I’m currently on sabbatical or I quite like the term Wintering. I’ve worked my entire career in sustainability. Water sensitive urban design; climate adaptation, risk and resilience; sustainable housing and urban design have been key focus areas.
I worked in academia early in my career in the realm of socio-technical transitions and have applied this theory in practice within the local government sector which has been deeply rewarding.

Right now my role is to take a pause. To rest, reflect and empty myself out. While I’ve loved my work, I know it’s time to shift my focus and I’m exploring various options. This course is part of a broader contemplative practice that I’m engaged with over the next 6-12 months.
More generally, I have skills in translating complex concepts so they can be readily understood by diverse audiences. I ground my work in the practical and achievable whilst holding a higher vision. I bring people together to work collaboratively on shared visions and help them identify and share their unique gifts and contributions. I bring fun and collegiality. I remain steady in my passions.

My key goal is to be of service in the world. I feel I have made a beautiful and heartfelt contribution throughout my career but my heart is now telling me to be still and focus on ‘being’ rather than ’doing.’

It’s so easy to slip into the trap of busyness but I know that a time of quiet contemplation will allow me to ensure that when I do step back into work of some kind, it will be grounded, authentic and informed by my inner compass.

I have been immersed in the world of work for so long and while I’ve brought huge passion and heart to that work, I think my next realm of personal growth is actually spiritual. This is something I’ve not been open to before. I feel quite vulnerable sharing this because spirituality is not something that I’ve felt comfortable embracing previously but it feels necessary and true for me now. In many ways nothing is different because I’ve always felt a deep oneness with nature and others but I’m now more willing to explore that beyond it being a simple inner knowledge.

That’s an open question. I think I’ll gain clarity as I continue my wintering. I suspect I’ll end up doing something quite different to my previous career but still within the realm of loving, caring and connecting with nature.

Relationships, knowledge, care, integrity, healing, friendship, fun, play, kindness, compassion. Being brave and inviting others to join me in exploring new realms of possibility. Linking with wise people who I can learn from. Going where the energy is.

The work I did at Monash Uni with Rebekah Brown and Tony Wong gave me a beautiful grounding in sustainability transitions and I’ve continued to use this theory in my career with great success. I grew up in the world of Steiner education which was nourishing. My dad was into permaculture and Bill Mollison used to stay at our home when I was a kid. Lots of great influences.

We are one with nature. We are not separate. It is our role to care. nourish, heal, grow, love. When we work through our challenges and shadows, gifts emerge.