promotion I N S P I R AT I O N A L
women
IN BUSINESS
gail stocker
DIRECTOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING BARRIER REEF INSTITUTE OF TAFE You may be surprised to learn that The Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE (BRIT) has around 300 staff who work across eight campuses (Pimlico, Bohle, Ingham, Charters Towers, Burdekin, Bowen, Cannonvale and Palm Island), training more than 11,000 students annually. In her role as BRIT’s Director Education and Training, Gail Stocker manages a $30-million budget and leads a team of 150 teachers and corporate staff to assist in the delivery of education and training. “I am faced daily with challenges and rewards and I’m proud of my contribution to the institute’s positive position over the past two years and maintaining student enrolment numbers in these times,” Gail says. “TAFE Qld is undergoing the most significant reform in its 130-year history and being able to work in shaping the vision for the future is a fantastic opportunity.” When she finished high school, Gail studied accountancy at university before travelling to London to work in a merchant bank. Her strong urge to travel and explore the world lead to a job as a travel consultant, which progressed to owning and operating two successful travel agencies for eight years. “This gave me a great foundation for outlook on management as I learnt how to survive and make a profit in small business in the private sector,” Gail says. Gail’s next career milestone was to manage TAFE’s tourism department and teach the Diploma of Tourism for eight years. While teaching full-time she studied externally for her degree in vocational education. “I enjoyed teaching but my heart was in general management, which lead to a role as the HR director at TAFE in early 2000,” Gail says. “I loved this role and spent 10 years leading and working with the heart and soul of the organisation – the people. From here I moved into my current role as Director Education and Training. “Our teachers are industry-trained professionals. We offer students flexible study options, practical on-the-job training in simulated environments, and give our students the opportunities to get the job they want.” Gail says she has three leadership anchors – a leadership “triple P” that provides a framework for her leadership focus. “People – trust in people, build capability and provide feedback and recognition. Passion – be energetic, proactive and take calculated risks. Purpose – build a vision, develop a roadmap and be deliberate in following the vision.” On a personal note, she says her husband of 30 years has been one of the biggest supporters of her business career and they have two ‘wonderful and spirited’ teenagers, Jack and Sam.
Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE Telephone 1300 1300 84 Email barrier.reef@tafe.qld.edu.au www.barrierreef.tafe.qld.gov.au
DUO MAGAZINE AUGUST 2013 duomagazine.com.au 33