Why

“Nothing quite equals the satisfaction of rolling up my sleeves to partner with organisations as they do the challenging but important work of building and aligning a sustainable culture with their strategic direction. In my down time, I like to be in or on the water; riding the energy of a big wave into shore, freeing myself to go with the momentum.”

What piques your curiosity or where do you seek out inspiration?

Reading. Books. Reading in search of knowledge provokes me; books challenge me when others often don’t, they expose my worldview and my thinking, often demanding that I reset my assumptions, my habits, and behaviours.

Which projects have been the most meaningful to you and why?

Because I love a challenge, it’s the big end-to-end projects that come to mind — working with the client to go beyond their aspirational vision and bringing the project in under budget and earlier than expected. These projects shape authentic leadership, create cultures that value engaging stakeholders at the beginning of the project, that commit to fair play, appreciation, trust, engagement, celebration, and acknowledgment — the true gems.

What is a little-known fact about you?

I studied music with Trinity College London and formed a jazz group in my late teens.

What invigorates you creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

Cultural diversity, creative arts, walking and being in conversation, and taking on new experiences.

Could you tell us about somebody who has given you sage wisdom in the past?

It was a client, very early in my consulting career. He realised I was hedging my bets with my feedback and he stopped me mid-sentence. He said, ‘Don’t tell me what you think I want to hear, have the courage to tell me what I need to hear.

Tell the truth with compassion, be bold and to the point, tell it the way it is because you care.

Which of our Keogh values speaks to you the loudest? Why?

The Keogh Value that resonates the most with me is curious. I’ve always pondered the who, what, where, when, how and why in pursuit of knowledge and experience.

Could you tell us a story about a moment of realisation in your lifetime?

In 2017 I walked the 96 kilometre Kokoda track in PNG. Following the footsteps of our courageous WWII diggers challenged me emotionally and physically; the experience was a  roller coaster ride of fatigue, side-splitting humour, elation, and deep sadness. The powerful realisations were: slow down and enjoy life, live in the now instead of the future, take time out, let go of upsets and celebrate the small victories. And acknowledge and thank those who enable your journey.

When, where, or with whom do you feel the most fulfilled?

Its any time I’m outside my comfort zone when I know that I’m about to be stretched—mind, body, heart, and spirit.

“I love to get people moving in a common direction. It is incredibly rewarding, for the individual and organisation, when it happens and the energy and creativity start to flow. Away from work, I have a passion for wildlife and the environment, and a love of dance.”

What is a little-known fact about you?

My guilty pleasure is watching a DC or Marvel series on Netflix. It’s my way of tapping into my playful, imaginative side.

What piques your curiosity or where do you seek out inspiration?

No one single source. I love reading, nature, I enjoy theatre, dance and art. And I especially love talking with smart people – thought leaders who look at the world a little bit differently. I actively seek out disruptors who question the status quo.

What invigorates you creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

The African bush. I left Namibia over 20 years ago to forge a life in Australia, but I still go back to feed my soul. The smells and sounds of the bush, the night sky, the dunes, the wildlife, the ocean – a little dose every now and again is all I need to recharge.

Could you tell us about somebody who has given you sage wisdom in the past?

Before my dad passed away, he told me not to procrastinate. It’s not something I have mastered but it is something I think about often – given we are here for only a brief period.

Which of our Keogh values speaks to you the loudest? Why?

Being curious. I have always been curious, and I am driven by a strong desire to constantly learn and grow and expand my knowledge about human behaviour, culture and leadership.

Which projects have been the most meaningful to you and why?

Working with an organisation to lift the capability of their senior leadership team. It’s taken years for the team to build trust, to look within and challenge one another and the organisation. We have moved the group from delivering presentations to talking about the shadows they cast as leaders, and the impacts they have on others. It’s been tough but incredibly rewarding. We continue to push the envelope – because that’s what we do.

Could you tell us a story about a moment of realisation in your lifetime?

