How I Got Here - Nadia Giusti
It’s been a few months since I’ve brought you a feature from the ‘How I Got Here’ series, but it’s back! In case you’re not familiar with the background of HIGH (How I Got Here), we all have those aspirational people in our life who are the ones whose careers we admire, and we wonder what experiences and decisions led them to where they are today. Each month I feature someone from my network who is a leader, a specialist in their own space or has an interesting career trajectory, and ask them to share their career journey and tips to inspire others.
This month I got to sit down with Nadia Giusti, a Workforce specialist and transformation project guru. Nadia and I met 4 years ago when she had finished her role after 20 years at Qantas and was looking for a career coach to help her explore her next steps. What struck me then and still does today about Nadia, is her overwhelming positivity, her energy and her willingness to be open minded to opportunities. Her outlook is infectious and she’s a great example of someone whose career was affected by Covid but has gone on to prioritise what’s important to her, what fills her cup and to chase opportunities that excite and challenge her. I hope she inspires you as she has done me!
What is your current role and how does it fulfil you?
I am currently working as a Project Officer on a three month secondment, however previously I was working as a Workforce planner. I’m enjoying this role as it’s something new and I’m working with various members of the senior management team on different projects. It’s a breath of fresh air to what I usually do, and I’m working outside of my comfort zone. I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up, but I love meeting new people, building relationships and learning new things even when it’s outside my comfort zone.
What career decisions and experience led you to where you are today?
After 20 years at Qantas and having six months off, I applied for a job at a Family Violence Organisation as a part-time Workforce planner. What started out as three days per week, ended up being four days per week as I took on the payroll component (way outside of my comfort zone!). I was and still am in awe of what the staff in the call centre do on a day-to-day basis.
After 2 years I decided to take a leap of faith and work casually at the Department of Health. The risk paid off as the casual engagement didn’t last long as within two months I was placed on a contract until 30 June, but I didn’t give up part time hours! From September last year, I have worked as a Workforce Officer, Workforce Planner and now a Project Officer. This secondment is until 30 September and I’m currently working and job hunting. It’s great when you can do more than one thing at the same time.
What’s the one piece of advice you’d give someone wanting to end up where you have?
Never give up, believe in yourself and taking a leap of faith is scary but exciting as you will never know who you meet along the way and where you will end up. Working outside your comfort zone will allow you to grow and experience things that you haven’t before.
And remember if you can, you must!
Be Fabulous
Lisa xx