Jacqui is currently working at QSuper in their Member Experience division as a Sponsorship Specialist. She has over 15 years experience in Marketing communications, Brand strategy, Sponsorship and Event management across a variety of industries. She has also taught both Marketing and PR subjects for Swinburne Online. Recently, she has switched to a part-time role to give her time to focus on starting to take trail running tours around Australia & NZ through GirlsTrek.
What is your favourite, or most used, inspirational quote?
I have a few…. A favourite is one my Grandfather used to say, and I only recently found out it’s actually by an Australian poet, Adam Lindsay Gordon. ‘Life is mostly froth and bubble; two things stand like stone; kindness is another’s troubles, courage in your own’. My Grandfather definitely lived his live with this idea. He once told me that wherever he’d lived, he was always really lucky to have nice neighbours. I reminded him that it was probably because he was always an excellent, helpful neighbour!
What does great decision making look and feel like for you?
Trying to have all the information needed available to you to make a decision. This isn’t always possible, however I think it’s important to still make one. If it ends up being the ‘wrong’ one, then you can change at another point. Trying not to fixate on a decision and being open to change your opinion if new information appears is important.
When was a time you were at your decision making best?
I feel like I’m a better decision maker when I make them quickly and work with the outcome. I’m definitely a planner, so I’m happier moving on to the planning phase post the decision making rather than agonising over the decision itself.
Who inspires you? Why?
Lots of people on a daily basis! My kids, family, friends, colleagues – I’m always curious about people and over the last few years have realised that everyone you meet has their own challenges they’re dealing with. Everyone is trying their best and is therefore inspiring to me in their own way.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to be a better decision maker?
Try to stay calm, don’t get caught up in any drama/politics around a decision and clearly communicate the reasons for making a decision.
What are you reading/watching at the moment?
I wish I could say something insightful, however at the moment I’m resorting to a bit of escapism! I’m re-watching Brooklyn 99 and The Good Place with two of my kids – it’s just as much fun watching them get the jokes as it is watching it myself. The Good Place is surprisingly good at starting some discussions around ethics too.
What is the most effective strategy you use for keeping your Ape (your emotional reactive state) in check?
Running – definitely running! I’ve always used exercise as a way of improving mental health and every time I run it clears my head and makes me feel calmer.
What type of decision maker are you?
6 months ago I was an ‘Achieving Strategist’ and now I’m a ‘Questioning Strategist’. This is possibly due to the current times we’re living in!
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