Deb Cownley
Head of Operational Services - Energy
Deb Cownley
She/Her
Head of Operational Services - Energy
John Holland
Over her 20-year career in the infrastructure industry, Deb has obtained experience in both the client and construction side, gaining broad experience into what it takes to achieve excellence in major projects and lead business wide change initiatives. She has a passion for inclusive workplaces and leads the way in establishing processes and controls to ensure compliance and risk minimisation to facilitate successful project delivery.
In an impressive career to-date, Deb has learnt all about balancing ambition and wellbeing whilst holding critical roles with John Holland on some iconic projects, including the West Gate Tunnel, Metro Tunnel Early Works, Level Crossing Removals and the Sugarloaf Pipeline. She has also led the delivery of business wide initiatives including the John Holland Way, a business wide initiative to deliver common and simplified ways of working and she is a Co-chair of the John Holland Employee Resource Group, Celebrate Women Network. More recently Deb has moved into the senior leadership team for the Energy portfolio where she is part of the team driving John Holland’s contribution towards Australia’s transition to a renewable energy future.
Prior to this role, she was the Project Manager for the Construction Industry Culture Taskforce initiative to trial and implement a Culture Standard that focuses on improving diversity, wellbeing and time for life across the infrastructure construction industry and she continues to work with the CICT and as part of the Australian Construction Association’s Culture Committee.
Deb is passionate about long term success for those around her and supports others in the industry as a mentor, she is also a mother to two ‘tweens’, is a School Council President and sits on the national board of the not-for-profit service organisation, Kiwanis Australia.
SESSIONS
Day 1
11:40
How-To Leadership Toolkit
Our "How-To Leadership Toolkit" sessions consist of two focused 30-minute sessions. Bring your questions and leave with actionable strategies as you’ll work with seasoned leaders and peers to tackle key leadership challenges.
Personal Leadership
1. How to overcome self-doubt, build confidence and develop a strong executive presence?
Louise Adams, Chief Operating Officer, Aurecon
2. How to balance ambition and well-being to avoid burnout and sustain long-term success?
Deb Cownley, Head of Operational Services – Energy, John Holland
3. How to cultivate strategic thinking and business acumen to secure executive support for initiatives?
Clare Douglas, CEO, Healthy Ageing, Mercy Health
4. How to effectively negotiate for a promotion and ensure you're paid what you're worth?
Div Pillay, CEO, MindTribes; Co-Founder, Culturally Diverse Women
Team Leadership
1. How to accelerate the inclusion and diversity of women in male dominated industries?
Ashley McGrath, Chief Executive Officer, CEOs for Gender Equity
2. How to support and faciliate return to work?
Krithika Hansen, Chief People Officer, TelstraSuper