Five quick questions with Trish Bergin
10 May 2021
In anticipation of our upcoming She Leads workshop on Creating your strategic vision, the She Leads team sat down with facilitator, Trish Bergin to discuss her passions, leadership challenges and future goals.
Trish Bergin is the Co-Director, Governance of the 50/50 by 2030 Foundation and Chair of the Women’s Legal Centre, ACT and Regions. She has held Senior Executive Band 2 positions with the Australian Public Service and most recently lead the Office for Women in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Through her extensive experience in the Public Service, Trish has worked at Senior Executive Service (SES) levels within other Commonwealth portfolios, including the Finance, Education and Employment portfolios. In the private sector, she has held General Manager and Regional Director level positions with listed companies such as SMS Management & Technology and Hudson Global Resources in Canberra.
For the past 11 years, Trish has run her own thriving small business, working with clients to implement organisational strategy, facilitate change and facilitating leadership development programs. She has held Board positions in the not-for-profit sector and holds academic qualifications in economics, management and leadership.
Describe yourself in 30 words or less.
I blend my work and my passions (family, feminism, travelling) to create a rich life. I am a parent and step-parent to five amazing humans, grandparent to three, Co-Director at the 50|50 Foundation!
What can people expect to take away from your workshop, Creating your strategic vision for leading a community cause?
Practical ideas for how to develop a purpose-led vision and goals for your cause, that provides a roadmap to achieving your goals.
What questions you tired of hearing about gender equality or women in leadership?
“Why should we focus on women in leadership – why don’t we just focus on merit when it comes to leadership?”
What is a personal challenge you have had to overcome for your leadership goals?
I have a lot of caring and guardianship responsibilities. I care for grand-children one day per week, next of kin for my aunt with dementia and guardian for my sister with severe intellectual difficulties. This can place a heavy toll on your time and energy, including your emotional energy. It can become tempting to give up on the work I love, just because at times I just get too worn out. Knowing how and when to take a break, and the support of others at home and at work is vital.
Imagine yourself in your 80’s. What leadership advice would your 80-year-old self give to you right now?
Challenge more! Stop thinking that everyone must know better than you and voice your ideas!
Want to hear more from Trish or to learn more about how to create your strategic vision? Register to attend our She Leads workshop on Creating your strategic vision with Trish Bergin coming up on 18 May 2021.
Tags: empowerment, gender equality, Leadership, professional development, she leads