After growing up in Adelaide and a successful career at Westpac Banking Corporation, Sue Ellson moved to Melbourne in 1994 and hasn’t had a ‘real job’ since. Sue maintains a focus on her highest values in life which include a flexible work and lifestyle so that she can enjoy her children, a commitment to helping newcomers and anyone willing to take action to improve their career, business or life and to continually learn and grow through people and education. Sue also likes to write poetry, walk, dance and be near the sea or trees.

Sue, tell us a little bit about your role and portfolio, and what you love about what you do?

I am a gigster – a person who uses technology to attract aligned gigs and a social enterprise Founder and Director (NewcomersNetwork.com and CamberwellNetwork.com) and a published author (four non-fiction books so far). My main area of expertise is LinkedIn but I also teach and train people on social media, websites and search engine optimisation, careers, business, and marketing. I publish a lot of online content related to networking, employment, marketing and settlement.

I love the variety, the challenge and the opportunity to help people with practical action steps but I also like to do it in such a way that is accessible for people from all backgrounds and all abilities. Every experience (both online and offline) helps me learn new and interesting ways to be more understanding and empowering and I am completely inspired by people who do anything that is outside of their comfort zone.

What traits to you feel are important to be an effective leader?

The ability to listen and let all voices be heard in a way that is comfortable for each person (which may be in a confidential written message rather than in a group meeting). The ability to acknowledge contributors, give praise and also to resolve issues without criticism and where possible, allow the person to ‘save face.’ Cultural intelligence is essential when dealing with people from different cultural backgrounds and a willingness to apologise, admit mistakes and find solutions. Being willing to take action and provide a vision for the future that encourages new ideas and innovation but respects and acknowledges past successes and failures. Emotional resilience and time and space to reflect, learn and grow.

Tell us about the issues and items that you are passionate about in business and how you prioritise?

I am mostly passionate about helping people reflect on their values, strengths (natural and acquired) and context (both internal and external) so that they can live and work congruently. This requires active listening and constant learning so that I can make the best recommendations and complete the most relevant actions. I like to help people acknowledge how much they have achieved, what they need to do right now and what they can do in the future – not just with me, but also on their own or with extra help.
As my online and offline message is very clear, I find that I attract aligned clients and projects and if a ‘close but not quite’ opportunity comes along, I refer it to someone else in my network. I tend to work best with a deadline and probably cram too much in to my life, but I also thrive on the extra energy and momentum that creates.

You would work long hours, having to attend numerous events and meetings outside of regular work hours, do you have time for self-care and how do you relax?

Self-care is a priority for me as I have a lot of competing demands and have a natural inclination to want to help if I can, even if it does not ‘pay the bills.’ I select events (between one and four every week) that are most closely aligned to my area of expertise or areas that I could develop. I enjoy having a shower (probably a bit too long) and walking and often just lying in bed thinking and sorting my thoughts. Writing is also a wonderful way for me to process information and share something useful with others.

What decision changed your life?

Moving to Melbourne away from my family and friends at the age of 28. I am the eldest of four children and 27 grand-children so I had a very strong ‘identity’ which I ‘lost’ when I moved – so I essentially had a midlife crisis relatively early in life. It prompted me to determine my values and live accordingly at a younger age than most, so I have lived my life without regrets and with a willingness to take calculated risks and the ability to experiment.

And what’s next on the agenda for Sue Ellson?

I am currently working on three books – one non-fiction and two poetry books with a goal to publish a total of 10 books within five years. After many years focusing on the needs of my siblings, parents, ex-husband and two children, I am learning to focus on some of my own wants (which feels very foreign). I will always be learning, adapting and growing and finding effective ways to help individuals and communities connect and strengthen both in business and via social enterprise. I would also like to spend more time outdoors and away from a screen and of course dancing (badly, but who cares!).

Most interesting person that you have met?

A woman from South Africa who was absolutely inspirational but had lost her mojo and with some gentle guidance, completely turned her life around. We have kept in touch and she continues to adapt and grow and shine her light and inspire others everywhere she goes.

Favourite book?

Radical Forgiveness by Colin Tipping – it helped me forgive the business owners who sacked me when I was pregnant and the book helped me overcome six and a half years of anguish.

What do you love most about your business?

The variety, scope, flexibility and independence that allows me to do work that is aligned with my values.