Kerri Golden

Can you tell us about what your job entails?

I manage the daily operations of RACQ’s three large towing contractors in the south east Queensland metro area, who each have a fleet of dedicated trucks (RACQ livery) and their own fleet, that carry out towing jobs for RACQ members. This includes a lot of collaboration within the business, with the likes of Dispatch, Tech Training, Health & Safety as well as Member Relations. It also includes regular meetings with our contractors to discuss their performance and upcoming changes or initiatives.

What attracted you to your current job?
I enjoyed managing an external contractor in my previous role and saw managing three contractors on a larger scale as an exciting opportunity to develop my skills and challenge myself by taking on something new. In saying that, with the little understanding and knowledge of towing and roadside I had at the time, it was also slightly daunting as much as it was exciting.

This year’s IWD theme is equity, what does that mean to you?
For me, equity means each person is given the same opportunities and treated in the same manner, regardless of any different circumstances. From my experience and feedback received, I believe sometimes it is beneficial to have a different perspective and a fresh approach.

What career advice do you have for others?
Having been in several roles that are traditionally male-dominated, I do believe you need to have self-confidence and resilience. I have probably felt at times that I needed to overcompensate to prove that I am capable, however I think if you treat people with the respect they deserve and aren’t afraid to ask for help, you also gain respect. There’s no shame in acknowledging that you don’t know something and reaching out to someone for their knowledge – we can’t all know everything.