In this month’s Member Spotlight, hear from Kathy Meyer, Change Manager at the NSW Police Force. From starting as a secretary to leading state-wide projects, Kathy’s leadership has been shaped by extensive volunteer work and mentors. Inspired by her father’s advice, she is driven by meaningful work and continuous learning. Her IML accreditation later in her career has validated her skills and reinforced her commitment to effective leadership.
1. Can you tell us about your background and current role?
I began my career as a secretary, moved into training and then into Change Management. Along the way, I volunteered in many management positions within schools and sporting organisations.
Much of my management and leadership style is attributable to my volunteering roles: President of P&C for two schools, and Board Director and Tournament Director for Judo NSW.
My current role as Change Manager for a NSW Government organisation gives me the opportunity to work with people of all levels across the State on a variety of projects. It’s a fulfilling role that tangibly supports the community.
2. How do you stay motivated and continue to grow professionally?
I stay motivated by working on worthwhile projects with passionate, caring professionals. Knowing that the projects and people I support provide public value is rewarding and inspiring.
I live by something my father taught me … to learn one new thing each day. His question was never, “What did you do today?” It was always, “What do you know now that you didn’t know when you left this morning?” It doesn’t have to be work related; it can be as simple as learning that your teammate takes milk with their tea.
Watching the people I mentor achieve their goals encourages me to continue my own professional journey. How can I ask them to study, learn and grow, if I’m unwilling to do it myself?
3. Who or what has been your biggest influence in your professional journey?
My dad supported everything I did. From public speaking at school, to teaching, to change management, Dad was there every step of the way. He told me that life is a journey; it must be fun, you must grow (personally and professionally), and you must help and support people along the way.
Mum was always volunteering for everything. She taught me the value of supporting your community; that careers grow through the lessons learned working with volunteer organisations.
Cathy Rea introduced me to change management. She taught me the difference between being a leader and a manager and the rewards that come with both roles.
4. How has your IML accreditation journey impacted your career and contributed to your long-term professional goals?
My accreditation journey hasn’t really impacted my career, it was something that came after my career was already well progressed. I’d say that it validated my professional journey.
My career has been a journey of “seeing where life takes me”; of “I think I’d like to do that”. I’ve never really planned my career and have been told on numerous occasions that I have an eclectic skillset.
The knowledge I acquire through IML networks and learning opportunities supports my desire to “learn one new thing every day” and to develop and encourage those within my sphere of influence to do the same.
5. What does having an IML accreditation mean to you personally or professionally?
It’s always nice, personally and professionally, to know that what you do is recognised at the highest levels. It surprised me that when I applied to IML for membership I was granted Fellow status and that based on my everyday work and volunteering roles I was recognised as Chartered Manager and now Certified Practicing Manager.
I started my IML accreditation journey at a time in my career when I needed to know that my management and leadership skills were best practice … that I really was doing a good job and leading my team well. IML accreditation provided the validation I sought.
