Insights from Georgegina Poulos on Being Confident, Courageous, and Intentional in Your Career
At ourFemale Leaders in Retail and Consumer Goodspanel, Georgegina beautifully shared her philosophy through a metaphor that deeply resonated with her from a recent event she attended. “Envision our community as one where everyone brings a plate of food to share, encouraging us all to take what we need and try something new”. This image speaks to her belief in collaborative growth and mutual support. This blog will explore key themes of building confidence through self-recognition, being courageous in asking questions and seeking support, and intentional networking by fostering key connections and conversations.
Can you share a difficult situation in your career and how you overcame it?
When asked about a challenging moment in her career, Georgegina shared a deeply personal experience. “For about 18 months I was grey, and I didn't really understand what was happening to me. At the time, I was being bullied by my leader, and I thought it was normal, even though I knew I was a great performer. It was undermining. I realised this wasn't normal. I shouldn't be throwing up before I come to work. I shouldn't be crying at night, dreading what the next day would bring.”
The turning point came from a work friend whom she was assisting with recruitment. “He asked that old question of ‘How are you?’ and suddenly, the tears flowed.” It became evident that workplace bullying is not normal and shouldn't be glossed over. This interaction underscores a fundamental truth: the importance of summoning courage to seek support and lean on your network during challenging times.
Although it was hard to label it as bullying at the time, Georgegina understood that she needed help. “I started to talk about it through external support, and that was probably one of the best things that I ever did because my own network wasn’t always objective. The external counselling that I had was so beneficial as it gave me great tools. It also helped me to understand my role, what I could have done differently, and strategies for when these triggers appeared.” Georgegina’s ability to reach out externally embodies the courageous act of "putting your neck out like a giraffe." Despite its daunting nature, this approach can lead to invaluable guidance and growth. It’s a reminder that we all face obstacles, reaching out for help and relying on your connections is not a sign of weakness but a transformative benefit for you and your career.
Georgegina’s recovery was marked by her courage to speak up, the confidence to move on, and intentional networking that offered the right support. Moving into a new and supportive work environment was a crucial step in her journey. “My new leader automatically knew that I had been through something and was incredibly supportive, so being able to talk about it was one of the ways that I could bounce back.”
Her bounce-back story is a powerful reminder to be fearless in the face of adversity, seek external support when needed, and reclaim your power by understanding that the fault lies not within yourself but in those who mistreat you.
Can you give us more insight into the rationale behind your career and how you navigate it?
Georgegina began her career in hospitality, spending 10 years in Europe before returning to Australia, taking up an operations role, and then moving into HR.
Her approach to career development involves leveraging existing expertise while expanding her skills. "One of my strategies was to leverage my deep sector knowledge to diversify my skill set. Once I had some HR experience, I aimed to narrow my focus and transition to different industries. This approach led me to a capability manager role, and I was soon promoted to a national HR manager. Knowing I needed to think about my next step, I left that role."
Georgegina emphasises the importance of embracing transformation and knowing when to move on. "I've always kept a mindset focused on transformation rather than maintenance. I thrive in roles that involve fixing things, driving digitalisation, and capability building. For instance, when I moved into local government, I knew I didn’t need to be there for five years. Unlike many ‘lifers’ in government, I realised my value would be best utilised in a shorter timeframe, so I didn't sign a fixed contract.”
"Ultimately, it’s about adding value, being bold, and having confidence in my skills to know when it’s time to move on. This mindset led me to what I consider the best job I've ever had." These insights demonstrate the importance of strategic career planning, embracing change, and assertively leveraging one's strengths.
What advice would you give to those looking to start building a network or seeking mentorship? How would they go about this?
When it comes to building a network or seeking mentorship, Georgegina never declines a chance to broaden her network. "For me, it's about conversations with purpose. I'm not really good at small talk. In fact, I'm quite an introvert, and I would rather just sit in the corner than talk for no reason at all. So, take the moment to really be purposeful in conversation. Opportunities like this are big. Check out who's coming. Take a photo. Work out where those people are. Then do a follow-up note and put yourself out there to have a conversation with purpose."
Georgegina’s approach is deeply human and rooted in authenticity, much like Deborah Donehue’s emphasis on being true to yourself, which you can delve into through our blog “Insights from Deborah Donehue on Overcoming Self Doubt and Prioritising You.”
Georgegina values meaningful conversations and connections, likening it to the previously mentioned metaphor of a community sharing a plate of food. "It's great, and we love food. But really, being able to share and connect with people gives me joy, and I think that’s when you become your authentic self…So that's how I network, and it works for me, so I never miss an opportunity for a meaningful connection."
By reaching out boldly and pursuing purposeful conversations, Georgegina shows us that genuine connections are about sharing, supporting each other, and fostering a network where everyone can thrive.
Fostering Connection and Prioritising Your Value
Through her personal narrative of navigating workplace adversity, Georgegina underscores the importance of recognising your own worth, seeking support when necessary, and summoning courage in difficult times. Her approach to career growth and networking emphasises meaningful conversations and genuine connections, grounded in authenticity and mutual growth.
By embracing these principles, we empower ourselves to contribute to a supportive environment where all can flourish. Georgegina encourages you to “put your neck out like a giraffe” to inquire, invite conversation, forge relationships, and strengthen your unique value.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to the event hosts,Lyndsay from Retail, or Lauren from HR, or any of our wider team to discuss these themes and how you can develop in your career.
To read more about the event, the themes discussed, and the other panellists, visit our blog “Bouncing Back as a Woman In Leadership.”
