EVEN Member Story: How Brenda Is Moving From Doer to Leader in Construction and Mining
Making the Move From Doer to Leader
Brenda has spent the past decade on some of Australia's largest construction and mining projects, delivering work for both private and public sector clients across the country. She is good at what she does. After years as a self-described 'doer', she was ready for her next step: growing into a people leader.
"In my previous roles I've mostly been a 'doer', and over the past year I've been striving to move into a leadership position."
That ambition was backed early. Brenda's organisation selected her for EVEN membership, an investment in its high potential women and their growth. It is the kind of support that helps women keep building momentum through mid-career, the stage where many are ready to step up into leadership.
"It was encouraging to be selected by my organisation's leadership to participate. From the start, my goal was to equip myself with the tools to increase my visibility, so I could step forward and develop as a people leader."
Brenda got even more than she planned for. "I'm so pleased that I've gotten so much more out of EVEN."
How EVEN's Personal Board of Directors Changed the Way Brenda Leads
The part Brenda values most is the group coaching. EVEN's Personal Board of Directors model places a small group of women from different industries in a coaching group that meets regularly, works through real challenges together, and is guided by an EVEN coach.
"The structure brought together peers with similar paths and career ambitions, which made the experience especially impactful. Through this, I've formed meaningful friendships, learned more practical applications from the content, and gained opportunities to develop my own coaching skills."
Evidence, Intuition, and Better Career Decisions
Brenda describes herself as someone who trusts data, so what surprised her was how much EVEN sharpened the parts of decision-making that data alone can't reach.
"EVEN has been the most well-rounded development I've participated in, combining practical problem solving with scientific data to provide a solid foundation for making great career decisions. As someone who values evidence-based decision making, I've learned how to incorporate intuition and adapt my thought processes when making decisions."
That progress happened in an environment she trusted. "EVEN features incredible coaches and participants who create a safe space to explore ideas and offer support throughout your growth journey."
A Plan for Work, and for Life
What set EVEN apart for Brenda was that it treated her career and her life as one picture.
"It not only focuses on professional progression but also helps you develop a sustainable plan for your personal life, allowing you to honour your values and aspirations as you make plans for your future."
For someone whose decade in construction and mining has meant demanding projects across the country, a plan built around her own values, and not just her next role, marks a real shift. It is the same thinking that shapes the advice she would give anyone joining: protect your time, and make the most of it.
What Brenda Would Tell Women Considering EVEN
Brenda is clear that EVEN rewards what you put in.
"EVEN guides you step by step in real time, rather than focusing on take-away assignments, which makes it unique and ensures you access practical and valuable information throughout. Enjoy the experience and connect with your peers, as the chance to learn from and support each other is truly impactful."
If Brenda’s experience resonates, EVEN membership is designed for ambitious women at mid-career who are ready to invest in themselves.