Politics is something that’s kept popping up in my life, but only with the fortune of joining the Pathways to Politics program did I realise that making it part of my career could be a real possibility. As a 2025 WA alum, I’m excited about the path ahead and it’s an important moment to reflect on how I’ve come to be here.

It was my exuberant and quirky high school Political & Legal Studies teacher who first got me interested in the world of politics. After pursuing politics at uni, the theory turned into reality as I was exposed to the strategic interplay between politics, government, business and everyday working people as my career progressed in human resources, business transformation and leadership roles.

Moving into my own consulting practice in 2020 has had me working closely with CEOs and Executive leadership teams across various sectors – all who share common challenges in navigating systems where politics plays into every aspect of strategy and operational delivery – and not always for the better. The need for genuine outcomes focused collaboration with community (including organisations) and across political party lines seems to be desperately needed yet unnecessarily complicated and has left me pondering ‘why?’.

As my career has evolved and I’ve taken on parenting and other roles in my life, I’ve become more attuned to how politics can help or hinder our pursuit of healthy and productive lives. In recent years, I’ve felt a growing restlessness with the need for change. If I’m honest, I’ve been a long-time active observer and critic rather than activist, but with the rise of women into public office at all levels in recent years, my mindset has shifted from ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’ to ‘that could be me one day’.

What a privilege it has been to be a part of this program and something much bigger – a movement of inspiring women who literally can change politics and the world! The program has been truly transformative. The exposure to so many generous political leaders, insightful stories and experiences and practical skill building is phenomenal. It’s helped me see how the strengths I have in leading, coaching, strategy, communication and collaboration hold the potential to transfer into and be of value in the political sphere.

Pathways to Politics has given me the confidence to get more involved in my local community, to look for new opportunities to lead, and to use my experience and voice to take a more active role in making a positive difference. And best of all, it’s given me a community of supportive cheerleaders from whom I can continue to learn and grow.

“Pathways to Politics has given me the confidence to get more involved in my local community, to look for new opportunities to lead, and to use my experience and voice to take a more active role in making a positive difference. And best of all, it’s given me a community of supportive cheerleaders from whom I can continue to learn and grow.”

– Louise Gibson

A Different Kind of Power by Jacinda Ardern

‘I had not been everyone’s first image of a leader, including my own…But I had been a leader. And I had done it on my own terms’.

Role models like Jacinda are so vital to shifting the narrative and stereotypes that abound around leadership. Her story is testament to the fact you don’t need to make a choice between being true to who you are and making your mark on the world. You can lead through the hardest of times and make the toughest of decisions and still hold on to your empathy, care and genuine desire to connect with and positively impact people.

Find A Different Kind of Power online

Sex, Lies & Question Time by Kate Ellis

A powerful insight to the real challenges that face women in our national parliament (published 2021). The overarching premise of the book is that there is a whole lot of stuff that goes down in parliament that speaks to a toxic and harmful culture, yet overwhelmingly the female MPs interviewed said it’s all still worth it. This is an excellent resource for political leaders (and all leaders) to reflect on the role we all play in creating an environment that allows every person to be and bring their best to their work.

Find Sex, Lies & Question Time online

Forrest Research Foundation Clever Quokkas – Podcast

James Arvanitakis, Director of Forrest Research Foundation interviews Sophie Howe, former Future Generations Commissioner for Wales

A fascinating insight into Sophie Howe’s experience and impact led in her unique role of Future Generations Commissioner for Wales. The role was created under the world-first Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2025 to lead cross-government and community integration and collaboration and provide guidance and advice to inform public decision making in the interests of wellbeing and sustainability of the nation. Inspiration for all leaders and the world of politics!