Penelope is a multi-degree qualified professional with 20 years’ experience in strategic and operational management, project and risk management, and governance and compliance. Penelope also demonstrates people management, organisational culture and communications skills across a wide demographic and range of disciplines, including time in the Australian Defence Force.
During her 10.5 years of service in the Royal Australian Navy, Penelope undertook strategic level appointments in project, human resource, risk and emergency management, as well as being a member of the Australian Defence Force Investigative Service. Penelope can also boast the ability to drive an 8,500-tonne armed warship.
Penelope was the Chief Executive Officer of General Manager Pty Ltd, providing services for national and international clients in the government sector, mining and resources, oil and gas, public utilities, transport and civil construction as a consultant.
She was the Chief Executive Officer of Energy Skills Queensland, a not-for-profit organisation working in the electrotechnology, telecommunications, mining, gas, energy and rail sectors nationally. During this tenure, Penelope was a national representative for industry in matters pertaining to training and skilling, and workforce planning and development.
Penelope is now a Director of Enterprise Transformation for KPMG in Canberra. She is a true leader of people and operations, she is passionate about and actively supports various agencies working in the equity and diversity, domestic violence, mental health and homelessness arenas. For her work in these areas as well as her success in her CEO roles, she was awarded the 2016 Queensland Telstra Business Women’s Award for Social Enterprise and Not-For-Profit.
She is a true leader of people and operations. She has been recognised as an innovator with unsurpassed drive and passion. She continues to receive accolades for her vision and entrepreneurship, including being named the 2016 Queensland Telstra Business Women's Award for Social Enterprise and Not-For-Profit and winner of three separate categories in the national Women in Industry Awards. She was also named the 2017 APAC CEO of the Year and was a finalist in the Women in Business Awards, the National Association of Women in Construction Awards, the Australian Institute of Management Leadership Awards and the Lord Mayors Business Awards.
Penelope is consistently a true professional. She has a unique ability to continuously adapt and brings life, energy and enthusiasm to any event. She is extremely knowledgeable of her subject and has the audience hanging on her every word.
WestpacThank you so very much for speaking at the Conference - what a fantastic day it was! Your presentation was so motivating and inspiring that you could hear a pin drop in the room as everyone was so very engaged with what you had to share. Your wealth of knowledge, richness of life experiences and humbleness of success was truly amazing and will stay in the memories of our delegates. While they say we are all ordinary people doing extraordinary things, you are an exceptional extraordinary young lady and it was a delight and privilege to have you speak. Your words touched so many people and created a memory that will last with them forever as you certainly did for me. Thank you.
WSP
Penelope’s presentation was moving and her message was strong. We had people at the event to support participants as her presentation was able to provide a supportive environment for anyone who wanted to talk and process should the discussions trigger any emotions.
Diversity Practitioners Association