Elise Jione is the General Manager of USC’s Thompson Institute and has played an integral role in the Thompson Institute’s growth to become one of Australia’s leading mental health research institutes.

Elise most recent achievements include being awarded the 2021 Sunshine Coast Young Business Woman of the Year, and the 2021 USC Outstanding Alumnus for Regional Achievement.

Born and raised on the Sunshine Coast, Elise is committed to contributing to the Sunshine Coast regions development and using her position, experience, and skills to remain strongly connected to local community needs.

Elise, tell us about the programs, particularly the EMERALD program, at USC | The Thompson Institute, and the reason behind?

During the first COVID-19 lockdown, our clinical and professional teams wanted to support our local community with mental health supports, especially those who may have emerging signs of stress or anxiety. I led a multi-disciplinary team to develop EMERALD, an 8-week health coach led program, that uses evidenced-based strategies to boost wellbeing through lifestyle changes. To date, our participants have had significant results, overall:

• 46.6% improvement in wellbeing
• 52.4% reduction in depression
• 55.5% reduction in anxiety
• 47.2% reduction in impairment of functioning
• 27.1% reduction in loneliness

The Thompson Institute really prides itself on being responsive to community needs to provide much needed mental health supports to the people of the Sunshine Coast. We have strategic plans in place to expand our clinical program offerings in the near future.

What guided you towards working in the mental health/general health and wellness space?

After I graduated from UQ, I started working in tax in Brisbane. Although this was a great opportunity to learn about business principles, structures and operations, it was not a role that I would say I was passionate about. I then embarked on a volunteer position for the Australian Red Cross posted to the Fiji Red Cross Society. The 18 months that I was living and working in Fiji gave me more depth and understanding on how I could apply my professional skills, qualifications and experience to a greater purpose, which was helping others. Following on, I made a conscious decision to work for purpose which is very rewarding.

How can people do more to look after their own person wellbeing and mental health?

I’d encourage people to just do 1 thing every day, which is better than doing nothing. Whether that is going for a walk, getting a good night’s rest, a mindfulness activity – just pick one thing, set a small goal and start. Everyone is different so it’s hard to provide a specific recommendation however I’d focus on the basics; sleep, diet and exercise. If you need a little more help, find a great GP and have a conversation.

How has winning your recent SCBWN Business Women’s Award affected you?

The SCBWN Young Business Woman of the Year Award has allowed me to increase my network and make more connections that not only support USC’s Thompson Institute, but also for me as an individual. It’s given me time to reflect on my personal and professional journey to date and celebrate my achievements.

What qualities do you value in your role as a leader and mentor?

At the start of every year I identify my top 5 values which guides my planning and decisions for the journey ahead. As my life changes, so do my priority values so I find this exercise incredibly valuable and useful. For 2021, I identified my values as balance, fun, growth, independence and success. My personal and professional values intertwine because it makes me who I am – so integrity and authenticity are my core values that will never change.

And what’s next on the agenda for Elise Jione?

I’m really looking forward to a 4 week break and then starting 2022 fresh and energised to tackle some new projects with USC’s Thompson Institute. I’m really excited to support the expansion of our research and clinical programs, ultimately supporting so many people in need.

Favourite book and why?

I’m not big reader actually 😊. Admission, I haven’t read an entire book since we were forced to in high school. Maybe a 2022 recommendation (please someone give me a suggestion to start me off).

What’s one thing that you do for yourself every day?

I start my day quite early so I can enjoy having breakfast with my daughter, getting ready and just generally not rushing. That feeling of chaos had been setting the tone for the remainder my day and I had to change that dynamic and energy.

Coast or City?

My cultural background is Rotuman (please google Rotuma so you can see what paradise looks like) and the slower, warmer, coastal life is very much for me.

To find out more about Elise and the Thompson Institute head to:

Website

https://www.usc.edu.au/thompson-institute

Linked In

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisejione/