Today is International Women’s Day, and not only does it commemorate women’s achievements in the workplace but also offers a chance to foster more inclusive workplaces, identify and tackle obstacles impeding women’s progress and overall welfare.
At Safetrac, our aim is to establish an inclusive and respectful work environment and to provide equal opportunities for our employees to succeed.
Along with helping over 600+ Australian companies be compliant with the law, we hope to help them understand the importance of having a diverse and inclusive workplace, and the powerful impact it can have socially, economically, politically and culturally.
To celebrate, Safetrac would like to spotlight the achievements of women in our business, such as Deborah Coram, Helen Jamieson, and Vanessa Ollivier.
Deborah Coram
CEO, Safetrac
What is something you would tell your younger self when it comes to your career?
I made some tough choices when I was younger – including choosing not to be a lawyer after years of hard work to follow that dream. I struggled with the decision to stop pursuing that career, but sometimes your dreams do not work out to be as great as you imagined.
However, I have never regretted that decision to stop practicing.
I would tell my younger self to follow her dreams but to remember that the dream is not the destination – it’s just a step on the journey. Don’t waste your life trying to make the dream what you hoped it would be – get a new one and use the skills and knowledge you’ve already acquired to help you reach your next one!
What do you want others to know about you and your work?
I am a single mother to two great little humans. Somehow, I carved a life that enabled me to be around for my kids but still focused on my career.
I aim to create a workplace where all staff with kids can work flexibly enough to handle that struggle without too much stress.
Not one Safetrac staff member has underperformed because they needed some flexibility to meet the needs of their family.
The family unit is changing. Both women and men need to be afforded the flexibility to ensure they can meet the needs of their families. Without this (and wage equality), I firmly believe our struggle for gender equality in the workplace will continue.
What provides you with the most fulfilment at work?
Knowing that staff are fulfilled and happy in their careers at Safetrac is something that makes me really satisfied. I feel incredibly fortunate to have a wonderful bunch of people who work at Safetrac.
Helen Jamieson
Head of Customer Success
Where did your career begin and how did you get to where you are with Safetrac?
I began my career in administration (in a government department) but moved to various computer companies in multiple roles, including Sales Support and Account Management.
I commenced with Safetrac in 2004 after the current Managing Director, who I had worked with previously, offered me a role in the Client Services team.
I have worked in Client Services and Content ever since, looking after our clients, scripting content and managing various teams.
What’s your passion at work?
I love working at Safetrac! It has the best culture, team and wonderful clients. I have always been passionate about ensuring our clients have a fantastic experience and are the most important people in our world.
The company has come so far since I started. Our platform and content are virtually unrecognisable. I am so proud of who we are and what we have achieved. My passion is to ensure that we continue this wonderful journey.
What is something you would tell your younger self when it comes to your career?
It is essential to understand that where you start your career differs from where you will end up. Life will throw you countless opportunities to take different paths and alternative journeys. Don’t be afraid to take risks, explore different opportunities, and don’t limit yourself.
When I started working, I would never have thought that I would end up where I am now and doing what I do. It’s amazing to meet and work with so many different people, from the colleagues I work with to the clients I deal with. Everyone you meet can offer you extra insight, or provide you with additional inspiration, so learn from them and enjoy the trip.
Vanessa Olivier
SCORM Delivery Manager / ISMS & QMS Internal Manager
Where did your career begin and how did you get to where you are with Safetrac?
I started studying a Bachelor of Business (Law) at Monash University, intending to do a Juris Doctor and eventually become a lawyer.
I had no idea there would be a career path available where I could use just my bachelor’s degree.
But I am sure glad I did! I first entered Safetrac as the Sales Administrator. Within a year, my passion for people and our clients led to a brand-new client-facing role as the LMS Client Relationship Representative. A couple more years of experience have allowed me to lead the SCORM team as the SCORM Delivery Manager.
My love for creating business processes also saw me have a dual role as ISMS & QMS Manager.
You recently became a first-time mother. How has this changed your personal and professional life?
Becoming a mum has been one of the most life-changing experiences.
Safetrac has been so supportive and caring in my new life transition. Being a full-time working mum has taught me the value of time management and motivation (and coffee!). It’s been quite challenging balancing the two roles, but it’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve done.
Before becoming a mother, work was my number one priority. However, my priorities (including sleep) have changed over time, but my love for people and my work have not.
What is your biggest accomplishment?
My biggest accomplishment in the last five years is that I’ve grown, changed, and become more confident, both professionally and personally, while developing my career at Safetrac.
As a working woman of colour, wife and new mother, I aim to #embraceequity so that when my daughter grows up, her and the future generation of women do not have to ever doubt themselves and their career paths, just because they are a female. But instead, embrace who they are and all that they have to offer the world
