Leader in focus, Vanessa Unwin

6 Mar 2024

Growing up with a sibling with Cerebral Palsy led Vanessa Unwin, Chief Executive Officer, St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital to find a great sense of joy and purpose in caring for others. 

“During my high school years I volunteered at a camp at Point Peron which my sister attended each year and found incredible joy empowering the participants to be ‘just like everyone else’. Like all good sibling relationships, my sister can drive me crazy, but through her I found a great sense of joy and purpose in caring for others,” said Vanessa.

Vanessa initially wanted to be a physiotherapist but ended up in nursing and has never looked back. While working at the Mater Hospital in Queensland a manager invited her to be the clinical lead for a major project, an opportunity which led her into future management and Leadership roles. 

“I’d like to say I was natural when I started, but I was far from it. There are a lot of new skills you have to learn when you take on a management role. You may have some natural leadership talent but you still have to refine and develop your skills, be open to learning a lot about yourself [the good and the bad stuff] and reflecting on your practice with the intention to do better.” 

Since her time working at St John of God Health Care, Vanessa has realised that it’s the Mission and Values of the organisation that make it feel different, as well as the people she gets to work with. “I have to say that what has kept me at St John of God Health Care for so many years is the amazing people I get to work with each and every day. They have the same motivation as I do and genuinely care for each other and our patients.” 

As a woman in a leadership role Vanessa believes females bring a unique perspective to these positions. 

“I think I have been very fortunate to have worked in organisations where capability was recognised before gender. I have always been supported and encouraged by those in roles above me, both men and women, to take the next step and advance my career,” Vanessa said.

“That said, I truly believe women are different, we have something unique to offer. To be feminine is to be, nurturing and compassionate. You might hear these traits being called soft skills, but I think they are our superpower. They help us to bring a different perspective, develop meaning relationships, be genuine and authentic leaders.

“I often wonder where I would be without the encouragement I have had from those in positions above me?  I find women inherently tend to doubt their capability and lack the confidence to apply for promotional positions. I believe everyone in positions of power, both men and women, have a responsibility to encourage woman to put their hat in the ring.   

“I also encourage women to just ‘give it a go’. If there is an opportunity to be part of a project, a quality improvement an acting manager position, put your hand up. Who knows you might get picked and have an opportunity like I did to grow your skills and your confidence.”