What do you find most rewarding, or most challenging, about being the Head of TenU?
I am hugely privileged to be at the centre of this collaboration of high-performing experts. From day one, I have been given great autonomy and freedom to chart TenU’s path, whilst counting on strong support from its members. Seeking alignment and mobilising people is a challenge I enjoy and thrive in.
Congratulations on the recent launch of TenU’s USIT Guide and USIT for Software Guide. What other TenU initiatives or programs are you particularly proud of?
TenU RISE is our international mentorship programme designed to foster an inclusive community of peer-learning and support. Mentors are the TenU Future Leaders Programme alumni, who have spent six months learning about their peers’ office structures and ecosystems while engaging in vigorous debate about topical operational issues. The aim of TenU RISE is to bring this learning to a wider audience.
What is your favorite way to relax?
I run, swim, do yoga and enjoy spending time with my boys. I need some of them all every week to relax and thrive.
From an international perspective, how does AUTM support your work?
AUTM is a great source of insight and collaboration. I just returned from The Conversation, AUTM’s Leadership Forum, inspired by my colleagues and equipped with new ideas.
What inspires you most about working in technology transfer, and how do you stay motivated to drive innovation?
It is hugely rewarding to contribute to creating a healthy and nurturing policy environment in which university inventions can turn into life-changing products and services, create jobs and drive economic growth. There’s never a dull day – there is so much room for action!
What superpower do you wish you had and why?
I always wished I could be transparent so that I could listen in to other people’s conversations and learn more about the world. Over the years, I have found that I can achieve similar results simply by asking. I’d love to fly and see the world from above with the breeze in my hair, but more than anything, I wish I could always be healthy and strong so that I can continue doing the things I love.
What advice would you give someone who is interested in becoming a mentor?
Being a mentor is deeply enriching: it is a key opportunity for personal growth, as it encourages mentors to draw on their sometimes less prominent skills, experience and networks, and use them to problem-solve and impact someone else’s life.
What is something that surprised you about your career path?
Like so many other people, I fell into technology transfer almost by chance. I was pleasantly surprised to find how well my unique mix of skills and experiences aligned with the requirements of the sector.
If you didn’t work in technology transfer, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
I am passionate about bringing people together to create high-impact initiatives. I hope to continue finding roles where I can bring my experience to university innovation.