Laid back approach is the best

Rockingham Kwinana Chamber of Commerce executive officer Angela Ryan talks to ELISIA SEEBER about how to stay on top of things, personally and professionally.

Q: What’s the most important moment in your career so far?

A: Being self-employed for a while gave me a different perspective on the business world.

Q: Which business leader do you most admire?

A: Ita Buttrose, as she has always stood up for what she believes in, and Mark Bouris, as he is a self-made entrepreneur, but still seems to be grounded.

Q: What does leadership mean to you?

A: Organising a group of like-minded people to effectively achieve the objectives of the group, while balancing the interests of the individual group members.

Q: How has your leadership style changed over time?

A: I am really laid back and try not to get too bogged down on the things I can’t change and concentrate on things I can change that will count.

Q: What’s the best advice you were ever given?

A: It came from my daughter — to pick the fights you really want to win.

Q: What do you wish someone had told you when you first started out?

A: Some days are diamonds and some days are stone.

Q: Tell me the biggest business challenge you’ve ever faced.

A: The first time I co-ordinated the old Rockingham Spring Festival.

Q: Which technology can you not live without?

A: Alarm clock — I don’t do mornings very well.

Q: What are your interests outside of business?

A: Catching up for dinner with family and friends, talking about what everyone has been up to and is planning.

Q: How do you relax?

A: Spending time with the grandkids.