and is learning on the job, I will work with them to understand what they need from me as a leader.
Who/what inspires you in your role as a leader?
I am inspired by leaders that are humble and generally interested in people.
Do you have a mentor or are you a mentor? If so, can you tell us about the benefits?
While I don’t currently have any formal mentoring relationships, I was recently involved in nbn’s ‘Rise and Shine’ program. This is a fabulous grassroots movement where women in tech are encouraged to really put themselves forward to build their careers with the support of mentors across nbn.
I have been getting involved in the program’s Friday catch-ups, where I have been inspired by participants’ fearlessness and willingness to really step out of their comfort zones. I have been able to contribute some of my experience to these discussions and am hoping to get more involved.
What do you love about working at nbn?
The rapid growth and ever-changing nature of nbn means I’ve had opportunities to work on a broad variety of things. This keeps me challenged and engaged – I love staying up with the latest and consider myself an early adopter.
What advice would you give aspiring or fellow leaders?
Leadership really comes from inspiring and enabling others.
People who transition from being a specialist into people leaders often don’t understand this and micromanage their teams, dictating how they execute their work.
A good leader can clearly articulate problems to be solved or outcomes to be achieved with priority and boundaries (if required) and will allow their teams to use their strengths and skills to work out how to get there.
This means allowing them to make mistakes, having their back when they do and helping the team to build a continuous improvement mindset. This is how you build their skills, capabilities and confidence, which enable their career development.
21. Fiona Trigona
Executive General Manager, Group Treasury
Time at nbn: Two years
"I have always viewed honesty as a gift, and it is important to facilitate an environment where your people can be open and honest."
How would you describe your leadership style/approach?
My leadership style is inclusive. Communication is an integral part of the team’s success and I encourage everyone to participate and share their opinions.
Who/what inspires you in your role as a leader?
I am inspired when I see my team develop and achieve.
'Diversity, equity and inclusion’ (DEI) are heard a lot now, but what does it mean to you?
I have a passion for championing diversity, equity and inclusion, and I am a regular panellist and speaker at events like the Women in Banking and Finance conference.
I am also a mentor and have participated in several internal and industry programs. I believe in creating an environment that allows everyone to fulfil their goals and potential.
Can you tell us about the benefits mentoring has had on you personally and professionally?
I have been both a mentor and mentee. Early in my career, I had a strong mentor who then became a sponsor.
Having a strong mentor is very rewarding on a personal and professional basis.
A mentor can help build confidence and allow ideas to be shared and challenged in a safe environment.
What do you love about working at nbn?
I joined nbn in March 2021 and was attracted to the company’s committed sustainability approach. nbn’s sustainability approach has the company’s social purpose at its core – to lift the digital capability of Australia. It recognises how both social and environmental themes are interdependent.
nbn values its people, and its people value nbn’s very strong social purpose. I love the inclusive culture and know we can really make a difference.
What advice would you give aspiring or fellow leaders?
My advice to future or fellow leaders is to be authentic and honest.
I have always viewed honesty as a gift, and it is important to facilitate an environment where your people can be open and honest.
What would you say to female leaders and aspiring female leaders considering a career in STEM, telecommunications or at nbn?
There are many opportunities here where females with a STEM background can succeed – I highly recommend a career at nbn.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
In my two years in the role and working closely with our Sustainability team and Executive Committee, nbn has achieved significant sustainability milestones, including the issuance of an $A800m Green Bond in the Australian market and EUR1.35bn ($A2.1bn) Green Bond in the Euro market.
nbn is committed to long-term company-wide emission reductions by 2050 (or sooner) in line with science-based net-zero with the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
And that makes me proud.
22. Jane van Beelen
Chief Legal and Regulatory Officer
Time at nbn: Three years
"Be you in how you lead. Show up as your authentic self."
How would you describe your leadership style/approach?
I aim for servant leadership – enabling and empowering the team; providing context and clarity; representing the team well; and leading collaboratively with my colleagues. I also aim for continuous improvement! i.e. to continue learning and developing as a leader.
Who/what inspires you in your role as a leader?
