Unlocking the Secrets of Success: 10 Questions with Nadia Pessarossi

1. With such a dynamic and multifaceted career journey, what’s been the most unexpected or humourous moment you’ve encountered in your 25 years of business, communications and project management?

Without a doubt, the most humorous was when I was at the Australian War Memorial (AWM) and it was ANZAC Day 2014.  The Prince and Princess of Wales – William and Kate were attending the ANZAC DAY service, and I was the project manager for the official royal gifts. After the service, the Commemorative area was to remain closed while William and Kate lay a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier. Following this, they would be presented with an official gift from the Australian War Memorial. I was one of the fortunate ones that would be able to be in the Commemorative area to greet them. I had a wonderful team and there were two ladies in particular who were massive royal fans. One was from England and extremely excited. So, I ensured I had rostered them both on that day to open the Australian War Memorial gift shop.

The large glass door looked right into the Commemorative area so I knew they would get a perfect view of Kate & William. Security was high, and BBC media were hidden behind every wall. As the royals began their walk up the stairs and the gates opened, I could see my two team members pressed up against the glass doors trying to get a glimpse of them. I noted they really could not see them properly so I said to pop out quickly and stand at the door so they could see them. They opened the door and came out. Of course, because the War Memorial was not officially open… and neither of them had their swipe cards on them, the door locked behind them!

Just as all this was happening, William and Kate step into the Commemorative area, William looked straight ahead but Kate looked over to me, while I was utterly panicking and smiled at me and said a friendly “Hello” …. I just froze and said a bubbly “Hi!” while trying to hide the fact that my two team members were standing beside me.

I, of course later received a stern lecture from Security, but it was worth it! The three of us have this amazingly funny memory, which we talk about every ANZAC Day.

 I had a lovely chat to William and Kate after the formalities and they were so lovely and extremely down to earth. It makes me laugh every time when I think of the panic when the door locked!

2. From private to public to not-for-profit sectors, you’ve navigated a diverse array of organisational landscapes. Can you share a standout anecdote that captures the essence of each sector’s unique quirks?

Each sector is very different with pros and cons and for my energy and fast paced work ethic, Private definitely works best for me. I love the private sector the energy and the drive for innovation and leadership with their people, I find it a constant motivator.

Working in the Public sector is a great learning and I highly recommend everyone having a stint in the public sector to understand good governance and government. It’s just not for my type of personality!

I love the NFP sector, which is why I am still heavily involved as the Chair of the Bruton Basketball Foundation and setting up my own fully women owned non-for-profit recruitment company.

 I offer a lot of pro-bono work with several charities in our community. I truly believe in using your powers for good and making a positive difference in the world and especially in our local community.

3. Business development can sometimes feel like a whirlwind of opportunities and challenges. What’s your secret for keeping your cool amidst the chaos and emerging victorious and keeping the client happy.

It’s cliché but if you love what you do you never work a day in your life! I love what I do, I am helping businesses improve, empowering people professionally and working on growth, implementing positive changes for the business and the people.

I feel I am a genuinely authentic person and that is a big deal for me. I receive work through referrals, and I treat everyone the way I want to be treated.

Being a strong communicator is one of the reasons for my success, listening to the needs of my clients rather than telling them. 99.9% of the time communication is the issue and 100% ALWAYS the solution.

4. People and culture are at the heart of any thriving organisation. What’s one memorable team-building or culture-building initiative you’ve spearheaded that left everyone smiling?

There are many! The main one that comes to mind first is during COVID. I was the CEO of a consulting agency and the team were a mixed bunch of ages, but mostly all under 30 years old.

They really struggled with the lock-down. While all other organisations were meeting on Teams to run through the day of work and making sure everyone stayed focused on their work, I went down a different route.

 My team met every morning at 9am over Teams – but guess what? We never spoke about work! We set up trivia mornings and I can say they were big into Harry Potter!

