While she now oversees a program that changes young people's lives through youth mentoring services, chief executiveof Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia, Sherilyn Hanson, started her career in a very different field.
"I worked in clothing manufacturing, which I stumbled into that from a very young age," she says.
An eventual move to running her own business - a clothing shop - for 10 years allowed her to learn some surprising business lessons.
"Running my own business is where I learned about community development and engaging the community. It was all about relationship building. I never realised at the time it would be so useful, but so many of the principles I work to were shaped by those 10 years," she says.
Eventually, Hanson decided on a sea change. After initially leaning towards a career in sport she ended upvolunteering at a youth detention centre as part of further study.
"I loved it. I loved working with young people and to use my skills in a completely different way, to help people less fortunate than me." Now, as CEO, she only manages a small paid staff of about seven. However, the organisation's volunteer workforce is significant, with about 1000 volunteers across Australia, and about 40 active volunteers in the national office.
"I always say that I have a virtual workforce." Working with volunteers takes a considered leadership approach.
"You always have to honour the efforts of that volunteer, and find a way to integrate their thoughts and ideas into your greater strategy. Their effort needs to be used, so everyone feels they're doing their bit."
CURRICULUM VITAE Name: Sherilyn Hanson Current position: CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters
Australia responsibilities: Building a great team of staff and volunteers who are passionate about helping children to unlock their potential.
Education: Dual Diploma in Management and Sport and Recreation, NMIT
Additional training/courses: Folio Community Leadership Program, Leadership Victoria, 2010; Diploma in Project Management, YMCA, 2009.
Professional associations: Leadership Victoria, Alumni 2010; Council Member, Australia Youth Mentoring Network (peak youth mentoring body).
Honourable mentions: National Certificate of Merit - Australia Crime Prevention Awards, 2010; developed a social enterprise (Rebuild Facility Services), employing young offenders to rebuild their life after offending (four years old and still going strong).
Strength: Because I've worked on the ground in program development with young people I understand operationally what our workers are going through. I can take that information and think strategically with it; that bridges the divide often seen between strategy and operations.
Weakness: I ask way too much of people, and in my excitement to make change happen I can want things too quickly.
Management style and tips: My management style asks: "What if?" I'm not a believer of doing things the same way just because that's what you've always done.
Work motto: If you're going to do something, do it to 100 per cent of your ability, or don't start it at all.
