OFTEN FINDING HERSELF WORKING IN MALE-DOMINATED INDUSTRIES, JUDY BAILEY HAS NEVER BEEN DETERRED BY THE CHALLENGE. FROM CSIRO, TO THE DIVERSE INDUSTRIES OF MEAT, HEALTH, SCIENCE, QUARANTINE, INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES AND FAMILY AND DISABILITY, JUDY SHARES WITH KRISTEN RODER HOW SHE TREASURES THE OPPORTUNITY TO MENTOR OTHERS IN THE WORKPLACE AND THE COMMUNITY.

If Judy Bailey had been told when waiting restaurant tables in 1978 she would one day become the executive director of a number of high-profile organisations, be responsible for the delivery of significant major projects like the Maroochy Boulevard Interchange, manage budgets of more than $222 million and be a state finalist for the Telstra Business Woman of the Year, she probably would have laughed in disbelief.
But chatting with Judy among the hustle and bustle of her office at Unitywater, it is immediately obvious how a woman who started out with no formal university qualifications has managed to work her way through the ranks and break head-first through the ubiquitous glass ceiling.
The passion in her words is unmistakable and you feel a certain sense of confidence and belief that anything is possible when in her presence. Some of her colleagues call her a quiet achiever, however after spending just an hour with her for this interview; I would call her a ‘high’ achiever.
“Never look at situations as boundaries,” Judy says. “I firmly believe that if you have the energy, flexibility and commitment to your career and to enhancing your personal growth, there really is nothing holding you back.”
Judy started her career in the corporate world as a typist at CSIRO, and attributes her strong work ethic and drive to parents Pat and Terry, who set the stage for her life values. “They were hard workers and have always given a huge amount to the community in which they lived,” Judy said. “During my childhood, my parents – apart from bringing up three girls – also looked after 13 foster children and worked in a variety of roles.”
At times when Judy had completed all her assigned tasks at CSIRO, she would wander into the human resources department and lend a hand. This is where her passion for people development emerged. “From there, it seemed a natural progression to move into the HR arena, so I got some formal qualifications and skills under my belt and grabbed hold of the people development opportunity with both hands.”
Judy merged into the HR, IR and organisational development fields and focused a great deal of her attention on leadership and management for the Australian Geological Survey, Health Insurance Commission, Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service and Department of Families, Youth and Community Care. It was here she developed a love for mentoring others. “I treasure every opportunity to mentor individuals and teams in my workplace and in the community,” Judy says. “Often times, people can’t see in themselves what you see. It is a tremendous honour to be able to look back on the journey others have travelled and see the small part you may have played in helping build their self confidence and belief that they can do or achieve anything.”
Perhaps the reason Judy has become so successful in the corporate and government arena is due to her people-focus and courage to jump into the unknown and take on any role offered.
In what Judy describes as “the best job ever,” she was the first non-engineer to work in the infrastructure services area of the old Maroochy Shire Council and had a large number of engineers reporting to her.
When questioned about whether she faced any opposition as a woman in a primarily male-dominated field, Judy is somewhat pensive. “Maybe engineers as an institution might have found my appointment challenging – I was told they did – but most of the men working with me were very open to it and were supportive of my approach.”
Judy says, “You don’t have to be specialised and you don’t have to know everything to be successful. It’s more about valuing people for what they bring to the job. The way you work and communicate with people speaks for itself. Sunshine Coast Council CEO, John Knaggs once told me that my greatest strengths are leading and implementing change and these are the reason I’ve had such amazing roles that are unusual in terms of what would normally be a ‘shire engineer’ type role,” Judy said.
Judy is the first to admit her career has had its ups and downs. At one stage, she was transferred into a role where some staff members clearly did not support her appointment. She says, “I remember ringing up my husband and children in tears when I was working in Queensland and they were still based in Canberra. You grow and you realise that everyone doesn’t have to like you; what is really important is they respect you.”
Judy says moving to the Sunshine Coast was the best decision she and her family ever made. She has gone on to fulfil managerial roles at both Maroochy Shire Council and Sunshine Coast Water and is now the Executive Manager of Retail Operations at new retail water business, Unitywater. She also claims her passion lies in making a difference both in the workplace and the wider community. “My team is brilliant. We are in a very challenging business set up stage and yet they repeatedly dive off the high board with me and every day we walk back up the steps and learn something new about the business. It’s so important we add value in the services we deliver. I am very conscious of ensuring a sustainable future for my kids and grandkids.”
The smile that lights up Judy’s face as she speaks of her family makes it clear she is very much the devoted wife, mother and grandmother. “I have a strong commitment to family first, although it’s fair to say my work ethic sometimes challenges this,” Judy says. “I count myself extremely lucky to have such a supportive family. I am extremely proud of them and am trying my hardest to get the work-life balance in check.”
Judy says she regrets foregoing finding more time to read and do yoga and meditation. She currently reenergises by riding her bike, running, walking on the beach and relaxing with family and friends and says she dreams of one day travelling to Paris.
She is also a keen marathon runner, having run the 42km marathon in Hawaii both in 2008 and 2009, despite injured knees. “Disappointed with my 2008 run, I only signed up for the 10km race in 2009.  Then I read a great book called Marathon You Can Do It on the plane over there and was so motivated, I paid an outrageous late fee and ran the full 42km,” Judy laughs. “I loved every minute. It felt fabulous and I was extremely proud of myself.”
So what does the future hold for Judy Bailey?
Judy is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her third grandchild In July and looks forward to celebrating her mum’s 80th birthday. As for her career, she is focused on getting Unitywater up and running and will then look towards making use of her company director qualifications.
“I am keen to get more actively involved with the Sunshine Coast community and to continue my mentoring and championing of bright, young people in the workforce.”
And after that? Well there’s always Paris.