In today’s fast-paced world, finding balance and making the most of our time can be a daunting challenge. Let’s face it—we’re not all superhumans who effortlessly manage multiple priorities.
As the CEO of Bowhill Engineering, I’d like to take you on a journey through the story of Boweng, offer some practical tips for navigating life’s complexities, and shed light on the strategic direction of the Regional Development Australia Murraylands and Riverland (RDAMR).
Boweng: Where It All Begins
Boweng is a second-generation family business that employs 60 dedicated staff and boasts an impressive annual turnover of $15 million. Our specialty? Heavy and complex structural steel, including bridge girders, ferries, and mining and defence equipment. It’s a dynamic and ever-evolving field that keeps me on my toes.
The Shifting Landscape: A Glimpse Into The Future
Recent conferences featuring futurists and economists have left me both exhilarated and overwhelmed. The world is changing at a rapid pace, thanks to the advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs). Tools like ChatGPT, Bard, CoPilot, and Magical are transforming industries and enhancing productivity in the workplace. So, familiarising ourselves with these tools is essential to thriving in the evolving landscape of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Prioritising The Priorities
The quote, “If we are all superheroes, then none of us are superheroes,” rings true in today’s world. Embracing available tools and technologies will be crucial in staying ahead. When it comes to managing workloads, it’s essential to distinguish between the “Important” and “Urgent” and the “Non-Important” and “Not Urgent.” How much of our daily grind falls into the category of busy work? How much of it can be eliminated or delegated? Prioritisation is key. Focus on your core tasks, your “rocks,” and delegate the rest. As they say, “Your greatest work will come from doing only what you can do and delegating the rest.”
Delegation And Accountability
If I had to pick a superpower, it would be delegation (though my family might not see it that way). Holding others accountable and maintaining impeccable organisation also play a crucial role in managing responsibilities effectively.
Balancing The Wellness Wheel
Picture a wheel, the Wellness Wheel, sliced into segments, each representing an important aspect of your life—family, work, community, sleep, nutrition, exercise, and spirituality. Rate yourself on how you’re doing in each area, and consider how much time you dedicate to these segments. Achieving balance and wellness means dedicating time to these key areas. Building healthy habits, even if it’s just 1% at a time, increases resilience, benefiting not only you but also your family and your work.
A Simple Prescription: Self-Care
We often overlook the simplest and most cost-effective self-care practices, like getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, spending time in nature, and engaging in regular exercise. Many of us are tired and worn out, yet we forget these fundamental practices in our over-scheduled lives. One-on-one check-ins with direct reports and key relationships, conducted weekly without exception, have proven to be a game-changer in supporting our staff. These check-ins provide a safe space for them to be heard, fostering trust and boosting team morale.
The Power of Networks
Building a network of support has been invaluable to me throughout my journey. Associations and groups like CCF, Business SA, The Executive Connection, Australian Steel Industry, AiGroup, Murraylands Manufacturing Alliance, and Family Business Australia have provided support, validation, and diverse perspectives. Often, we get stuck in our industry’s status quo and fail to explore potential and possibilities. Networks break these barriers and open doors to fresh ideas.
RDAMR: An Opportunity To Make A Difference
You might wonder why a mother of 4 and former CFO, now CEO of Bowhill Engineering takes on the role of Chair of the RDAMR. The answer lies in our purpose. “Together We Thrive” is more than just a motto; it’s a philosophy that encompasses security for our family and staff, sustainable work/life balance, and giving back to our community. Over the years, as the first two areas have been reasonably successful, it has allowed us to explore “giving back to our community” on a larger scale.
Our community is not confined to the physical boundaries of Bowhill; it extends to what’s special to each individual. It could be a church, sports, charity work, or simply helping a neighbour. This broader perspective led me to consider giving back on a larger scale.
Located centrally among three councils, with family ties to both the Murraylands and Riverland, RDAMR offered a unique opportunity. It allowed me to be the voice of small businesses, industry, and manufacturing in a region primarily dominated by agriculture and tourism.
Surprisingly, my roles as CEO of Bowhill Engineering and Chair of RDAMR share many common themes and issues. From fostering a positive workplace culture to devising marketing strategies, these similarities keep me grounded and focused on the bigger picture.
A CEO’s Perspective: Building Resilience
As a CEO, setting the strategic direction is my responsibility. Similarly, as Chair of RDAMR, I’m tasked with a similar role. To excel in both capacities, I must maintain a holistic view of the landscape, staying attuned to global and economic indicators and preparing for disruptions. This “helicopter view” starts with self-care—an essential aspect of well-being and psychological safety. The statistics on overwhelm and burnout in today’s world are staggering, emphasising the need for self-reflection and self-care.
RDAMR has recently unveiled its new strategic direction for 2023 and beyond. This shift is designed to move from “plans and reports” to “outcomes and implementation.” It’s a response to the changing economic landscape, emphasising well-being as a core measure of prosperity. The approach also addresses critical issues like suitable accommodation, health services, connectivity, and infrastructure—essential components of a thriving community.
Through the development of the Murraylands and Riverland Plan (MR Plan), in partnership with the MRLGA and MR Landscape Board, we engaged over 550 regional community members. This deep involvement revealed that our communities are acutely aware of global impacts on their lives and want to play a more active role in decision-making. Traditional approaches sometimes disempower our communities, and we’ve learned the importance of listening without judgment.
A New Strategic Direction: Looking Ahead
The RDAMR’s new Strategic Direction 2023+ is a culmination of our history, the voices of our regional communities, and the global context in which we operate. While our region remains strong in food production and manufacturing, we understand that staying the course won’t drive change. It’s time to embrace new approaches and lead the way toward a more resilient and sustainable future.
As we navigate change, build resilience, and thrive together in an evolving world, let’s remember that we don’t need to be superheroes to make a difference. By prioritising what truly matters, practising self-care, and fostering strong networks, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and our communities. Together, we can embrace the opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and ensure a prosperous tomorrow.
