BE BRAVE, BE FEARLESS Global Leadership Expert Inspires Burdekin Women

International leadership consultant and wellness advocate Robyn Taylor joined Burdekin Shire Council staff for March’s Women’s Health Day, sharing insights on resilience, wellbeing and values-based leadership. Photo source: Burdekin Shire Council

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Internationally recognised leadership consultant and wellness advocate, Robyn Taylor has worked across Australia, Africa, Europe and the United States, combining modern leadership practices with mindfulness and wellbeing strategies developed through her own personal health journey.

In March, Burdekin Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Matthew Magin invited Ms Taylor to speak at Council’s Women’s Health Day, reflecting the pair’s longstanding commitment to collaborating on projects across regional Queensland spanning a diverse range of industries and specialisations.  

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“Workplace wellbeing carries more importance in our current times of uncertainty, everyday life seems to present more challenges,” said Ms Taylor.

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“A supportive workplace culture, recognising the current challenges, is demonstrated by employers who arrange programs such as the Women’s Health Day.”

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Mr Magin echoed Ms Taylor’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of prioritising staff wellbeing and fostering a positive workplace culture across regional organisations.

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“I agree that wellness programmes are hugely important for any and all employers to be organising for their staff,” he said.

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Ms Taylor said she was delighted to return to the region, fondly recalling previous visits to Ayr, including delivering an International Women’s Day presentation initiated by Lyndy McCathie and the Burdekin Zonta Club.

Drawing on her own experience overcoming a diagnosis of advanced multiple sclerosis decades ago, Ms Taylor’s presentation at Burdekin Shire Council’s Women’s Health Day focused on resilience, mindset and personal wellbeing.  

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She encouraged participants to take control of unhealthy stress patterns, embrace balance in both work and life, and recognise the value of community connection and regional living, resounding the quote, “it’s not what happens to you, it’s what you do about it” to reframe unbeneficial habits.

“We can reprogram our perspective once we change the way we think about life and how we are managing our own situation,” she said.  

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“Today are seeking relief from their daily pressures that can manifest in many ways, like feeling overwhelmed by current events, sometimes resulting in insomnia or deteriorating health. In this big picture, it is important that we find balance in the various aspects of our lives, including our jobs.”

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Ms Taylor also praised the “Can Do” attitude often found across regional Queensland and encouraged more women to become involved in community organisations such as Burdekin Zonta Club, saying purpose and connection play a vital role in long-term wellbeing.

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“I believe appreciating the value of regional life can be a major factor in finding the balance,” she added.

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“Ayr is such an attractive country town where living is without the pressures of sitting for hours in traffic, where one can consciously develop and incorporate an exercise program into the daily routine and where one can seek out like-minded people with whom to spend our very precious time.  

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“Never underestimate the value of the business experience you are gaining in the Burdekin. With today’s expanding and ever- changing technology, regional business and regional careers are just as sophisticated as any to be gained in the crowded, frantic pace of a major city.

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“Appreciation and gratitude of our situation are major factors in finding balance.  We can train our intellect to work with our perceived challenges and train our bodies with our exercise or gym program, but quite often we don’t realise how important it is to train the mind.”

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Ms Taylor said many of the leadership principles being discussed internationally were just as relevant in regional communities like the Burdekin Shire, particularly when it came to creating workplaces where people feel valued, fulfilled and supported. She also spoke about the importance of values-based leadership, mindfulness and wellbeing practices in helping people manage stress and maintain balance in both their professional and personal lives.

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Drawing on decades of experience in leadership coaching and wellness, including her internationally recognised Meditating Manager program, Ms Taylor encouraged people to prioritise reflection, self-awareness and personal growth alongside career ambitions.

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She said regional communities like the Burdekin offer unique opportunities to build meaningful careers while enjoying a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

“Be brave, be fearless, don’t allow anyone or anything to deter you in your pursuit of your career goals and ensure those goals are firm,” Ms Taylor advised.

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“I am absolutely ga ga about the power of goal setting. Goals will propel you forward to do things you never dreamt you would be able to achieve.  Be prepared that the goals may change along the way.”

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