When Cecily encouraged me to nominate myself for a position on a Board, my first reaction was “I have no skills, what could I possibly bring!” How wrong was I!!! Having worked on the land in the beef grazing industry for 30 years culminating in owning and operating my own beef enterprise, whilst singlehandedly rearing two children, I did indeed discover I had skills.

Although I knew I possessed the ability to do all these things, it wasn’t until Cecily pointed out and labelled my skillset, that gave me my ‘lightbulb’ moment… I discovered I was a Project Manager, a Logistics Manager, a Financial Consultant liaising with banks and accountants. I was a Community Leader, identifying needs within our community and addressing them, I was a Visionary, looking for ways to value add to my existing business and setting it up for the future. Now that my perspective about what I do and how I do it has changed, it has also enabled me to recognise the skills that other women have within industries and communities and the positive changes their collaborations and skillsets bring to the table.

Such a powerful simple tool that has enabled me to recognise my skills and those of others. The perspective it has given me has enhanced the way l run my business, the ability to move between areas and projects with confidence, and recognising my unique leadership skills has been an awakening moment.

I have had the absolute pleasure in witnessing Cecily’s vision for our organisation come to fruition over the last three years. As an elected Director to the Board for Queensland’s Remote, Regional and Rural Women’s Network (QRRRWN) in charge of the Membership portfolio, Cecily’s ability to look into the future and address the needs of our members, as a futurist has set our organisation up as a progressive, communicative women’s network. Comprising of women from a range of localities, both rural and regional, and from diverse businesses enterprises such as agricultural and financial fields, Cecily also focused on women’s wellbeing, recognising their needs in these areas and making sure they were met.

Cecily has the uncanny ability to foresee areas that need attention and deliver workable methods to ensure the smooth running of our organisation, and its membership well into the future. Through her thoroughly written and well considered guidelines for the organisation, our future is strong.

Julie Mayne
Mayne Pastoral
QRRRWN Board Director