|
|
|
|
Sally Friedlander is one power house of a woman. She's also very Australian in all the best ways, her heritage, her energy, her get-go. Especially on being told that something isn't possible, or you best not do that, she immediately sees that as a challenge. The value which immigrants bring to enrich the culture. Migrants or new Australians. Her mother was from the country, a real country bumpkin, but her father was a Polish/German Jew - only surviving member of his family - left without family or country, who chose to go to Australia, and wanted to join the Merchant Navy to make a contribution.
The Astins Institute is a £1 million training facility aimed at encouraging women to join the construction industry. Sally told the BBC:
"The UK construction industry is a male-dominated place. Its record in the employment of women is embarrassing. Less than 1% of construction site workers are women. Astins believe this has to change if the construction industry is to develop to its full potential."
 |
|
Role models from when you were a child?
I have been blessed. Blessed at an early age, the age of 12. I knew what I wanted to do , working with adults, not to teach, but helping others to learn. We had a careers woman come into school. She was from TAA (Trans Australian Airways). She was a trainer of the hosties. That's what I wanted to do, be a trainer, not an air hostess.
My mother:
She was a country bumpkin, miles from anywhere, no electric light, massive property. She was asked to be a penpal for some of the boys far from home.
Here was one who was a German Jew. His whole family had been exterminated and he wanted to get was as far away as possible, on a boat to Australia. The women were encouraged to write to Cairns. I was blessed with my mother. she believed in freedom , she had courage, determination, fairness and the ability to love. She was a cleaner, a nanny.
If I can be half as good or my mum, I'll be pleased. She is an unsung heroine.
MY next role model is my grandmother. She told me my gift. She told me I had a gift to make people happy. When I asked her what it was, she said "You'll discover it. An ability to bring joy to peoples lives."
Perspiration, inspiration and fairness. Its your journey. She was a hard worker, she had ability, she was matriarchal.
Then there's the Helen Keller woman. the one who found a way to communicate with Helen Keller who was blind, deaf and dumb, and I can't even remember her name! Her mentor, and teacher: Annie Sullivan.
|
|
What would be a metaphor for you at this moment?
My metaphor, is The Dancer. I love the rhythm of dance. Its an absolute piece of art, creative. Don't say you can't dance, its not about that. You become one in the dance, you feel complete. The orchestration, you grow into the flow.
|
| The most surprising thing that happened to me ....
....was turning 40. What surprised me was stepping into my womanhood. I really get that. Just embrace yourself. That was the pinnacle for me. I had just won the Australian Award for the best Learning and Design Strategy, I had 2 properties, met the man of my dreams, and had a family to die for, great career and life was just great.
I believe in the principle of attraction.
My journey has been great. I'm good at what I do and stay true to what I believe, and honesty leads to 2 great jobs.
|
| The worst surprising thing that happened to me
Most surprising bad thing was losing my father. My dad died when I was just 16.
|
Which event/job/occasion most surprised you in a good way, and why?
When I got divorced I thought "It's time to look at me". I thought of all the courses I've run, but what have I done? So I went on a journey of about 2 years, coaching, personal growth, insights, round about 38.
|
|
From which event/job/occasion, did you get the most learning?
I learnt the significance of the whole. My vision, and my values. I'd had a lack of confidence due to the divorce. Of course I recognize that I contributed to the divorce.
So now I was looking at active, centred leadership, and unconditional love. I got womanhood. I absolutely got the need to stop judging and be true to myself.
Follow what you believe. My mother was the role model, she was true to herself. |
|
Can you give some contemporary role models?
It's really hard to find any contemporary ones. Really sad .... not lots of great role models around.
I think for me now, it has to be still my mother, and my husband, my best friend.
People think that it's a privilege that my husband has selected them to be his friend. He's Irish, from Dublin, and has a presence about him. He's just amazing. Again he's non judgmental; he inspires, he sees greatness in others, everything is possible. You don't have to pretend. I can be myself with him. |
|
A Serendipity moment?
Coming to England. Let's just see how it turns out. We'd saved frequent flyer points, and as I stepped off the plane and turned my phone on, it rang and there was a job offer. I walked straight into a job, and accommodation.
Another serendipity, when I met and saw my husband. I asked "Who is that guy over there?" ... "Oh he's new, he doesn't know anyone?" ... "Who is that with him?"
"His girlfriend." "Oh," I thought, "that's no challenge." I said, "I'm going to marry him."
It changed my life. The law of attraction is huge. The only way to attract is to give, then you receive. You need to be confident.
|
|
If you had your time over what would you do differently?
Never go into an organization and promise that you'll change it in 6 weeks! Manage change, don't make it wrong, make it better. Know your capabilities. Ask more questions, listen more, talk less. I go in with Human Resources, Learning and Development and set up green field sites, , start with a clean slate. Develop everything. Don't over promise and under deliver. I've never done that. Make sure you've got the whole picture. Whole system thinking. |
|
|
|
|
©2009 christina@christrainers.com
Christina
Woman on a Mission
Diversity and Leadership Consultant
Alumnus Women of the Year 2008/2009
www.wwom.org
|
|
|
