Meet Mary, a dynamic leader whose career trajectory at OSG Australia has been nothing short of inspiring. With 20 years at the company, Mary’s journey exemplifies dedication, growth, and the power of seizing unexpected opportunities.
How Mary’s Unexpected Start Shaped Her Career at OSG
Mary’s story began on maternity leave.
“I was bored,” she admits, “and I found this little ad in the paper for a part-time English and Business teaching role.”
“What seemed like a simple, temporary job quickly turned into a life-changing opportunity. “I thought it would give me something to do while still managing my seven-month-old baby.”
But little did she know, this part-time role would launch her into a remarkable career in education at OSG.
After a phone interview and an in-person meeting, Mary got a call from her former school Principal, who asked, “Mary, where have you been?” She had no idea what he was talking about until he told her that someone from OSG was about to offer her a role as the Campus Principal at Bendigo. “I couldn’t believe it,” she recalls. “I applied for just a part-time teaching role, and I ended up becoming the first official Campus Principal at OSG’s Bendigo campus.”
Mary’s Journey at OSG
Mary’s two-decade long career at OSG has seen her rise through various roles, including Director of Studies in Victoria, Head of Department, and now, Australian Regional Director of Teaching and Learning for Secondary. “I’ve been through so many roles and learned so much along the way,” she says. “And now, I feel like I’m perfectly placed in my current role.”
What has kept her there? Mary says it’s not just been the career opportunities, but a strong alignment on values.
“A lot of the values upheld by the PBCC community resonate with me,” she explains. “I come from a Greek community, and I understand the high expectations and pressure that comes with it. The community values education, and that’s something I hold fundamental.”
For Mary, it’s not just about the work, but also the people. “The community is full of good people who truly care about creating something meaningful for their children—and for their children’s children.”
Empowering Women in Education at OSG
Mary is proud to be part of a company where women are supported and encouraged to rise to leadership positions. “There are so many opportunities for women at OSG,” she points out. “If you look at middle and upper management, there are numerous women in leadership roles. And that’s not something you see everywhere in education.”
She reflects on her own journey, saying, “I’ve never felt that my career was limited because I was a woman. No one has ever said to me, ‘Don’t reach for that ceiling because it’s reserved for the men.’ That’s never been the case here.”
“Gender roles don’t exist at OSG,” she says. “We hire the best person for the job, regardless of gender. And that’s the reality. We have so many female leaders who have worked their way through the ranks, and their contributions are nothing short of astonishing.”
Mentorship and Advice
Throughout her career, Mary has had incredible mentors, including her mother, who inspired her to be her best.
“My mother didn’t even finish high school, but she was a champion,” Mary says. “She didn’t let me, or my sister do manual labour because she wanted us to have the wings to do whatever we wanted. She gave us the confidence to believe in ourselves.”
Reflecting on her career and the support she’s received; Mary advises women to seek out mentors and embrace vulnerability.
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions and don’t be afraid to be vulnerable,” she says. “You don’t have to be the smartest person in the room. Just trust yourself and your instincts.”
Today, Mary continues to lead with passion and purpose. And she’s excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead for both students and staff at OSG.
In Mary’s words: “At OSG, there are so many opportunities. But it’s not going to be handed to you. You have to be willing to do the hard work, learn, and grow.”
Her journey at OSG proves that anything is possible when you trust your instincts, embrace challenges, and always keep learning. Here’s to the next 20 years, Mary!