We would meet on our phones in our driveways, and all go for a walk and talk, we held photography competitions, we had motivational guest speakers join us on Teams, and we even did dress up days! One time, we even had a session learning sign language.

 I trusted my team and knew that if we all started the morning right in a positive mindset that the rest of the day would be productive. You should see other people’s look of shock when I describe how I managed my team through COVID. But here’s the thing, you look after your people; they will look after your business. If I see a team member or team struggling in any scenario, I am not going to turn a blind eye to it.

5. We’ve all had those “facepalm” moments in our careers. Care to share a funny blunder or mishap that taught you an invaluable lesson?

The Australian War Memorial one was a funny blunder. We all make mistakes, and the key is to learn from them. Reflect and process and take accountability. Unfortunately, there are still people that really struggle with feedback. I have always seen it as a learning and take what you feel is right for you from that feedback. Every day we learn and do better. If you think you know it all, that is when there is a problem!

6. Corporate and Government HR, PR, marketing, and comms – you’ve worn many hats! Can you recall a particularly memorable campaign or project that made you think, “Yep, this is why I love what I do”?

So many! I have been so fortunate to be in roles that I love. If I felt a role wasn’t right for me, then I would investigate how I can find what I am truly looking for. Each role in my career has helped me learn and progress. I ran many successful campaigns at the Australian War Memorial, too many to list but I am proud of them.

In my work with not-for-profits, I’ve run many fundraising events, such and the first ever Australian National Domestic and Family violence summit. It was election year so the Prime Minister attended.

But when it comes down to the “Yep, this is why I do it…” honestly, I love seeing people succeed. It is my absolute passion. No one to me is a competitor, there is enough work for everyone. I am always happy to refer and collaborate. There have been many moments through the Bruton Basketball Foundation where we have changed the pathway of disadvantaged children. All of my many hats all have one thing in common. Purpose. People’s success is my success. I am a true cheer leader!

7. They say laughter is the best medicine. How do you infuse humour and levity into your leadership style to keep morale high and spirits soaring?

It is ALWAYS about a good laugh! Happiness is one of my values. I never take myself too seriously and always make funny comments where appropriate (sometimes not!). I embrace laughter and encourage a culture where laughter is welcomed. Letting team members play funny jokes etc. Funny banter where appropriate. It comes naturally to me, so if you ever are looking for me you can pretty much listen out for my laugh, you will hear me before you see me!

8. With technology evolving at warp speed, staying ahead of the curve is a must. What’s one tech tool or app that you swear by to keep you organised and on top of your game?

I wish I could tell you something super exciting here, but I am Gen X and could not organise my day without good old-fashioned Microsoft and my Outlook Calendar!

9. Let’s talk about work-life balance – the eternal quest for not losing one’s mind. How do you unwind and recharge outside the endless Zoom calls and project meetings?

This is of extreme importance! I work with many people that suffer burn out, and genuinely feel that they can’t take a day off. Unless you are performing lifesaving surgery, in an office environment you can take a day off!!

For me, family time is very important and basketball for my son always comes first! My true wind down is a day at a spa or even just 40 minutes to grab a pedicure. I love my home and love being there with my friends and family. Travel of course fills my cup too! You must set boundaries for a positive work-life balance. I can always recommend ways, but it is up to the individual. Self-care, our mental health and family and friends is what is important and that will always come before work. I love my work and I love it because of the balance I have worked on to put in place to be happy.

10. Reflecting on your impressive career journey, what advice would you give to your younger self embarking on this wild ride of business, comms and marketing and project management?

TRUST YOUR GUT! If it doesn’t feel right… IT ISN’T!

I have given people the benefit of the doubt one too many times and been burnt. I want to see the good in people but unfortunately in the business word there are just toxic, bad people. But – don’t worry, because it makes you stronger, you know how to set boundaries and you get there!

Keep going.
Keep learning.
You are on the right pathway.