Arriving & Leaving with Purpose: SBS Retreat 2024

113 academic and professional staff descended on the RACV Cape Schanck Resort in early June to dive into all things EMCA. The aim of the conference was to provide a supportive and collaborative environment for EMCA staff to develop their skills, networks, and career aspirations with purpose and integrity...

How could starting our SBS Retreat with a Wunju Baya Welcome to Country inviting us to reflect, to breathe and to embrace the traditions and the future be anything but a grounding way to focus on the content and surrounds that were to follow at the SBS Retreat.

A traditional smoking ceremony which involves burning native plants just enough to produce smoke with cleansing qualities, performed by Aboriginal people for centuries and is one of the oldest ceremonies practiced in the world today – and offering us all an opportunity to pause and reflect.

The focus of the retreat being our EMCA community – often referred to as the ‘engine-room’, this group is highly regarded within the School and the Faculty and this opportunity to focus on them was embraced by all present. Sadly not all EMCAs were able to be present – with that in mind we have the following insights which alongside your cohorts shared experience at Cape Schanck and future communications activities and opportunities we can gather all our EMCAs into the fold.

The title of the Retreat was ‘Advancing EMCA careers with Purpose and Integrity’ and across the two days the sessions sought to inspire whilst also inform the audience.

Prof Mike McGuckin was our first speaker addressing the recent Landscape Report and the Faculty’s response to that and initiatives undertaken to address the reports findings. These include – an increase in conversion from fixed term to continuing employment and mentoring opportunities, to name a few alongside the increase in MDHS funding of over 30% to $450m now, since 2018. Later Mike spoke about the promotion process which he oversees – a key takeaway being – there is no formula. Everyone is different – what impact and influence do you and your work have?

The Enterprise Leadership model was discussed in the context of – impact, capabilities and the importance of agile mindsets. Leading into a valuable conversation and exercise around creating your 3 minute pitch – yes, 3 minutes. If you meet someone you want onboard with your passion, how do you do it? What is the essence of your research and why does it matter? And importantly why does it matter to them?! What do they do and what is the connection point? And of course – how can you get in touch with them again. Key insights into simplifying, communicating and engaging.

Our panel conversations looked at a variety of viewpoints and subject matter over the two days.

Life from an ‘EMCA to now’ – the journey.

The accidental nature of how careers develop over time – how do we put ourselves out there? We will share some further Q&A interviews down the track along this line. Suffice to say for now…the road is rarely linear and everyone is looking for something different. Dr Rosa McCarty moved from Research focus to Academia and identified the importance of mentors and the all important ‘pitch’ as she is regularly in contact with industry. A/Prof Ash Haque upon ‘failing’ 8 grants and deciding to leave the system was advised by a friend to take the risks and leave having taken his power back. Spoiler alert – he's still in Research having found his passion! And Prof Adam Vogel shared his belief in the importance of LinkedIn as an opportunity to share your expertise, your clinical work, reputation and track record - Engage people and put forward opinions, the value is in the personal message. So ‘taking the power back’ became an oft mentioned theme – more on that down the track.

Diverse paths panel – looking at problems through different lenses.

Prof Alice Pebay shared her thoughts about the metrics of success, ‘they are not who you are – remember who you are’. And importantly – ‘listen to advice but decide for yourself’. Amabel Tam spoke about the opportunity of looking to RIC for guidance and support – ‘Jobs outside academia and UOM are not failure’! Dr Jess Welch also reiterated the importance of a LinkedIn presence – the opportunity for future collaborations and not being measured only by metrics. Think differently. Clinicians know they need researchers – do it yourself, reach out, don’t wait for the dept to do it. Use your curiosity.

How do we innovate?

Prof Stuart Mazzone shared the ‘definitions’ of Impact and Innovation. Prof Laura Downie spoke about reframing the concept of ‘failure’ – Thomas Edison ‘failed’ 2500 times before the light globe. Is that really failure? Our Prof Peter Choong Q&A video also shared the notion of ‘failure’ thread – but is it failure? Each time a better Grant application is reworked and then… it happens. ‘Ten minutes with Peter’ is here – enjoy his insights.

And it would be remiss of us not to include the fabulous insights of Dylan Alcott AO, there were many, however ‘Goal vs Expectations’ resonated with many. You work towards a goal – pause and enjoy the small steps and the ride along the way. Every time Dylan went on court he would look around and think ‘this is F.!#&*g awesome’ – every time, not only when winning.

Similarly David Bowering our Retreat convenor shared the insider insight of AFL players who go on the field with a piece of masking tape on their wrist. Hmmm sounds interesting! On it is one word – THIS. Yes, they look around, enjoy the moment the ‘THIS’ of where they find themselves right now as they head out for the game ahead.

A/Prof Vicki Lawson reflected upon the priviledge we have to work where we do, and do what we do - and sometimes forget or get caught up in the minutiae of life. Reflections were shared by our EMCA Chairs Dr Carolien Van de Sandt and Dr Linda Nguyen; Prof Danny Hatters and Dr Louise Rowntree, along with our Head of Departments (Prof’s Matt Watt, Prof Andrew Brooks and Prof Stuart Ralph) … ‘ownership over your own future’; ‘need an ecosystem to thrive’; ‘having role models is important – getting up and being visible’; and related to your ‘pitch’ think about ‘your pose, your pace and your voice’; ‘pause and enjoy’; and importantly keeping the EMCA cohort together with the positivity of the Retreat experience for those here and those unable to join in person whilst leaving with purpose regarding their future and opportunities ahead – they are many!

Our EMCA are seen, supported and recognised as an important cohort in the SBS family!

Stay tuned for more EMCA updates – we look forward to having you all join in.

As a final word – there was so much to reflect upon and people to meet, learn about, listen to and spend valuable time with - for our HOS Prof Jennifer Wilkinson-Berka there was one word that was her purpose on arrival and remains so… Community.