At Aspen Medical, a team of accomplished women is driving success and innovation in the healthcare sector. Together, they lead with a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Their stories reflect resilience, the power of community, and the balance required to thrive both personally and professionally.
What inspired you to pursue a career in your field, and how did you get started?
Jessica: Having spent nearly nine years at Aspen Medical, it has been the people around me that have inspired me to achieve what I have done so far in my career. Their dedication, passion and commitment is to be admired. I have been involved in some truly wonderful projects making a difference to so many lives across rural and remote Australia, and the world. I have always found Aspen Medical to have an environment that supports and encourages career progression. I have been supported and mentored in my career starting as a Travel Coordinator, and now lead an amazing team as National Manager of one of our programs.
What moment in your career are you most proud of, and why does it stand out to you?
Charlene: Throughout my career, I’ve taken pride in delivering excellent legal services that achieve practical and pragmatic outcomes for my clients. However, a standout moment came in 2023 when Aspen Medical’s in-house legal team was honoured with the Lawyers Weekly Healthcare Team of the Year. During a shocked impromptu acceptance speech, I quickly reflected on the tireless efforts of not only our Legal team but also our broader Aspen Medical colleagues, who played a crucial role in the preparation, execution and success of our domestic and international projects. This moment was particularly special as it celebrated the collective professionalism of three remarkable women in Legal who consistently supported each other through the challenging times of COVID-19.
What are your favourite things about living and working in the Canberra region?
Hayley: Until you immerse yourself in life in Canberra, you don’t realise the depth of businesses taking home-grown expertise to the world. To be able to balance family life with rewarding and engaging work makes living and working in Canberra so enjoyable.
What advice do you have for young people looking to enter the working world?
Charlene: There’s an old saying that reminds us why we have two ears, two eyes, and only one mouth: to listen and observe more than we speak. Inexperienced employees will progress slower if they don’t listen, learn, or show professionalism. My advice would be to always listen – soft skills such as emotional intelligence, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are invaluable for career progression. Dedicate 10 minutes a day to self-improvement, whether it’s enhancing leadership skills, fostering a positive mindset, strengthening relationships, or promoting resilience. Secondly, keep learning. In a world where both employers and employees face environmental and technological disruptions, the ability to learn, adapt, and stay resilient is crucial. Lastly, be professional and authentic. To have a more fulfilling and satisfying career, find a job and employer that aligns with your core values. Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, and how we react to those challenges is likely to direct our next professional opportunity.
What drives you to continuously enhance your professional skills?
Emily: I have been fortunate to work with so many brilliant people who have demonstrated what great leadership and expertise looks like in action. They have left a lasting impression on me and have motivated me to upskill and continually grow as I strive to one day come close to their level of capability.
How significant is the support of family and friends in helping you throughout your career and life?
Emily: It has been hugely significant, and I wouldn’t be where I am without my support crew. Having a team of cheerleaders behind you is important not only when things are going well, but also when you need a confidence boost or a reality check. Friends and family always have my back and provide me with a fresh perspective. I have also found great support in having informal and formal mentors who provide impartial perspectives.
Have you faced any major challenges in your career? If so, how did you overcome them?
Gemma: I have been lucky not to have any major challenges. However, frequent interstate moves for my partner’s work over the last decade made it challenging to maintain career stability. Each relocation meant rebuilding personal networks and adapting to new surroundings, all whilst managing work responsibilities. During this time, Aspen Medical provided the flexibility I needed to continue my career despite the frequent relocations. Their support with remote work options and adaptable schedules enabled me to overcome the challenges of moving without sacrificing my career. It highlights the importance of supportive workplaces in helping to navigate the difficulties of balancing family commitments and professional growth.
Outside of work, what activities or passions keep you energised?
Jessica: Not one to sit still, you’ll always find me out and about with friends, exploring new places across our Canberra region and the country. In my role, I have travelled to many wonderful locations across rural and remote Australia. My favourite region to visit is South Australia with many wonderful rural towns and communities to visit. We are privileged to support so many of these communities, it is wonderful to meet those that we support in person. I’m looking forward to exploring more local communities and towns across Australia. I also enjoy a good red wine and South Australia has some wonderful wineries to explore.
What are your top tips for creating a healthy work-life balance?
Hayley: Setting boundaries and learning how to say “no”. Something I have learnt with age and time and not always easy to achieve, it’s a work in constant progress. If I can do so, I outsource, otherwise balls are dropped. I’ve also become a guru at calendar management, I use an app and would be lost without it.
Aspen Medical
2 King Street, Deakin 2600