Professionally, it was when I realised that you can’t make people ready for change. Sounds obvious, but it was not evident to me early in my career. At Keogh we say trying to make someone change is like pushing on a door that says pull. I realised that I had been doing that for too long. Now I help create environments that help people choose to change. A subtle but important difference.

When, where, or with whom do you feel the most fulfilled?

When I see people or teams have those ah-ha moments. Those flashes of insight that help them move in a positive direction.

“A big part of my role as an Organisation and Leadership Development professional is to help others steer a course through change environments.”

Which of our Keogh values speaks to you the loudest? Why?

Humanistic. In the personality profiling tool MBTI, my profile is an Extroverted, Feeling person.

People are the centre of everything I am passionate about. To be witness to someone setting and then achieving their goals really drives everything I do.

With this comes a clear set of guiding values and ethics that I use as a compass for my life.

Could you tell us about somebody who has given you sage wisdom in the past?

My mother; when life is throwing lots of challenges at me, and there seems to be no reprieve. My mother would say to me “This too shall pass.”

What is a little-known fact about you?

I successfully trekked to Everest Base Camp on the Tibet side.

What piques your curiosity or where do you seek out inspiration?

Travelling to countries that challenge me personally.

What invigorates you creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

People; particularly those from cultures different to my own.

Which projects have been the most meaningful to you and why?

Leading a global, cross-functional matrix project team to design and embed a vision to 3,000 people. I would rate this project as a highlight in my career due to the diverse nature of the population and the strong sponsorship of the Senior Executive Team.

Could you tell us a story about a moment of realisation in your lifetime?

After living and working overseas for six years the time had come to return home to Australia to be closer to family. I gave up a job and country I loved living in. This was a massive change emotionally and physically. I was worried about where I was going and what my future had in store for me.

A big part of my role as an Organisation and Leadership Development professional is to help others steer a course through change environments. A big lesson for me personally was to “Live in the moment,” and, “Let go of what I have no control over.” This wasn’t easy but gave me peace that an amazing new path in life would present itself to me when the time was right. That is how I found Keogh.

When, where, or with whom do you feel the most fulfilled?

I get a real “buzz” when I am around lots of people, and I am super busy working on projects that are transforming organisations.

“Projects where the client group grows in knowledge, skills, and abilities are meaningful to me. Watching the light switch on and knowing I have been a part of that gives me a great sense of satisfaction.”

What piques your curiosity or where do you seek out inspiration?

In nature and colour. Specifically, the beauty of the ever-changing ocean, which can really change my mood. It both inspires my thought and creativity and calms me to empty my mind.

What invigorates you creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

The ocean, nature (especially flowers), absolutely food – both cooking & eating, watching my family evolve individually and as a unit, creating.

Could you tell us about somebody who has given you sage wisdom in the past?

My son! Quite recently in fact. It’s ok to disagree, it doesn’t mean we love each other any less.

Which of our Keogh values speaks to you the loudest? Why?

Humanism. Everyone is different, but has unique value. That value sometimes needs to be unlocked. Acknowledging the “special-ness” inside of others and unlocking their potential is reward in itself.

Which projects have been the most meaningful to you and why?

Projects where the client group grows in knowledge, skills, and ability. Watching the light switch on and knowing I have been a part of that gives me a great sense of satisfaction.

Could you tell us a story about a moment of realisation in your lifetime?

Realising I may not be alive today, save for one brilliant pioneering surgeon, who dared to think and work outside the box, and parents who refused to give up.

When, where, or with whom do you feel the most fulfilled?

When I help others switch that light on, to make a positive difference in their lives and well-being. But hands down, with my immediate family.

“I feel most fulfilled when I know I have truly made a difference. Sometimes it’s through my consulting work with individuals, teams, and organisations.  Sometimes, and equally as important, it’s in my personal relationships and my volunteer work.”

What is a little-known fact about you?

Some years ago, I managed to conquer my fears and jump out of a perfectly good plane at 10,000 feet. (I admit it was a tandem jump, so I relied on the fact that the guy with me wanted to live!). It turned out to be an amazing experience, and I felt like I was ‘ten-feet tall’ when we landed safely on the ground!

