How I Got Here - Natalie Daniel
This month I spent some time with Natalie Daniel, the GM Training Operations for SEDA Group. Nat and I have weaved in and out of each other’s lives professionally across multiple states for so many years, I don’t think either of us can recall when we first met each other! Nat has had such a fascinating career journey and one of those that I absolutely love that has zigged and zagged across industries and roles. What does remain consistent however, is her beautiful smile which immediately makes you feel welcomed and engaged, her sharp intellect and her absolute passion for education. I really hope you enjoy Nat’s insights in the latest #chatty of ‘How I Got Here’. Enjoy!
What is your current role and how does it fulfil you?
One of the reasons I was drawn to the role of GM Training Operations at SEDA was that it straddled both secondary and vocational education. The bulk of my career has been in the tertiary space, and I hadn’t done much in the secondary school level, so it was then about growth and a challenge for me professionally. I also was excited about the difference I felt SEDA could make to students who didn’t fit into a traditional educational model and that they went there because they could use sports as an engagement vehicle to help them move through education. I love that I can contribute to them obtaining their VCE and get that foundation bedded down for them to help them keep building and growing as individuals. It’s an honour to help build capacity and the education of a person.
What career decisions and experience led you to where you are today?
My career commenced in the music industry across retail and promotions/marketing after studying in this space, and this fascinating journey took me on a wild ride and led me to then studying marketing. After a few years however I decided to do something that fed my soul, so I trained in Allied Health and moved into counselling. After years of further study and working in private practice, I found myself doing some session lecturing at Endeavour College and felt at home. I spent years moving through the ranks into leadership roles and have continued this journey across the education sector.
I genuinely love education and it’s a passion that floats my boat! Education is never wasted and it’s an incredible vehicle for growth and change. I believe in life-long learning whether you do that in a formal or informal capacity, it changes your worldview and changes you.
What’s the one piece of advice you’d give someone wanting to end up where you have?
Take every opportunity that comes and never say no. You know how sometimes you think to yourself, ‘am I ready…….should I take it?’. Even if you don’t have it in you fully, leverage off the person that’s come to you with the opportunity and who believes in you and go and do it!
If I look at where I’ve been in my career, I’ve been in so many different industries and I’m able to mould into the industry I’m in. I have a genuine interest for learning and always wanting to develop so I’m able to adapt and learn to meet each situation. You career is about being generative, keep on going, growing and developing.
Be Fabulous
Lisa xx