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Jenny Gillis
Program Change Lead, Enterprise Safety Culture Program at Sydney Trains
Professional Background
Jenny Gillis is an accomplished culture professional with an extensive track record in organisational change and development. With over a decade of experience, Jenny has honed her skills in navigating complex environments, enabling organisations to implement effective change programs that foster positive outcomes for all stakeholders involved. Her impressive portfolio includes roles as Program Change Lead for the Enterprise Safety Culture Program at Sydney Trains, as well as various senior positions at NSW TrainLink and Transport for NSW. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a remarkable ability to relate to people at all levels of an organisation, from senior executives to frontline staff, facilitating engagement and collaboration crucial to successful change management.
Across her career, Jenny has accumulated a depth of experience in diverse industries and governmental organisations across Australia, the Asia Pacific region, the UK, and the USA. This international exposure allows her to bring a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to organisational culture initiatives.
Jenny's commitment to improving workplace culture is mirrored in her accomplishments as she leads various transformative projects designed to enhance employee experiences while supporting business objectives. Her expertise in change management specifically positions her to address the complexities and resistances that often accompany organisational transformation.
Education and Achievements
Jenny holds a solid educational background, which has equipped her with a broad understanding of sociology, political science, law, and social welfare. She earned her Bachelor of Laws (B LegS) from Macquarie University and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Social Sciences from Curtin University, providing her with analytical and critical thinking skills essential for her role in leading organisational change. Furthermore, Jenny completed a Diploma in Social Welfare at the University of Newcastle, offering her a strong foundation in supporting diverse communities and understanding the social dynamics at play within organisations.
In addition to her formal qualifications, Jenny pursued further education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she studied Leading Change in Complex Organisations. This experience enhanced her ability to conceptualise and implement strategies that drive transformational change within challenging settings.
Career Trajectory and Notable Contributions
Throughout her illustrious career, Jenny has held pivotal roles that demonstrate her commitment to and expertise in change management and organisational culture. Her journey includes:
- Leadership & Culture Lead, People & Change at NSW TrainLink: Here, she was instrumental in developing leadership programs that positively affected the engagement levels and overall culture of the organisation.
- Transformation Change Lead at NSW TrainLink: In this capacity, Jenny directed significant transformation initiatives, ensuring alignment between business objectives and cultural shifts.
- Business Change Transition Lead at Transport for NSW: Focused on strategic transitions, she managed change initiatives that promoted smoother adoption of new processes among stakeholders.
- Change & People Lead at Woolworths Limited: Jenny created engagement strategies that fostered a people-centric culture, supporting employees through periods of significant organisational change.
- APAC Business Change Director at Pearson Asia Pacific: She led cross-regional change initiatives, demonstrating her ability to connect with a global audience and facilitate cultural integration across teams.
Not only is Jenny highly regarded for her professional acumen, but she is also deeply passionate about her heritage as a proud Aboriginal woman of the Yuin Nation. Her personal commitment to raising awareness about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture informs her work and interactions within organisations, striving to promote inclusivity and understanding.
Achievements
- Advocate for Aboriginal Culture: Jenny’s dedication to fostering awareness and understanding of Aboriginal culture is evident in both her personal endeavors and her workplace initiatives, often incorporating this understanding into her strategies for organisational change.
- Successful Implementation of Culture Programs: Throughout her career, Jenny has successfully launched numerous culture-focused programs that have significantly enhanced workplace dynamics, employee satisfaction, and overall organisational performance.
- Change Leadership in Complex Environments: She has an exceptional ability to manage change in highly complex and resistant environments, proving her resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.
- Recognition as a Thought Leader: Jenny is often sought after for her insights into change management and organisational culture, positioning her as a thought leader in her field, contributing to workshops, seminars, and industry discussions related to best practices in culture and change management.