Shared vision is key to big picture

Gilmore College principal Carolyn Cook talks to Arran Morton about what it means to lead the school and Kwinana’s future.

Q: What does leadership mean to you?

A: Seeing the big picture, having a vision and developing it by getting staff to share the vision. It is also important to develop staff members so they can achieve their goals and that vision.

Q: How has your leadership style changed over time?

A: By attending further education, such as the Principal’s Centre at Harvard and Executive Women’s training at the Department of Education.

Q: Which business leader do you most admire?

A: Richard Goyder of Wesfarmers.

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

A: To listen and be an active listener.

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

A: I wish I had known more about the whole organisation, rather than my insular perspective which was the classroom.

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

A: Taking on the principal’s role at Hedland Senior High School.

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

A: Working in the Department of Education’s head office as the Educational Measurement Officer for English.

Q: Which technology can you not live without?

A: I could not do my job without email.

Q: What are your interests outside of business?

A: My interests are reading a wide range of books, cars, cooking and my family — I am a grandma.

Q: How do you relax?

A: I relax by reading, cooking and playing with my two grandsons.