Inspiring women:
 Suzi Finkelstein –Women & Leadership Australia Facilitator
When facilitating others in Women & Leadership Australia workshops, for Suzi the highest accolade is witnessing change in others.
What path has your career taken to date?
My career began as a teacher for the very young. I progressed to being a teacher to young adults and now finally as a teacher to adults. Creating and facilitating life-long learning opportunities is the most rewarding role that I have experienced. I have a passion for learning and educating others and my daily mission is to inform and inspire.
Who have been your role models?
I worked very closely with Kathy Hilton, the founder of Ardoch Youth Foundation, and was inspired by her ‘never say never’ attitude. Continually faced with adversity, she persisted to create solutions and alter the status quo.
Do you see yourself as a role model to other women?
I am often asked to support women on their path towards career transition. Having stepped out of my comfort zone, put the brakes on and re-evaluated my own journey has enabled me to lead by example. I have followed my passion and it has allowed me to reinvent myself and shine my light, which often serves as a magnet for others contemplating change.
What experiences are you really proud of?
One of my biggest highlights has been celebrating the graduation of my eldest son. Contributing to his journey whilst staying true to my journey has been both a challenge and a constant focus for the last twenty years. Sharing his adult experiences brings me constant joy.
What has been your biggest challenge?
The never-ending dilemma of being a working mum consistently challenges me, especially in making the right decisions and having no regrets or guilt. The commitment battle can be tedious. Managing family commitments and passion for your job often causes the candle being burnt at both ends, with little wax in the middle! It has taken some time but I have finally learnt that if I prioritise myself and really take the time to nurture my needs, then those around me benefit. To care for yourself like you care for others is the key.
What do you look for in recognition for your achievements?
When educating others and being part of their learning journey, the highest accolade is witnessing the change. If I can be a conduit or a contributor for my learners to be able to take that amazing `aha’ moment in the workshop and apply it to enable transformation, it is such an achievement.
Have you ever been coached?
At one stage in my career I sourced a coach to support me with the tough decisions that needed to be made around the performance management challenges that I was facing. For me, it was invaluable to be able to speak openly about the adversity and the dilemmas. The sessions validated my decisions and restored my confidence.
How do you think women can support each other in their ambitions?
By attending WLA events!
It is such a privilege to facilitate the WLA forums and workshops. Informing and inspiring women with relevant and accessible content facilitates learning on many levels and I witness women supporting and being supported by other like-minded leaders. After a forum or workshop, I always come away inspired by the groups and individuals I work with. Making the investment in yourself is the most important investment you can ever make.
Is there a quote you would stand by or rules of thumb you live by?
Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
We often look outside of ourselves for reasons why we are not achieving, why things aren’t going our way. It is easy to slip into that victim mentality but in order to find the answers, we need to look inside. Being the change you wish to see in the world starts with taking full responsibility for everything that is happening in your life, not just the challenges. We all have much to be grateful for!
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Suzi Finkelstein will be facilitationg at the following upcoming Women & Leadership Australia events:
Hervey Bay Regional Women’s Leadership Forum – Thurs 11th March 2010 >> More
Mount Gambier Regional Women’s Leadership Forum – Tues 16th March 2010 >> More
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