| Wendy Fogarty is a Knowledge Management Consultant, Speaker, Trainer and successful entrepreneurial Illawarra business owner. She is also a strong advocate for both the small business sector and women in business. With over 25 years of extensive business experience across Australia and abroad, Wendy has worked and collaborated alongside many business owners and leaders across most industries and throughout all sectors of the community.
With a background on the Board of Directors for both local and regional Chambers, Wendy has previously been a mentor in the Illawarra region for the Women in Business Program through the Department of Regional & State Development and in her current business (Important & Imperative Business Solutions), Wendy consults on a daily basis with many local business owners and empowers them with the knowledge and skill to help drive their business forward and develop into leaders within their industry.
In 2009, Wendy was awarded the title of NSW/ACT Small Business Champion Entrepreneur of the year and she was also recognised with a Rotarty Award for her contribution to the local community. |
- What motivated you to take on a leadership position?
My passion for the Illawarra region and the thought that perhaps I could make a contribution to the region that would result in positive change impacting on the lives of many who also wanted the best for the region. I was also encouraged and supported by others around me to step up and play an active role.
- Were you encouraged or mentored during the process of becoming a leader?
I believe there is a gift in everyone you meet and I see everyone I work alongside as a mentor during the time our paths cross. Some show the way forward while others clearly show which direction not to go. Everyone I have worked along side has left me with wonderful gifts of knowledge and aided in my journey forward.
- How did you reach your current position – your career path, studies, opportunities?
Lots of hard work, determination, focus and drive coupled with a belief in myself. I have also focused on building strong relationships with those around me and made the right connections at the right times.
- How has your leadership role impacted your relationships with family, friends and colleagues?
Realistically its often left me time poor yet driven by the challenge to still have it all by taking time out to enjoy life when and where I can. I enjoy living a busy and fulfilling life – I wouldn’t want it any other way.
- What responsibilities do you believe you have to those who “look up to you” as a leader?
To display a strong, solid and consistent leadership style with passion and energy while always remaining approachable and assisting others along their journey where I can.
- How do you measure your success as a leader?
I believe success as a leader comes through your actions and the results achieved. A leader is only as good as those on the journey with them.
- What has inspired you to maintain your current position, and do you have aspirations for further leadership roles?
I am inspired by working along side business people who have a passion for their local community, volunteer their time to support others and are committed to making life better for others.
- What advice would you give other women who are aspiring to be future leaders?
- Ethics
- Transparency
- Fairness
- Lead by example
- Deliver upon promises
- Remain approachable and listen to others
- Respect for others
- Surround yourself with the right people
- Ongoing investment towards learning and self development
- Choose to see a problem as an opportunity and when something looks too hard find a way to work around the obstacles
- Always push your boundaries and comfort zones and excel at what you do
- Resilience and determination
- How do you handle conflict and adversity in your leadership role?
By remaining transparent and working with the facts, figures and details. Retaining a balanced and fair approach.
- Who is your leadership role model, and what qualities do they display that you admire?
Leadership role model’s have changed often for me along my journey and they have provided much inspiration. I enjoy reading autobiographies and hearing successful people talk about their lives. Qualities I admire are resilience, determination, transparency, honesty and a desire to push ones boundaries and achieve success. Communication skills, the ability to listen and empower others to achieve success are also important.
- Key advocacies / areas of support
- The Illawarra Region
- Chambers of Commerce
- Small Business Sector
- Women in Business
- Young emerging women in leadership roles
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