After a two year hiatus, Nicole Rogerson has recently returned to her role as CEO of Autism Awareness Australia, the organisation she founded in 2007.
When Rogerson made the decision to step aside, it was because she wanted to try something different. Ever since her son was diagnosed with autism when she was 24-years-old, she says she’s been immersed in “the world of autism”.
“The only problem is I am incredibly passionate about working in and for the autism community, so being away was not fun,” Rogerson says, adding that the autism space is where her heart is at.
“So, just like the Hotel California, it seems you can check out but never leave,” she jokes.
“Honestly though, I have never been happier to step back into old shoes. These are my peeps, and I am at home with my tribe.”
Now that she’s back in leadership, Rogerson is motivated to drive change but understands the importance of taking care of her own mental and physical health as well.
One key thing she’s doing regularly is reminding herself to “walk away from the computer”.
“Just accept that your ‘to-do’ list never gets done, so learn to live with that uncomfortable fact to better manage your wellbeing,” she says.
“A break for 30 mins, to walk away from the computer is necessary to see the bigger picture. For me, that means walking my dog Bob twice a day and Aerial pilates twice a week. Something about hanging upside down that clears your mind!”
Rogerson says that working within the autism sector means there is always more work to do and more things to achieve, but that is “what drives and excites” her.
“We achieve things we are proud of at Autism Awareness Australia, and then we are immediately reminded, ‘We aren’t there yet.’ Until we can affect systemic change and improve the lives of all Australians with autism (and the families who love them), we are not done.”
Rogerson will be sharing more on the topic as a speaker the 2024 Women’s Health and Wellbeing Summit hosted by Women’s Agenda on September 4.
Over the course of her career, Rogerson’s perspective surrounding health has shifted as well.
“I used to burn the candle at all hours, have a singular focus and crazy work ethic, raise my kids, run a business, and rarely do anything for myself,” she says.
“I still struggle with it, but now that I am older, I am nicer to myself. Turning 50 was a big one. You realise there are fewer years ahead than behind, and that is a motivating factor to reassess your health and how you spend your time.”
When it comes to women’s health, Rogerson says that taking care of yourself looks different for different people, but that “women have a habit of putting everyone else’s health before theirs”.
This is particularly true, she notes, when taking on caring responsibilities such as juggling small children and ageing parents.
“You only have one body and it needs to last you for many years, so you need to take care of it,” she says.
“Just remind yourself to be kind to you every now and again. And in memory of my mum, check your boobs!”
Nicole Rogerson will be speaking at our 2024 Women’s Health and Wellbeing Summit in Sydney on September 4. Get your tickets here.