Our Story

I love seeing what happens when someone discovers something that really interests them. Their energy changes. They become curious and engaged - and it's often hard to get them to stop! It's a motivation that comes from within, and it's powerful.

It's a connection I want young people to have the chance to make, in their studies and in their working lives.

My own working life has taken me in all sorts of directions: from self-employment to employment services, and from business strategy to academic research. Across those different worlds, a guiding principle has been that people’s interests matter in finding work that fits them. I’ve drawn on that understanding both to help people find their direction and to shape the work roles in my own businesses.

Our work interests are part of who we are, but recognising them and seeing where they fit within the world of work isn’t always straightforward. The world of work can look like a maze and, without a map, young people can get lost. It can be hard for them to know where – or even how – to begin identifying their own work interests and seeing where they fit in.

That's why I created Work Sync.

I wanted young people to have that map before they were expected to choose a direction. I wanted them to have an easy and engaging way to identify their own work interests within the wider picture, and bring that understanding to decisions about their studies and working lives. I wanted it to be a tool they could return to as their experience grows, building on their understanding of their interests and possibilities.

I’m especially determined that this opportunity reaches young people who haven’t been well served by traditional approaches, because reading confidence or where they're growing up shouldn’t stand between a young person and the chance to find their fit in the world of work.

There’s a lot of focus on getting young people onto the career ladder. I want to help them put their ladder against the wall that’s right for them, as early as possible.

I’ve known Cheryl for many years, and when she told me what she was creating with Work Sync, I was in. I wanted to help make it happen.

What struck me when Cheryl explained Work Sync was how much we ask young people to work out before they’ve had a chance to understand the possibilities. Choosing a direction is a big ask when you’re still getting to know yourself.

I love that Work Sync gives young people a simpler way to understand the world of work and begin to see where they might fit. Finding a direction that genuinely interests them can give them something they want to work towards – and that's a powerful thing.

Connecting with people is my part of the story. With schools and youth programs, it’s about showing where Work Sync could fit into the good work they’re already doing. For parents and carers, it’s about giving them a tool to help start a better conversation about next steps and future directions with their young person.

When a young person says, “I don’t know where to start,” I want the parent, teacher or youth worker beside them to think of Work Sync.

That’s the difference I’m working to bring to the world, and you might say I'm highly motivated to do it!