11 September 2007 Article & Photos:
BT Financial Group We caught up with Georgia Woodyard from Risk Solutions and her leader Jakob Vujcic (pictured) to talk about Georgia’s recent achievement winning gold representing Australia at the basketball World University Games held in Thailand recently.
Overview
Georgia is a paralegal in Jakob’s team who played a key role in the Australian team to beat Russia 85 to 65 in the finals of the basketball World University Games. Georgia also plays basketball for the Sydney University Flames who were minor premiers and runners up in the grand final of the Women's National Basketball League.
We had a quick chat with Georgia and Jakob:
Well done on your achievement, Georgia – tell us about how you feel
Georgia: I feel absolutely great! At the Games, you’re representing Australia, and there is something about the green and gold that gives you that incredible feeling.
It makes you proud to represent Australia playing against world class players from other countries in very high competitive standards.
Tell us a little about Georgia and having her in your team Jakob . . .
Jakob: Georgia is a very positive person. Her enthusiasm, drive and discipline is present in every aspect of her working life. The positivity people like Georgia bring to the team is addictive – it just rubs off on everyone else...
What sort of support have you had from BT, Georgia?
Georgia: Although work is a priority, at the moment, so is basketball. BT gives me the flexibility I need to balance both those priorities to achieve my career and pursue my basketball dreams.
Usually, a lot of elite athletes enter the workforce at a disadvantage after they have finished with sport as they do not have the work experience. At BT, I feel I am ahead of the game by not only having worked in my chosen field, but I also have the benefit of being taught and guided by some great people who are always willing to help me in any way. Special mention goes to Catherine Capelin, Legal Counsel who has been amazing in giving up her own time to guide and mentor me.
Jakob, what would you tell leaders who have great talent in their team?
Jakob: I believe that the key is providing these team members with the necessary flexibility to achieve not only in their chosen sport, but also at work. In addition, maintaining a focus on outputs / outcomes and not effort alone is also important, as is providing them with consistent feedback and mentoring.
For example, with Georgia, I understand that her sport will come to an end at some stage. But I know that if I support her sporting aspirations, the business will benefit with an even more committed person who returns that support and commitment.
What advice would you give young athletes out there, Georgia?
Georgia: I had an injury at the start of my career and needed to go for knee surgery (I had 12 months off sport). Hurting my knee made me think of my long term career, and that as a sportsperson, your sports career is limited, and can end at any time.
It is important for a young athlete to balance their sport with their professional career aspirations, preferably, something that they enjoy.