Monica Attard is a renowned Australian journalist celebrated for her work with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) as a foreign correspondent in Russia during the collapse of the Soviet Union, a tenure that earned her international recognition and the prestigious Gold Walkley Award. With a journalism career spanning more than four decades, she has been acknowledged with the Order of Australia Medal for her contributions to journalism. Currently, Monica serves as the head of journalism at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), where she influences the next generation of journalists, focusing on ethics, truth-telling, and public accountability.

Key Takeaways:

Monica Attard's career was shaped significantly by her experiences as a foreign correspondent in Russia, particularly during the Soviet Union's collapse.

The episode highlights the challenges journalists face in maintaining impartiality amidst a shifting media landscape and digital transformation.

Monica emphasises the potential of young journalists to make meaningful impacts in the industry, provided they adhere to foundational ethics and objectivity.

The discussion underscores the evolving nature of journalism, with emerging voices often blending advocacy with traditional reporting.

Monica shares her personal journey and the influence of her educational background at Santa Sabina College on her career and ethical standards.

Notable Quotes:

"It's one of those things where you just never live it down and you regret forevermore that it was ever publicly known." - Monica Attard

"The west didn't handle the collapse particularly well. And as a result, you know, we have Vladimir Putin motivated by grievance with the way the west has treated Russia." - Monica Attard

"Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the geopolitics of the world has been kind of spun on its head." - Monica Attard

"In my view, journalism that's not impartial is not journalism." - Monica Attard

"I never, ever questioned my place in leadership. You know, I never did. I just never did." - Monica Attard

Resources:

• Monica Attard's profile at the University of Technology Sydney: UTS Journalism
• Santa Sabina College Ex Students Association: Santa Sabina College

For any thoughts, comments and suggestions regarding this episode, feel free to contact us at santaexstudents@gmail.com. Join the conversation on Santa Sabina College Alumni Facebook Group.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About the Guest:

Carolee Williamson swapped corporate finance at Ernst & Young for one of the world's toughest gigs—U.S. diplomacy in crisis zones. Over 15 years, she's navigated complex assignments across Kabul, Beirut, Jerusalem, Washington, Kuwait, and Ho Chi Minh City, leading teams through genuine life-or-death situations.

What makes Carolee's story compelling isn't just her diplomatic achievements—it's her advocacy for mental health and community building while serving American foreign policy interests in some of the planet's most challenging environments.

Key Takeaways:

Carolee Williamson emphasises the importance of intention and active choice in career progression, focusing on skills that are transferable globally.

Her transition from corporate finance to diplomacy was driven by a desire to make a global impact and contribute to meaningful change.

Carolee shares profound insights into building community and fostering inclusivity, especially while living abroad.

The conversation highlights the crucial role of language skills in immersion and understanding cultural nuances, enhancing diplomatic relations.

Carolee advocates for mental health awareness, emphasising personal care routines and institutional changes to support wellbeing in high-stress environments.

Notable Quotes:

"I like to make every day matter. Every day we're here, we're doing something, we're not just existing."

"When you move around so often, you really have to not be willing to say no to an invitation."

"It's important when you're doing that to still create a safe space for people."

"You've got to go out and try and meet people. You can't just sit in your house alone."

"You can't understand a culture unless you've at least understood a little bit of the language."

For any thoughts, comments and suggestions regarding this episode, feel free to contact us at santaexstudents@gmail.com. Join the conversation on Santa Sabina College Alumni Facebook Group.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About the Guests:

Paula Duncan AM: An acclaimed Australian actress, Paula Duncan has received multiple Logie Awards and an Order of Australia for her contributions to acting and charity work. She is also an ambassador for women's health and actively involved in organizations supporting people with disabilities.

Bridget Clark: Accomplished rugby player, Bridget Clark is a prominent member of the Australian national Rugby Sevens team and an Olympian who competed in the Paris 2024 games. Her commitment to the sport exemplifies dedication and perseverance.

Amy Rickson: Currently the Chief People Officer at Hub24 Limited, Amy Rickson specializes in human resources with a focus on gender equality in the workplace. She speaks passionately about bridging inequality and supporting women in their careers.

Annabelle Cowley: A software engineer at Canva and diversity and inclusion advocate at UTS, Annabelle Cowley is invested in making the tech industry more inclusive and equitable for women and minorities.

Episode Summary:

This episode of "Exceptional," we dive into Santa Sabina College's International Women's Day event "March Forward"—a powerful panel showcasing how Old Girls are smashing barriers across Australia.

Paula Duncan kicks things off with her no-nonsense approach to resilience, sharing how she pushes through when the pressure's on. Then Bridget Clark takes us from local rugby fields straight to Olympic glory. Amy Rickson and Annabelle Cowley tackle the workplace challenges women face daily. They address bias issues plaguing Australia's tech industry or how these systemic problems block career advancement. Instead, they share practical strategies for navigating these challenges while pushing for genuine diversity and inclusion.

Key Takeaways:

Resilience in Action: Paula Duncan emphasizes the importance of not giving up and trusting your instincts, as demonstrated through her personal and professional experiences.

Perseverance in Sports: Bridget Clark testifies to the power of hard work and perseverance, sharing her journey from a student at Santa Sabina to an Olympic rugby player.

Gender Equality: Amy Rickson discusses the barriers in workplaces regarding gender equality and highlights systemic biases and the solutions being implemented to promote diversity.

Financial Independence: Guests stress the importance of financial literacy and independence for young women, encouraging education and self-advocacy.

Supportive Community: The episode underscores the importance of community, mentorship, and the role of women's networks in advancing personal and professional growth.

Notable Quotes:

Paula Duncan: "Persistency, endurance, bravery, and courage are strong elements in the areas I've worked in."

Bridget Clark: "The hard work really does pay off; perseverance really paid off."

Amy Rickson: "Unconscious bias is the number one challenge—it exists everywhere, and understanding it is crucial."

Annabelle Cowley: "Spend your time where you're happiest; enjoy what's in front of you right now."

Paula Duncan: "Trust your instincts more—mentally, physically, and emotionally."

For any thoughts, comments and suggestions regarding this episode, feel free to contact us at santaexstudents@gmail.com. Join the conversation on Santa Sabina College Alumni Facebook Group.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.