To celebrate International Women’s Day 2017, my FootDr clinics throughout Australia held a morning tea event for all staff. At our morning tea event our staff reflected on the International Women’s Day theme of #BeBoldForChange, which focuses on the need for change and gender equality in all communities.
At my FootDr, women make up more than 60% of our work force including Podiatrists, Receptionist, Area Managers and Support Staff. Our exceptional team of women allow us to deliver world-class podiatry services and foot care services to all people throughout the community.
We’ve put the spotlight on two women in our business who have embraced the #BeBoldForChange message to help forge a better working world.
Name: Kelly-Marie Ogden
Position: Podiatrist, my FootDr Brisbane City
What was your bold moment?
When I stepped up and took on running my own Podiatry Clinic.
How did you do it?
It took a few years of grunt work to be given the opportunity and a lot of hard work since, but it was worth it.
What motivated you?
I want to be in a position as a Podiatrist to be able to follow my interests and employ them in an everyday setting. Through being in a more senior position, I can help other fledgling Podiatrists do the same thing.
What difference did you make?
I like to think that I have benefited our business in several ways, but the most qualitative measure would be the satisfaction of my patients and referrers. I have a great rapport with my patients and I keep in regular contact with my local Allied health and medical community.
How can others learn from this?
From my personal experience, “Good things come to those who work hard and go out and get it”. Podiatry is a team profession, you must have a great team around you to be able to offer the best care for the patient, I’m lucky enough be surrounded by a great team.
Name: Lisa Silver
Position: Chief People Officer, my FootDr
What was your bold moment?
A career bold moment for me was accepting that after studying and working in finance for the best part of 10 years I was more suited to dealing with people and moved into Human Resources. While this might not seem bold to some, it took a lot of courage to take the leap into a completely different career path with the risk of the unknown and ultimately failure. I’m just lucky that I could do it at my FootDr and that I had the chance to progress my career without having to leave the business!
How did you do it?
Being a CPA means I think very analytically and during my time as an accountant I was often told I wasn’t suited to it as I had, “too much personality”. I guess my bold moment was realising that while numbers are black and white, people are not – we all have something to offer and people’s opinions shouldn’t limit your choices. Taking a chance is how I did it!
What motivated you?
I was motivated to prove that if you set your mind to something, learn from your mistakes and keep educating yourself, you will always progress as a professional and as an individual. I’ve never shied away from a challenge so I took a chance and it paid off.
What difference did you make?
I’d like to think I’ve paved a career path for all staff, particularly our ladies that represent 60% of our workforce. I’ve worked hard and have had to prove myself in all facets of my career and while it’s not been easy I hope that sitting on the executive team of my FootDr will allow me to enact change in the business for our most important resource – our staff!
How can others learn from this?
Be bold in everything that you do. If you’re given an opportunity, take it and run with it. Learn from the people around you and support those people that support you. Think outside the box and don’t be scared to take a risk – it can reap huge rewards!
For more information on our great team visit myfootdr.com.au/about-us/meet-the-team/