Judy's Journey - From PA to Mayor to ....
What an inspiration!
The first Connect Networking event for 2014 saw 26 participants listening intently to part of the life story of Judy Verlin, AM.
Judy captivated us from her first words about joining the workforce at the tender age of 16. The topics covered included working with men (having brothers helped apparently); public speaking (we should all give it a go as often as we can; it gets easier); her inspiration was her mum; on the demise of business suits for women and how lucky men are – a suit will work for every occasion for them. One of the highlights was Judy identifying with us, having been where we are now, and her understanding of how lonely it can sometimes be to work in an office professional role. She did not have the luxury of an organisation such as ours during her early working life. She encouraged us to embrace it, not just for the networking opportunities it presents, but as a place to share the triumphs and challenges of what we do.
It was really terrific to hear about someone who started out in roles similar to ours and who has done so much with her career. With some time at the end for Judy to answer questions, it was a great insight into a talented and respected Ballarat identity.
The event also provided an opportunity for us to learn a little more about Oscars Hotel and Café and the facilities it offers in terms of events, meetings, conferences and accommodation (including the Ballarat Premier Apartments in the beautiful old RSL building in Lyons Street). Co-owner Nicky Quinlan and her partner Danny purchased what was the Criterion Hotel some 11 years ago and transformed it into a modern venue while retaining some art deco features. Gone are the original green and yellow bathroom tiles and glass bottle windows out front! In her presentation to the group, Nicky spoke of the challenges and delights of the renovation process and running the business. One of Nicky’s highlights has been employing staff from a range of countries and cultures and seeing the friendships/relationships develop.
The event concluded with the awarding of a door prize - lucky Janelle Burns (Sovereign Hill) took home a lovely potted plant.
What an inspiration!
The first Connect Networking event for 2014 saw 26 participants listening intently to part of the life story of Judy Verlin, AM.
Judy captivated us from her first words about joining the workforce at the tender age of 16. The topics covered included working with men (having brothers helped apparently); public speaking (we should all give it a go as often as we can; it gets easier); her inspiration was her mum; on the demise of business suits for women and how lucky men are – a suit will work for every occasion for them. One of the highlights was Judy identifying with us, having been where we are now, and her understanding of how lonely it can sometimes be to work in an office professional role. She did not have the luxury of an organisation such as ours during her early working life. She encouraged us to embrace it, not just for the networking opportunities it presents, but as a place to share the triumphs and challenges of what we do.
It was really terrific to hear about someone who started out in roles similar to ours and who has done so much with her career. With some time at the end for Judy to answer questions, it was a great insight into a talented and respected Ballarat identity.
The event also provided an opportunity for us to learn a little more about Oscars Hotel and Café and the facilities it offers in terms of events, meetings, conferences and accommodation (including the Ballarat Premier Apartments in the beautiful old RSL building in Lyons Street). Co-owner Nicky Quinlan and her partner Danny purchased what was the Criterion Hotel some 11 years ago and transformed it into a modern venue while retaining some art deco features. Gone are the original green and yellow bathroom tiles and glass bottle windows out front! In her presentation to the group, Nicky spoke of the challenges and delights of the renovation process and running the business. One of Nicky’s highlights has been employing staff from a range of countries and cultures and seeing the friendships/relationships develop.
The event concluded with the awarding of a door prize - lucky Janelle Burns (Sovereign Hill) took home a lovely potted plant.