I'm inspired by the capability of my team. I feel the responsibility to harness and develop that capability for the good of the organisation, its purpose and its people who will be led and helped by members of my team.
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are heard a lot now, but what does it mean to you?
I see DEI as critical to achieving great outcomes. Diversity of perspectives and experiences, equal opportunity to contribute and an inclusive, safe environment in which to do so are features of a company where we are united in our purpose, with each making their best contribution and working collaboratively to achieve that purpose.
What do you love about working at nbn?
The purpose, the people, the culture, the challenging work, and what we're able to achieve together.
I love my time with people in the office and the flexibility to work from home part of the time.
What advice would you give aspiring or fellow leaders?
Be deliberate in how you lead. You can lead in all sorts of contexts, but if your role is to lead, don't make it an afterthought. Start by asking yourself the question, ‘How can I helpfully contribute as a leader in this situation?’
Be you in how you lead. Show up as your authentic self.
Leadership is service of others, and you will be much more effective if you think about it that way, rather than as something to be attained over others.
What would you say to female leaders and aspiring female leaders considering a career in STEM, telecommunications or at nbn?
In my early twenties, I was an avid user of telecommunications – that is, I spent a lot of time on the phone. Communication is key to relationships, to solving problems, to caring for people. For over three decades I have thought that the services provided by this industry really matter for people. And that has only become more so. It is now essential to the economy, to communities, to people.
I also think our industry is a great intellectual challenge. My interests are policy, law, economics and regulation that, done well, are enablers of our industry. But the technology, business and operational challenges in our industry are equally interesting. It is an industry that attracts people who want to solve problems to deliver the infrastructure and services that our communities need and value. So, it feels very worthwhile.
And it needs to be diverse. Parts of our industry are not as diverse as they should be, and we as an industry want to fix that. So, as a female in our industry, what you do really matters to people, and your contribution will be greatly valued.
23. Rebekah Williams
A proud Dunghutti Gomeroi Wiradjuri woman
Program Manager, Indigenous Digital Inclusion
Time at nbn: One year
"I love being able to create a positive impact in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia."
How would you describe your leadership style/approach?
Being a Mum, I like to lead by example and am always open to cross-collaboration to get to the goal. I enjoy taking everyone on the journey – you need all your team to be invested and understand ‘why’ we are doing this and ‘what’ it will achieve for ‘who’.
Assisting individuals throughout their journey is undoubtedly my strong suit. I firmly believe that recognising everyone's unique talents leads to superior outcomes, as people thrive when they are engaged in tasks that align with their strengths.
Who/what inspires you in your role as a leader?
My three children are always my inspiration – I do what I do for them. I like to show them that you can achieve anything in your life, you have to put yourself out there and not be afraid to give it a go.
'Diversity, equity and inclusion’ (DEI) are heard a lot now, but what does it mean to you?
It’s about knowing that I feel accepted at work and have the courage to speak up when I need to. Everyone deserves to feel welcomed in a workplace. It’s an important part of every business, and every business should have that in mind.
When a team is made up of individuals with varied perspectives, the solutions become more well-rounded and inclusive. By welcoming people from diverse backgrounds, we embrace unique viewpoints and ensure better outcomes that resonate with those who are directly connected to those backgrounds.
Why do you think equity is important in organisations?
Equity is important in the workplace because it provides a level starting point for everyone. You need to be able to provide the tools and outcomes for people to be able to have the same opportunities. A workplace will experience advantages far beyond the more visible benefits of equity, like better employee engagement, higher retention rates and better business outcomes.
Equity is truly the finishing touch of the journey through diversity, inclusion and equality – and the best part about achieving equity is the unique and intangible sense of community and engagement it creates.
What do you love about working at nbn?
I love being able to create a positive impact in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.
Ensuring we are working with communities, not for them. I feel truly supported to do this at nbn and am living our values of We are Fearless, We Care, We are One Team and We Deliver.
What advice would you give aspiring or fellow leaders?
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and challenge yourself, as you are the only competition that you are up against. When you understand that, you can achieve great things.