What piques your curiosity or where do you seek out inspiration?

New places, experiences, challenges, and people who display amazing courage when dealing with what life can sometimes dish out, truly inspires me.

What invigorates you creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

Nature and a passion and love for animals and wildlife.

Which archetype of Keogh speaks the loudest to you?

The archetype of ‘Seeker’ speaks the loudest to me, as seeking out challenges throughout life translates, for me, into life-long learning and growing, which I highly value.

Which projects have been the most meaningful to you and why?

All projects are meaningful for me for very different reasons. But if I were to choose those that are most meaningful, I would choose projects where the organisation is either in ‘startup’ or a major ‘turnaround.’ The challenges these projects present are usually quite complex, often require a ‘clean slate’ approach and leadership that makes a difference, with the ability to engage and mobilise others to ‘make it happen.’ So, they can be very exciting, albeit difficult projects.

Could you tell us a story about a moment of realisation in your lifetime?

I realised how important it is to try to remember to not ‘sweat the small stuff’, and make the most of, and enjoy, life more than ever, after a health-related incident that could have ended badly.

“I try to adopt a positive approach to everything I do. I love being around people and I cherish every moment with my two sons, who are growing up far too quickly.”

What is a little-known fact about you?

I love dolphins. I’ve swum with Dolphins forty times in places like New Zealand, Fiji, Vanuatu, and Australia; the Monkey Mia wild dolphin experience is a stand-out. 

What piques your curiosity or where do you seek out inspiration?

People and culture pique my curiosity—travelling to new places, learning about the lifestyles of people in different regions, their art, architecture, their religions and the experiences that have shaped who they are expands my perspective and increases my effectiveness when it comes to connecting with people and embracing cultural diversity.

What invigorates you creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

Kindness, compassion, generosity, tolerance, and charity – are forms of humanity that invigorate me, and spiritually enrich my life.  And being with my sons, they’re growing up way, way too quickly.

Could you tell us about somebody who has given you sage wisdom in the past?

My grandmother Elizabeth. She epitomizes the goodness I see in people, and her genuine goodwill, affection, and care are qualities I like to think that others experience in their interactions with me. Also, I’ve lost count of how often I’ve used her trusted advice: begin with the end in mind, think about the possible outcomes before making a decision.

Which of our Keogh values speaks to you the loudest? Why?

Curiosity is the value that speaks loudest to me.  I am always eager to investigate and explore the how, why, what, when, and where. My curiosity often takes me down lots of dry gullies. But, equally, it helps me look beyond my standpoint and contemplate and understand other perspectives.

Which projects have been the most meaningful to you and why?

Keogh strategic planning workshops have such energy; we always finish up with a clear strategy roadmap and execution plan, and the engagement and ownership required to implement it. We do what we recommend our clients should do – engage an external facilitator, and this gives us all an opportunity—as participants—to revisit our vision and purpose, refine our value proposition and business model, and reset our strategic imperatives and priorities.

Could you tell us a story about a moment of realisation in your lifetime?

It’s being in a role where you realise your level of personal satisfaction is soaring, not just because you have your dream role but also because there is so much scope for you to grow, so many opportunities to take the lessons from the past and use them effectively to build a future beyond what you thought possible.

When, where, or with whom do you feel the most fulfilled?

Difficult question. I seek fulfilment in everything I do.

I love stopping to just breathe and appreciate the moment — simple things such as standing, listening to the waves — watching them roll onto the sand, walking in the park among the trees, feeling the winter sun on my back. There are also those treasured moments where I look at my husband and we both smile, marvelling at the funny things our boys are doing.  I feel fulfilled when I reflect on how well our team works and what we have achieved collectively and the fun and laughs we’ve had along the way.

“I love knowing that I have made a difference – whether it be to an individual, the environment, or an animal, by giving something back.”

So, what piques your curiosity or where do you seek out inspiration?

I seek inspiration from my natural surroundings and in particular the ocean. I am fortunate enough to live in a beautiful part of the world (I might be slightly biased) with some of the best beaches in the country within walking distance from my home.

