❤️ A Durack International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate and promote inspiring Durack women ❤️
Sharni Foulkes
⭐ CEO of the Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., Sharni is a true blue Broome local who is highly involved in her community. She has worked in various fields as a Business Adviser, a Director, a Regional Manager and now a Chief Executive Officer for the past 2 years. Sharni is an inspiration to her community and indeed, to all women striving to achieve in regional, rural and remote areas of Durack ⭐
An interview with Sharni
What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?
I was very young when I took on my first leadership role, managing multiple sites with a number of staff. From day one, I was told that I would only ever be as good as my team, but what I didn’t know at the time was how hard working and loyal staff could be. I wish I had known what motivated my team and what actualy mattered to them. And I wish I had known that what motivated me (money and free travel) did not necessarily motivate them. And that all good people excel when they are treated as just that, good people. Trust and empowerment always goes a long way in any situation/workplace/leadership position.
Who are the role models that have inspired you?
I’ve had many good role models in life, but one thing I wish I had of done earlier, was actually reaching out to the people I admire and asking them if they would mentor me. What I learnt and the connections and opportunities from seeking support and having someone to look up to created was in valuable.
What word/s describe your leadership style?
Passion and empowerment - you have to love what you do and you have to love who your working with! Leading a team that feels empowered and has the confidence and aspiration to succeed is on another level and together you can truly conquer whatever you set out to achieve!
What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?
This is a tough one, yet the easiest and simplest question to answer. Have each others backs! Co-sign, work together, collaborate and be inclusive. We are so much bigger when we are banded together in force, so embrace the remoteness and make sure when you go in to bat, your batting with the support and the backing of all the other regions!
We thank you Sharni, for what you achieve for your community and regional , rural and remote Durack 💙