On her 50th birthday, psychologist and social policy expert Trish O’Reilly decided she needed a big change. She resigned from her government job and later entered a field she confesses was completely foreign to her at the time – mining.
Now CEO of the Australia Africa Mining Industry Group, she’s responsible for the organisation’s strategic direction and building alliances with member companies. She’s worked extensively in Africa, Australia and England and advised the West Australian Government for more than 25 years on development initiatives that can support social justice issues.
O’Reilly believes any major change requires complete self-confidence, and that with enough thought and passion we can control our career destiny.
The UN Women board member is one of our ‘Real Role Models’ and answers questions about how she manages it all below.
What is your job now?
CEO. Australia Africa Mining Industry Group.
Describe an average day for you?
5.30am up and exercise. Usually into work by 7.30am Answer emails. Hold meetings with potential members, delegations from Africa, etc. Respond to needs of members by developing relevant strategies and programs.
How did you get there? Did you wing it or plan it?
My background is in Psychology and social work. I have managed NGO’s and then worked for the state government for 20 years with a focus on child abuse. On turning 50 I decided I was sick of people asking what new idea I had and sought a life change. I resigned from the Government and put some months into thinking what do I really want to do, what are my skills and passions. Important to ask whether fate will take over or will I be the master of my own destiny. I also believe that we can do whatever we want to, we just have to uncover the passion. We need to be in charge of our own destiny. I have entered a field of work that is completely foreign to me and every day is a new challenge – not least that mining is a very male dominated area. I thrive on challenge. Life is too short to be unhappy, however to change direction we have to believe in ourselves.
How do you manage the logistics of your career and your life outside of work?
Not well. I always seem to do everything at 100% and this has certainly had health implications. My children have all grown up and I have a husband who also has a demanding position. Exercise is a priority for us both. I have to plan to make sure we keep our social life going.
What is the easiest part of your working week? And … the hardest?
The easiest is building relationships and talking to people, finding out what they want.
The hardest is that it is very lonely at the top – especially if people perceive you as being very independent. We all need support and encouragement at some stage.
How do you think your younger self would view your current career?
I never would have envisaged that I would have had such a career change.
If someone wants to develop a career like yours, what advice would you give them?
Work out what you really want to do. Believe in yourself and make a plan re how you are going to reach your goals. Identify people that you know will support you on your journey.
Any career or daily life advice you’d like to share?
Firstly, “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” – Steve Jobs.
Secondly, “Believe in yourself. Don’t let others define you.” Hillary Rodham Clinton’s advice to Julie Bishop.
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