I find being close to the water – to see it,  smell it and hear it – clears my mind and gives me the space to think outside the square.

What invigorates you creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

Music and nature invigorate me – music to me is an audible emotion and can almost paint a portrait of feelings.

Could you tell us about somebody who has given you sage wisdom in the past?

I am lucky enough to be surrounded by many wise souls – from vast and diverse backgrounds. My parents and siblings have always been able to give me sound advice and often help me to see things from a different perspective. While we often have differing opinions, I wouldn’t be where I am today without their thought-provoking, words of wisdom.

When, where, or with whom do you feel the most fulfilled?

I am most fulfilled when surrounded by my family and friends. The location isn’t important – it’s who I’m with.

Which of our Keogh values speaks to you the loudest? Why?

With key attributes of inquisitive; tending to ask questions, investigate, or explore and a desire to learn, the value of ‘curiosity’ speaks the loudest to me. I have always been driven by my desire to challenge and learn. To discover how things tick – to investigate the why and the how and if there is a better way.

Which projects have been the most meaningful to you and why?

Working on pro bono projects or volunteering in projects within my community have been the most rewarding and meaningful to me. I love knowing that I have made a difference – whether it be to an individual, the environment, or an animal, by giving something back. This type of work also exposes me to a wide range of interesting and passionate people who have a whole lot of knowledge and skills to share.

I have found my work within animal welfare projects to be the most impactful and rewarding. I have been very fortunate that I have also had the opportunity to work with these types of organisations with Keogh in addition to my volunteer work.

What is a little-known fact about you?

I had learned to drive a manual car before the age of 10 – but still can’t reverse parallel park!

Could you tell us a story about a moment of realisation in your lifetime?

I was hospitalised several years ago with what could have been a life-threatening medical condition had it not been caught in time.

Fortunately, I am alive to tell the tale – but it certainly put many things into perspective for me – highlighting the things that are important – and the things that I spent too much time worrying about and shouldn’t.

“I’m not one to shy away from tackling what comes my way, but its projects where I’ve had to achieve something that is outside my comfort zone, even when drawing on my experience, that have been the most meaningful.”

What piques your curiosity or where do you seek out inspiration?

I love new things and am always eager to explore, be it a new restaurant or cafe, trying a different activity, or a visiting an unknown city.

What is a little-known fact about you?

That I am surprisingly handy! I can assemble computers, service a car, paint an entire house, put together and hang an entire Ikea kitchen, and more.

What invigorates you creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

The bigness of Australia, its spellbinding coastline, the idiosyncratic beachside communities, and the dramatic sunsets fill me with amazement. Australia gives me hope, makes me glad to be alive.

Could you tell us about somebody who has given you sage wisdom in the past?

I will cheat a little. My dad taught me to be smart while my mum taught me to be decent and gentle and kind. And an ex-fighter pilot manager taught me resilience in the face of adversity.

Which of our Keogh values speaks to you the loudest? Why?

Bespoke. I think it is critical to be adaptable, to challenge the norms, and to act according to the situation.

Which projects have been the most meaningful to you and why?

I’m not one to shy away from tackling what comes my way but its projects where I’ve had to achieve something that is outside my comfort zone, even when drawing on my experience. It’s when there’s a high level of trust extended to me; it’s when others give me a go, and I deliver above even my expectations.

The completion of a project to reposition Keogh in the Perth market comes to mind. My colleagues’ feedback was that they trusted me to get the job done because I consult widely, define parameters, I’m inclusive—I keep all parties informed—and I work within budget and timeframe.  

Could you tell us a story about a moment of realisation in your lifetime?

I left a cushy, secure job in Singapore to come to Perth as a full-time uni student for three years. Becoming a ‘starving’ student again in my adult life made me understand more about myself, my limitations, and capabilities. I realised that I could continue doing what I’ve always done, or push boundaries, and reap the unexpected rewards.

When, where, or with whom do you feel the most fulfilled?

When a job or project is completed satisfactorily, my motto is: “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.” So, I’d like to think that the effort I’ve put into doing something has delivered an outstanding product.

