From a hairdressing salon to supporting management: Belinda Bullivant

The Executive Assistant shares how she constructed a profession supporting UNSW Engineering management whereas pursuing elite open water swimming.

As Executive Assistant to the Dean of UNSW Engineering Professor Julien Epps, Belinda Bullivant manages his schedule and helps the Executive Management Committee. She has been within the function for greater than eight years and labored with three Deans throughout the Faculty.

“My role is fast-paced and highly collaborative. I support the Dean’s daily activities and help support key faculty priorities,” she says.

Her remit spans committee coordination, recruitment and main college occasions. She works carefully with groups throughout the eight Engineering faculties and a number of portfolios, together with schooling, analysis and operations, to make sure communication and planning run easily.

“I work closely with teams across the faculty to coordinate committees, support recruitment and make sure everything goes according to plan,” she says.

Career journey

Belinda started her profession as a hairdresser earlier than shifting abroad, the place she lived and labored in London, Dublin, Japan and Canada. She transitioned into administration by way of temp work in Dublin and shortly progressed right into a senior government assistant function at a significant kids’s hospital.

“I started with no experience and had to learn quickly. That role gave me a strong foundation and shaped my career direction,” she says.

Returning to Australia, she labored in transport and mining earlier than becoming a member of UNSW Engineering. 

“I’ve taken on more responsibility with each role, from core support through to managing committees and working more closely with senior leadership,” she says.

Work, strategy and affect

Belinda says adaptability and a proactive mindset have formed how she works. She continues to construct expertise in areas reminiscent of knowledge and know-how because the function evolves.

“You need to stay open to learning and be willing to take on new challenges. That’s how you grow and stay relevant,” she says.

She performs a job in fostering a optimistic tradition by way of common catchups and staff actions throughout the Dean’s unit and college.

“I focus on building strong relationships across teams and creating opportunities for people to connect, because that’s what helps everything run well,” she says.

Open water swimming

Outside the workplace, Belinda competes in open water swimming at nationwide and worldwide ranges. She has represented Australia at world championships in Doha and Singapore and competes recurrently in occasions such because the Cole Classic, Bondi to Bronte and worldwide swims in Hawaii.

“Swimming gives me balance and keeps me motivated. It supports my wellbeing and pushes me to improve,” she says.

Reflecting her concentrate on group and connection, she additionally helps others enhance their swimming.

“I really enjoy helping people learn to swim and build confidence in the water, especially when they achieve something they never thought they could do,” she says.

What’s one thing about you which may shock your colleagues?

I’ve received medals at world championships for open water swimming.

What’s the most effective recommendation you’ve acquired?

Low expectations equal happiness as a result of optimistic outcomes can exceed what you anticipate.

What makes you content?

Swimming within the ocean and spending time with my group.

What day in your life would you wish to relive?

Winning my first world championship medal in Doha.

What’s the most effective quote you’ve come throughout within the final 12 months?

“You never regret a swim.” It’s easy, however I feel it’s so true. No matter how a lot I may not really feel like going beforehand, I at all times really feel higher afterwards.