In this next episode of The Courage to Lead Interview Series, we talk to the newly elected Mayor of Willoughby Council, for her 2nd Term, Tanya Taylor
High School and Early Influences
Tanya Taylor’s leadership journey began in high school, where she was elected as a prefect. This early experience instilled a sense of responsibility and a passion for organising events and bringing people together. Tanya attributes her inclination towards leadership to her upbringing, particularly her mother, a community nurse, and her father, who was involved in community building before his passing when Tanya was just four years old.
Community Engagement in Queenstown, Tasmania
Growing up in the small, isolated community of Queenstown, Tasmania, had a significant impact on Tanya’s values and sense of community. Her experiences in such a close-knit environment shaped her understanding of the importance of community engagement and support.
Transition to Event Management
Tanya’s career in event management began when she worked for a professional conference organiser in Sydney, managing large international events. Despite her success, she felt a lack of fulfillment, prompting her to seek more meaningful community involvement.
Starting a Business and Navigating Challenges
Tanya started her own business to explore different types of events, including film premieres and product launches. She identified a gap in the market and started a recruitment business to connect freelancers with businesses needing staff during peak times. However, the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and the birth of her third child brought significant changes.
Personal Experiences with Disability
Tanya’s son, Daniel, has cerebral palsy, and her experiences as a mother have deeply influenced her leadership style and commitment to community service. She emphasises the importance of advocacy and support for families in similar situations.
Impact of COVID-19 on Community Work
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tanya was seconded to the grants team at the City of Sydney, where she transitioned from seeking sponsorship for events to distributing grants. This shift allowed her to work with food relief organisations and provide business grants to support local businesses.
Compassionate Leadership
Tanya’s leadership style is characterised by compassion, courage, and creativity. She emphasises the need for leaders to be empathetic, take bold actions when necessary, and think innovatively to drive positive change.
Key Takeaways:
Compassion:** Show empathy and understanding towards others, especially in challenging situations.
Courage:** Be willing to take bold actions and make difficult decisions when necessary.
Creativity:** Think outside the box and find innovative solutions to problems.
Communication and Transparency
Tanya practices sharing social media updates after council meetings to enhance transparency and ensure that the community understands the council’s decisions and actions.
An example of a Mayoral Update after each Council Meeting:
Managing Burnout
Tanya acknowledges the importance of maintaining a work-life balance for mental health and family well-being. She emphasises the need to prioritise relationships outside of work and take mental health breaks when needed.
Continuous Learning
Tanya pursued a degree in community development at 47 years old, highlighting the importance of continuous learning for effective leadership.
Conclusion
Tanya Taylor’s journey into leadership and her experiences as the Mayor of Willoughby offer valuable insights for aspiring leaders and community advocates. Her commitment to community building, advocacy for disability support, and compassionate leadership style serve as an inspiration for others. By embracing early leadership experiences, seeking fulfillment in meaningful work, advocating for important causes, and maintaining a work-life balance, you can make a positive impact in your community and beyond.
Key Takeaways:
Embrace your roots and early experiences to shape your leadership journey.
Seek fulfillment in work that aligns with your values and passions.
Advocate for causes that are important to you and build support networks.
Practice compassionate leadership and transparent communication.
Prioritize work-life balance and continuous learning for personal and professional growth.
To listen to the whole interview just click the PLAY button below.