What do you love about what you do?
It’s a privilege and rewarding to work in a social welfare sector where people come to seek support for all sorts of problems and needs. I enjoy working with my team to achieve the best and positive outcomes for our clients.
Who is the best person you’ve worked with and why?
My late manager, Steve Watkinson. As a young professional, I needed a coach-like manager like Steve. One of his pieces of advice to me was, “do not allow anyone to form a negative view about you” because it would be hard for you to change that view. Steve was very passionate about staff development, and this made a positive impact my professional growth. Steve was also very supportive of my community service outside of work and he used to attend some of my community events as a show of support.
What would your last meal be?
Akop – a delicious South Sudanese dish cooked with beef or lamb, and spinach.
What is your most memorable moment?
When I arrived in Australia for the first time. We landed at the Melbourne Airport on a very wintry morning in June. Melbourne and its weather were very different to where I came from in Africa.
What event past or present would you like to witness?
The AFL Grand Final.
Which three guests, dead or alive, would you invite to dinner?
Gary Ablett Jr – I became a Geelong Cats fan because of their club culture and admirable players like Gary Ablett Jr. Harrison Ford – I like his movies and I think he’s a good person. Tim Costello – he is good example of people who stand for something consistently, e.g. gambling reform in Australia and his service through World Vision is also exemplary.
What are you currently listening to, watching or reading?
Books: The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell; Developing The Leader Within You by John Maxwell; Elon Musk – The Life Lessons and Rules For Success. I am watching the coverage of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her service to the UK, the Commonwealth and the world was extraordinary and thus, there is a lot to learn from her life.
If you had to compete on MasterChef, what dish would you cook?
Akop, and the judges will never forget the taste.
Where is your dream holiday destination?
The Great Ocean Road region. The landscape there is just beautiful.
What were you like as a kid?
From the stories that my parents and relatives tell me, I was curious, humourous, creative and energetic. My mum had a hard time trying to contain me inside the hut as I used to sneak out to go and I play with my favourite niece. We didn’t have toys so we used to make our toys from the mud, e.g. soldiers, cars and cows.
What was your first job?
Trolley collector at a Coles supermarket. I never worked before coming to Australia so this was my first ongoing job while I was doing an Intensive English Course at Language School.
What are the three most used apps on your phone?
Samsung Notes as I like to jot down good thoughts/ideas that come to mind on the go, Audible and Facebook.
What’s one question that you have always wanted answered?
What will happen if all countries were to lay down their arms for the sake of peace?
