Armidale women were encouraged to challenge false assumptions and find opportunities in derailed plans at the Welder’s Dog Brewery on Thursday, October 24. For the past five years, HealthWISE has been fostering idea-sharing among women in business and leadership through The Exchange networking events. Thursday’s event was supported by a community grant from Armidale Regional Council.
Embracing disruption as a catalyst for change was the theme when guest speaker Dr Erica Smith shared the winding path that led her to become an Associate Professor in Chemistry and Deputy Head of the School of Science and Technology at the University of New England (UNE).
“My life has been a series of disruptions,” she said.
Chemistry was never part of the plan for Dr Smith, who considered science her worst subject at school. But the shock of failing her second year of university despite her natural academic ability pushed her to engage more with her studies and discover an interest in the field.
She urged participants to “listen really hard to that little voice in your head, which may be saying something quite unexpected or even outrageous,” because she believes that is “when a disruption can fertilise an idea or an action”.
After becoming a chemist, Dr Smith’s willingness to listen to her gut instead of following traditional pathways took her all over the world – from researching in the UK to solo travel everywhere from Russia to Cambodia. Earning her doctorate in the United States, Dr Smith eventually made her way back to Australia – arriving in Armidale while expecting her first child to research computational animal genetics with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).
She’s found two of her greatest joys in life as a mother and educator at UNE; neither of which were part of the plan. Dr Smith said the crux of embracing disruption and new ideas in the professional sphere was in finding “your tribe” to collaborate with, staying positive and backing yourself.
“With the onslaught of technology, our humanity and creativity are what brings mystery, joy and pleasure into our lives. Don’t take yourself too seriously, and tread lightly and with empathy. We never know what someone else is going through,” she said.
The women had a chance to put Dr Smith’s lessons to the test, as they workshopped their own ideas with their peers. A unique format designed to disrupt thinking and tap into the diverse perspectives of participants, those with an idea presented to their table and took questions before remaining silent and listening to the group discuss the challenges involved. They then rejoined the conversation to reflect on the idea and if the group brainstorm had clarified their plans.
Ideas discussed included improving engagement for community consultation in council projects, recycling clothes when local options are limited and connecting with food banks and other sources to reduce food waste. Presenters found the process helped streamline their thinking and develop a plan of action.
