Global Skills is proud to recognise the women who lead and make a difference in our organisation. The theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is ‘March Forward’, marking 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action for gender equality. With this theme in mind, we are chatting with our Operations Manager, Nancy, about her leadership journey, her perspective on fostering growth and inclusion, and her advice for women aspiring to leadership roles.

Thank you, Nancy, for taking the time to participate in this conversation and for sharing your insights with us.

Can you tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a leader at Global Skills?

It has been a great 10-year journey with Global Skills, and I look forward to the next 10 years. I came to Australia as a refugee from Sudan when I was young, adjusting to cultural changes as I grew up. I’m grateful to have found myself working with a company that values its staff and is deeply committed to career progression. I started at Global Skills as a Performance Manager in one of our offices and moved through the ranks to become Operations Manager last year. I now manage offices across Southwest and Northwest Sydney and the Central Coast.

What does leadership mean to you and what aspects of it do you find most rewarding? 

I see leadership as the ability to inspire and motivate others while making critical decisions that help everyone develop. I believe leaders should focus on a healthy balance of management, coaching, and mentoring. It’s about encouraging people to do their best, being direct and working in partnership with our teams. 

The most rewarding part for me is watching our staff grow and seeing the changes they go through with the support and encouragement I give. Seeing staff achieve results, earn promotions and succeed in their roles is incredibly fulfilling.

What do you think makes Global Skills a great place for women to thrive in leadership roles? 

I think Global Skills makes women feel valued and trusted. They are flexible, understanding and committed to providing career satisfaction and progression. The organisation actively offers training opportunities, invests in employees and ensures staff feel heard.

What do you think is the most important quality for a leader to have, especially when leading a diverse team? 

Ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to be heard and creating an inclusive team culture. It’s important to recognise and understand different perspectives, fostering an environment where diversity is celebrated.

What advice would you give to women who are looking to step into leadership roles? 

Believe in yourself, always stay true to your values, and lead with empathy and honesty. The key is to lead by example and positively adapt to change.