Meet the leaders: Georgie Dent

Georgie Dent is CEO of The Parenthood, a not-for-profit advocacy organisation representing parents and carers. She’s also a writer, journalist and former lawyer. In this profile she shares the words that changed the course of her career. 

What is the best piece of feedback you’ve received?
Being told that my words have helped people to find their way.

What advice would you give to anyone juggling work and other life commitments?
My advice is that life will only ever feel “neat” in fleeting moments. Juggling work and life is invariably messy and being comfortable with that mess is far easier than seeking to create perfect order. 

Building in micro-moments of joy and fun is important. Time for that stuff will never magically appear in your calendar unless you make the choice to put it in there.

Who is the best leader you have ever worked for and why?
I would have to say Marina Go. She hired me as an editor for Women’s Agenda when I was on maternity leave with a baby and a toddler and said: “I know childcare is a nightmare to find and afford so let us know how you think you could do this role and we’ll work it out”. 

Her trust in me and inspired leadership enabled my career to develop and progress at a point in time when too many mothers are blocked … Marina backed me, I performed in a crunchy, important role and I didn’t have to waste time or effort hiding my other important role as a mum of two very gorgeous little girls.

Was there ever a time when you felt stuck in your career and if so how did you work through it?
At the age of 24, I had a breakdown. It wasn’t caused by my career, it was a heady combination of chronic illness, anxiety and perfectionism … I resigned from my job as a graduate lawyer in a big corporate firm and for a year I focused on rebuilding my health – physical and mental – while working in a casual retail job.

When I was ready to return to full-time professional work again, I kept an open mind and followed my instincts. I landed a research job at BRW Magazine which I adored and while there I managed to convince the Editor in Chief to employ me … That was the start of my career in journalism and I loved it.    

What if anything would you like to see change for women in the workplace?
I would love for workplaces to truly value caregiving and caring among men and women

If you were elected Prime Minister what is the one thing you would change?
I would make quality, early childhood education and care free for low-income households and almost free for everyone else. 

Who are three women you’d like to be in the room with when making a big decision?
[Australian businesswoman] Wendy McCarthy because she is a national treasure who has seen it all before and provides exquisite life advice that is both strategic and warm. She counts for three women.