Womens Professional Dinner with Geraldine Doogue
Last night UC hosted their annual Womens Professional Development Dinner. Figuring on a very female evening, I decided to invite my mum as my date. It was fun to do that and I was actually able to show her my office and the Spiritual Meeting Place where I work.
Geraldine Doogue was asked to reflect on her career and share some of her story. Having known her as a public figure it was quite interesting to have some insights into her career and personal stories.
These are the insights, stories or lessons I noticed most.
On education: Catholic nuns teach young women to give their best all the time. Coping with various sisters in WA has shaped many strong women eg Dr Carmen Lawrence.
Turning points: 1971 entering Journalism. 1992 Changing direction to present on Life Matters on Radio National. Always loving the industry she worked in.
On mentoring: do not expect your mentor to be sympathetic all the time. They should give you honesty and be firm in noting your limits. For example when GD had small children and was offered a different job the advice was “you will not have time to have a cold”. Point was taken, there are some times you need to accept your limits.