Sarah Stanford is Manager of Projects and Communications at Regional Development Australia Orana.
Between completing a BA Communications at UTS and finishing up her study with a bonus Honours year at the University of Sydney, Sarah represented private and not-for-profit companies with PR firm Rubicon Point, acted as 2IC at two Bras n Things locations, and was the Australian Community Manager for a business networking website. She then became a Conference Producer, and later Online Content and Community Manager at Criterion Conferences.
Based in Dubbo, her current role sees her leading a projects team to deliver meaningful economic development work across the Orana region, which makes up about 25% of NSW. She is a Board Member of the Dubbo Chamber of Commerce and Industry and acts as an advocate and sometimes chauffeur for her younger brother living with autism. When not at work she can be found under the spotlights with the Dubbo Amateur Theatrical Society or under a bar at CrossFit Dubbo.
Growing up, what kind of career did you want to pursue?
I desperately wanted to work for Disney. I had a theory that if I sent Saturday Disney an excellent drawing I would be snapped up as either an animator or host of the show. I was still fascinated by television when it came to making course decisions, which sent me down the communications path.
Who inspires you?
The strong women in my family. Every single one of them.
And my ultimate girl crushes: Zoe Foster Blake, Tara Moss and Lisa Wilkinson. Call me for coffee ladies. I’m free.
Who is most surprised by your achievements?
Me. I often don’t see my successes as anything special. It’s nice to step back and see yourself through someone else’s eyes every now and then.
How have women helped shape your success to date?
Through my family and their close friends I’ve had some wonderful female role models; my first paid work was thanks to some of these women and I learnt so much from working next to them. Since then, by accident rather than design, the majority of my working career has been spent alongside female entrepreneurs and business leaders. Any success I’ve seen is owed to these women seeing and nurturing my potential. I hope that I can do the same for other young women as I take on more leadership roles and through being involved in the wider business community.
What qualities do you most admire in a female colleague?
In any colleague I most admire a solutions focused attitude.
What’s the key to successfully balancing work and life?
Good communication, planning and admitting when things may just get the better of you. And if that doesn’t work, move to a regional area. Lower commute times really do make a phenomenal difference to the amount of time you have in a day.
If you had an afternoon to yourself, how would you spend it?
If I hadn’t just spent two months eating my way around America I’d say a TV binge and baking session. But as I have, I’ll say CrossFit.
Who do you regard as your mentor?
I once heard Ita Buttrose speak about the importance of having a mentor. I immediately set out to find a guru who was going to set me on the path of greatness. I hit a rocky patch in my career and turned straight to my parents. I discovered my mum is a great mentor in terms of management and leadership. My father is an excellent financial compass and career guide. I now try to learn as much from the people around me as I can; I have a whole world of mentors at my disposal. I intend to use them.
What personal attributes have you used to overcome adversity in your life?
Approaching challenges with positivity: living by the motto, ‘don’t be a negatron’.
If you could make one change to women’s lives, what would it be and why?
Universal confidence. I know some truly amazing women who have self-sabotaged careers, relationships and their own bodies due to low self-esteem. I wish I could give it to them in abundance.
What is the hardest part of your job?
Balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders, internally and externally. You have to be a master of managing expectations on all sides, seeking out and overcoming barriers by facilitating some very honest conversations. People may find that confronting, but it makes life much easier in the long run.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to success in your field?
You can’t fake passion. Whether seeking out success in the communications field, or economic development, having a unique voice and point of view will serve you well. Also don’t discount the career opportunities waiting for you outside the cities.