When I started my career as an electrical engineer, the traditional career trajectory was somewhat fixed. In recent years, though, I have observed changes in our industry that have created new roles and ways of working, while developing a more diverse and inclusive environment.

In the early part of my career, I worked mainly on industrial and mining sites — wearing high visibility clothing — designing and commissioning electrical and control systems for mining clients. Later in my career, I discovered new roles in the engineering industry; I managed projects, built teams, and innovated and collaborated with colleagues all over the world to solve engineering problems. Today, I rarely need my steel cap boots; I prefer to wear my favourite fashion flats.

In my current role, as 91Ӱ��’s chief digital innovation officer in the Asia Pacific region, I’m working with our teams to transform our core engineering design services and to create new digital experiences for our clients, and better outcomes for the communities we serve. The new data platforms we utilize allow us to work anywhere and at any time. This flexibility in the way we work is a welcome change in the industry.

When I first joined 91Ӱ��, a very wise engineer with more than 40 years of experience said something that has stuck with me: “As an organization, we have to accept that each new hire changes 91Ӱ�� in some way, and that’s something we welcome and celebrate.” This comment demonstrated to me that we have permission to be our authentic selves, to challenge the status quo and to put forward our ideas for the future.

Working with our teams to progress 91Ӱ��’s digital transformation has provided me opportunities to develop, grow and also, in some small way, present a different view of a career trajectory for young women to pursue — or at least think about.

I always like to participate in International Women’s Day campaigns because I remember attending my first International Women’s Day event almost 15 years ago and hearing from the women leaders on the stage about their careers and the importance of networking. Before that first event, I had never considered the importance of networking and I had no knowledge of how to go about it. I am grateful for their insights.

Programs like our Advocate Sponsorship Program, which matches high-performing female leaders with members of our leadership Team, and our broader mCircles mentoring program, are helping cultivate leadership skills for the next generation of women leaders. I really enjoy mentoring and sponsoring women engineers at all levels by helping them to grow their confidence and work toward their goals.

My career path is an example of what’s possible and the different types of roles that women can aspire to — many of which might not even exist yet. For those interested in technology and in creating the solutions to some of the world’s most complex challenges, such as our global response to climate change, engineering could be a career for you — steel caps are optional.

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How would you encourage women reading this to #BeBoldForChange?

My advice is to move out of your comfort zone, be brave and back yourself by setting stretch goals. If you encounter a barrier, seek input, advice and support to overcome or work around it.

Open yourself up to new experiences and different cultures. Relocating overseas is a bold change, but one with many rewards — you can learn a tremendous amount about yourself and other people through travel. I suggest women (and men) actively look for opportunities to gain more of a global perspective. There will be times during your career when travel will not be feasible or a high priority, but if you have the chance and the timing works, I say to go for it.

If travel is not an option, you can expand your horizons and build your global network through active online participation in 91Ӱ��’s technical practice groups and through LinkedIn connections.

How would you like to impact the world for women through your own actions?

Several years ago, I attended an amazing workshop on gender balance led by Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, who recently wrote an inspiring piece in the Harvard Business Review, “.”

I am deeply grateful to have been invited to this workshop, as it changed my perspective completely. Even though I was a senior woman leader, I was oblivious to some of the challenges related to gender bias that women can face as they progress in the workplace. Recognising these barriers and helping remove them became very important to me. It also showed me that regardless of gender, you can always work to be more empathetic with the people in your workplace and life in general.

One of the reasons I joined 91Ӱ�� was the company’s focus on diversity and inclusion. Just one example in our Australia/New Zealand region is how we support women’s careers through the M-Circles mentoring program. The mentoring circles meet regularly to discuss common challenges facing professional women and senior leaders of both genders and give people the opportunity to share their perspectives on how to achieve their career aspirations.

I see it as a privilege to be able to facilitate and support women’s career advancement. On a personal level, I have two daughters of my own, and I want them to have fulfilling careers.

How do you recognize when opportunity knocks?

Career opportunities don’t always come at convenient times. I had my first major opportunity to advance when a manager and close friend unexpectedly decided to leave the company after a major restructure. I was asked to take the role, which I felt I was not qualified for, but I accepted it and found my way. I had to let go of my detailed planning and organising behaviors and, most importantly, I learned to delegate and empower others.

Conversely, I had opportunities to continue my global career and instead chose to return to Australia to be closer to family. This in turn created the opportunity for me to join 91Ӱ�� — a company I am proud to be part of, in a role that I am extremely passionate about, and in a location that means a lot to me at this time in my life.

What is your 2017 pledge to be bold for change?

I will support 91Ӱ�� to embrace digital technologies so we can gain efficiencies, differentiate ourselves and create new value for our clients. I will also surround myself with the brightest and most diverse group of people I can find, and support women entering technical fields.

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