“Nothing quite compares to the re-realisation at the birth of each of my three children that the parenting role demands resilience and being of service to others; these lessons have been equally valuable in my career.”

What piques your curiosity or where do you seek out inspiration?

Travel. Particularly food and cultural tourism destinations are real inspirations for me. In a previous life, I was a chef and business owner, and I taught cooking and tourism. Teaching and travel books eventually kick-started my global travel adventures. Travel gives me perspective; it challenges me; I’m a much better person for the experience, and I’ll never tire of swapping travel tales in the hope that I will discover my next destination.

What invigorates you creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

Travel – Experiences, culture and meeting people from all walks of life.

What invigorates you creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

Life! Cooking. Travel, and yes—mustn’t forget handicrafts. I started with card making when I was a child and progressed to jigsaws, scrapbooking, knitting, and crocheting. Once I get past the frustrations of learning new skills these activities take me to a place of bliss, where I experience a sense of creative flow, where I’m 100% disconnected from the 24/7 demands of my digital life.

Could you tell us about somebody who has given you sage wisdom in the past?

If I must choose: it’s the pioneer women in the Australian food industry, like Maggie Beer, Stephanie Alexander, Charmaine Solomon, and Margaret Fulton (to name a few).

They not only inspired generations of Australians to cook but they introduced a type of entrepreneurship and business savviness. It enabled them to step beyond a traditional kitchen based role and invent other careers that have far-reaching influence on institutions and how and what foods we eat. Their passion, determination, creativity, and strong work ethic are values that sustain my brand of entrepreneurship, and I’m happy to follow their recipe for success.

Which of our Keogh values speaks to you the loudest? Why?

Curiosity. Without it, life would be dull and boring.

What is a little-known fact about you?

That I used to ‘borrow’ my mother’s car from the park ‘n’ ride and drive my friends to and from school and out for lunch, and return the car before she arrived back.

Which projects have been the most meaningful to you and why?

I’ve had the opportunity to deliver on some really meaty projects, but the most meaningful one is as the custodian of rituals, a really important element of the Keogh culture.

We practice rituals to demonstrate our values and beliefs, to set our intentions, and celebrate achievements and anniversaries and rites of passage. It’s my role to provide the human touch and tweak and nurture these rituals so that they remain relevant and contribute to our wellness.

“It’s an important intention in life to embrace the active mind. Being observant of new ideas enables us to think out of the box and most importantly brings excitement into life.”

What is a little-known fact about you?

I love to enhance my creativity through cooking for pleasure in various cuisines. I’m immensely interested in horology; I love reading and researching its history, mechanics, investment and personalities towards brand and design. 

So what piques your curiosity or where do you seek out inspiration?

Researching so that I’m up to date with new edge technology, watching documentaries to expand my knowledge. I enjoy travelling to experience learning in real life such as new cuisine, aspects of different cultures and awareness of people, places and history. 

What invigorates you creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

Experiencing cultural diversity and uniqueness of others. I’m adventurous in exploring different lifestyles and most importantly being engaged in positive conversations. 

Which projects have been the most meaningful to you and why?

Throughout my domestic and international experiences engaging with multinational organisations, I had opportunities to work closely with diverse team of professionals that comprises business partners, internal teams and stakeholders. 

Working collaboratively and collectively to achieve the objectives within the project, reminded me of a John Lennon quote: “A dream you dream alone is only a dream, a dream you dream together is reality.”

Could you tell us about somebody who has given you sage wisdom in the past?

None other than my dad, a scholar, who taught me the importance of knowledge. His favourite quote is, “Knowledge is powerful and can change the world to be a better place.”

Could you tell us a story about a moment of realisation in your lifetime?

I have seen poverty in India while I was there to work on the global migration project for a renowned financial institute. It made me shift my focus on what is life all about and be grateful for what I have instead of brooding over what I don’t have. 

When, where, or with whom do you feel the most fulfilled? 

I am most fulfilled when I can positively influence others in their life to achieve their success regardless of their background.