International Women’s Day 2023: Davina Mansfield
Davina Mansfield is the Chief Operating Officer of Viden, a UNSW Canberra Launch on Northbourne
Published on the 03 March 2023 by Davina Mansfield
Davina Mansfield is the Chief Operating Officer of Viden, a UNSW Canberra Launch on Northbourne Collaborator.
Davina Mansfield is the Chief Operating Officer of Viden, a UNSW Canberra Launch on Northbourne Collaborator. Having faced multiple challenges in her career in the Royal Australian Army Dental Corps, and now a Defence spouse and veteran, Davina considers herself a “MacGyver” across multiple industries (cyber security and defence to name a few) with a can-do attitude. As a Soldier On Australia Ambassador, Davina is passionate about veteran employment and mentoring – a role she is proud to be a part of.
How do you – or would you – overcome challenges in sectors that are traditionally perceived as male oriented?
I would rephrase to; how to thrive in your chosen sector! I don’t look at gender or industry – I love Defence Industry – I am passionate about the work we are doing and I care immensely for the Veterans, family members whom we employ or mentor. Skills and ability are the core components – keep showing up!
Resilience, competitiveness, willingness to try and try again, positivity, class, motivation and the ability to build relationships.
Motivation: you can’t purchase it or steal it. You just have it.
I like to believe that motivated people who want an outcome keep showing up and are continually learning (personally and professionally). It takes time to prove yourself; it doesn’t just happen overnight.
How do you maintain resilience in the workplace?
Look after yourself! No one else has it as their priority – it must be yours.
Body – Exercise or move, and fuel it correctly.
Head – Understand how you act and react to stress. Get to know yourself so you can implement tools to assist with your ability to prioritise.
Heart – Authenticity and heart. Be unapologetically you, but also know your own boundaries. This will keep you safe and your heart will always guide you.
Each organisation I have worked in I have always found “my tribe”. Some are mentors, peers, colleagues, or bosses. Learn from others’ leadership styles – the good and the bad.
What advice would you give to your younger self (or other young women) about leadership?
Be good at your job and be a good person. Build relationships and have cheerleaders who are on your team.
Absolutely nobody has it worked out when you are starting out – be authentically you and have integrity (especially when no one is watching!).
Education and skills are critical – keep learning. Micro-credentials, courses, conferences, mentors, these all are invaluable, and the world is always moving. You must keep yourself relevant and a finger on the pulse.
Dream big, work hard, and stay motivated. No one will hand it to you. Dreams are real and you must work for them.
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