Founder and former CEO of Warner Consulting Australia (WCA)
Vistage Chair since 2022
After university, I switched my focus from economics and employee relations to a career in human resources. Eventually, after a number of years, I wanted more flexibility to care for my children, so I started my own company, Warner Consulting Australia (WCA). After growing the business for over a decade, I discovered Vistage through a colleague — and promptly became a member in December 2015.
My group helped me restructure the company’s core revenue streams to make it more profitable and sustainable. I built strong connections with people who truly supported me. After successfully running the business for nearly 20 years, I was working 60-hour weeks and was ready for a slower pace. I wanted to sell my business and soon started negotiations. My Vistage Chair and colleagues supported and advised me through tricky negotiations with a prospective buyer. Finally, we reached an agreement, and I sold my company in March 2022.
I already knew then that I wanted to be a Vistage Chair.
When I set out to start my Chair practice, my Vistage Chair and group were a tremendous help. I had four referrals out of the gate and launched my first group seven months after selling my company. I now have 26 members in two groups. It’s more rewarding than I could have expected.
I keep witnessing these “aha” moments when a member says, “Yes! I hadn’t thought of that!” and makes a decision that has a big impact.
I now work 30 hours a week, 44 weeks a year, so I aim for eight weeks of vacation. I have set up my meetings so the last week of the month is clear for whatever I want.
I lock in 18 holes of golf every Wednesday and Friday, plus sometimes a cheeky nine holes on a Saturday, so I’m playing more than my husband now. In addition to chairing Vistage groups, I’m still consulting a bit through my new business, Unravel Group, with a wonderful part-time executive assistant supporting me and managing my schedule. I’m spending more quality time with my family and even have time to read a book or watch rubbish TV if I want. My close friends say I am more relaxed, available and present.
Lately, my husband has been wondering if he should retire. He asks me, “When are you going to finish work?” Never, I say. I love what I do too much.
