Human on the Inside with Woods Consulting
Human on the Inside. We’re big believers in the power of human skills. But don’t just take our word for it - the evidence for excellence powered by human (‘soft’) skills is everywhere! In this engaging, ever-enlightening series, we speak with industry leaders, innovators and game-changers to learn a little about their personal career journeys, and how human-led strategies, philosophies and cultures are proving a force for good in their working worlds …
Maxme: Welcome Joy, and thanks for stepping into the #SuccessIsHuman Spotlight!
You’re the Founder and Managing Director Woods Consulting, a Safeguarding Consultancy working to build safe and effective services for children.
In 1 sentence (ok, we’ll give you 3), what does this role entail?
Joy Woods: A child’s experiences in life are impactful and long lasting - I make sure that governments and organisations don't forget our role - as adults- is to positively impact childrens’ experiences of life in Australia or within their services.
Practically this involves supporting boards’ understanding of their risks, how to build assurances, and advising Governments on how we can legislate on the best interest of children. We also work with organisations to build safe cultures for children.
M: Whilst you established your own consulting firm 2.5 years ago, your career is of course much deeper. Starting out as a Child Wellbeing Development Officer with NPY Women's Council in Alice Springs, to working with Uniting as program coordinator and then Child Advocate before becoming Program Director- Safeguarding. Your experience covers six jurisdictions including remote Central Australia, and you bring a unique national perspective to your advice, a deep respect of the experiences of First Nations and practical application of child safeguarding, and human rights.
How does all this work speak to your personal purpose and what drives you as an individual?
JW: I think I’ll flip that around to how my personal purpose drives the work I do.
I had a very unconventional upbringing. My mum started a Christian Community in Goulburn when she was 21, and my three older sisters were born into ‘community life’. I grew up with people from all walks of life; people living with a disability; going to Wilcannia for holidays with best friends who were Aboriginal.
Later in life, in Alice Springs, I would ride home via my dad’s work and an Aboriginal community centre and sit with the elders having a yarn or just observing. I would spend school holidays with my mum, playing balloon tennis with the oldies in a nursing home.
My parents set the example. Kindness, care. Open hearts.
I had never thought of these people as disadvantaged or vulnerable - they were my friends, people to play with, people to laugh with. As I got older I realised that not everyone thought the same way - and people in power either didn’t think they existed or didn’t care about their experiences. Injustice rocks me to my core.
My ‘career’ chose me, it’s my being. My purpose in life is to be that voice that provides an introduction to those less fortunate. For them to tell their story. I’ve been so humbled to have heard peoples stories and I’m in a privileged position that those in power listen to me and are open to that introduction.
Those introductions take on many different forms: human centred design, consultation, accessibility, risk management, Boards asking the right questions. Ultimately challenging those in power to consider if the decisions they’re making are in the genuine best interest of children.
M: Tell us a little about your personal education pathway/s - what led you to where you are now? How closely do your formal qualifications match your current career?
JW: Well, I studied exercise science and nutrition - so there is almost zero alignment there. Honestly, I didn’t even know these types of jobs existed.
My current career has been shaped by two things (along with the reasons above):
Strategic mindset and strategic relationships. I got this from my mum - she had some pretty serious backing to acquire a multimillion dollar property at the age of 21 to start a community and get people to buy into her vision. But in every job I would always look at how I can improve the experiences of children. I’m curious. I want to understand who’s in charge, who makes the decisions and how do I get access to them to make things better. This has enabled me to be in room with CEOs, Boards and Commissioners.
Incredible mentors and bosses. I have been extremely lucky to have three specific bosses who saw potential in me: challenged me, included me in the big conversations and decisions, backed me, advocated for me and put me through different types of courses like project management, audit, and strategic leadership. Knowledge I didn’t think I needed at the time but have been foundational in my success now as a consultant.
M: If you could share one piece of career advice to your 21 year old self it would be ...
JW: Be kind, be gentle. Trust the process. Not everyone thinks like you, but it is your job to help them see what you see, it takes time to influence.
M: Maximising the potential of individuals, communities and businesses through the power of human skills is the reason Maxme exists. Can you tell us a little about the role and / or value of human skills in your workplace right now?
JW: My personal and company values of authenticity, connection, committed to outcomes and excellence are grounded in human skills. They are foundational in who I am and what I look for when looking to work with clients.
M: Self Awareness sets the critical foundation for all Maxme learning experiences. With that said … What's your strongest trait / personal superpower?
JW: I think empathy and a growth mindset. Holding who I am as representative of children or those less fortunate is a privilege I don’t take lightly.
And I’m an open book. If I stuff up - I’ll own it and ask for ways to improve. It might not always be easy, but I’m always looking for ways to grow and do better.
M: And on the flip side, what’s one human / ‘soft’ skill you’ve had to really work on improving over the course of your career?
JW: I touched on this in my words to my 21 year old self, be gentle. I’ve definitely softened in my approach over the years. I used to be pretty blunt when people couldn’t see the so-called ‘obvious’ things. Now, as a business owner, I can’t be an expert in everything and I need others to guide and support me.
Most people are trying their best and have good intentions - so now it’s about how I can be patient, kind, gentle to support them along the journey.
M: If you could share one piece of career advice with recent Uni graduates or candidates keen to set up their own consulting firm, what would it be?
JW: Get your hands dirty first. Find your passion and work in that field, know what the challenges are on the ground.
A lot of my success comes from knowing first hand the challenges within the sectors I work in.
That holds significant weight, and gains the respect of those people within the organisations I work with.
M: You’ve been granted approval to add one University graduate to your team, but have 100 applicants, all with outstanding academic results. How do you find your perfect candidate - what are you looking for?
JW: Integrity, impact, and someone I’d like to have a glass of wine with if I’m completely honest.
How did they go about challenging the status quo and why; and
Ability to see the big picture with a clear approach on how to get there.
M: In the words of John Dewey, “education is not preparation for life, education is life itself.”
What’s next on your #learning agenda?
JW: Building on balance. Giving myself space, time to process and think strategically and knowing there will be times of busyness, pressure. So, identifying when each of those are needed: accepting and celebrating this and knowing both are needed to be sustainable as a company and human.
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