Where did it start?
When I think back to the young girl I once was, I can see how my journey was shaped by a fierce determination to strengthen and uplift our community—especially for those who are disadvantaged, disenfranchised, or vulnerable. That drive carried me into a career that spanned over 20 years in the community sector and in both state and federal government roles. Whether in service delivery or policy development, my focus was always on improving the well-being of children, families, and communities.But the real turning point came at age 40, when I was preparing for the birth of my first child. It was then that I encountered a reality that many women still face: the structural barriers to balancing a meaningful career and parenthood. Working in one of Victoria’s largest community sector organisations, I was disheartened to learn that part-time work was considered incompatible with an executive role. The message was clear: I could either continue working full-time and retain my leadership position, or step back entirely.This wasn’t just a professional challenge; it was deeply personal. When I share this story with my now 15-year-old daughter, she and her friends find it almost unimaginable. They’ve grown up watching their mothers seamlessly juggle careers, family, and countless other responsibilities. They may still underestimate the logistical wizardry that goes into this daily balancing act, but they know one thing for sure: flexibility in work isn’t a privilege; it’s a right.Fifteen years ago, hitting that brick wall led me to make a choice that would redefine my path. I decided I could continue to lead and create meaningful social change without compromising on being the kind of parent I wanted to be. And so, KF Consulting was born.Drawing on my experience, skills, and networks, I launched KF Consulting as a sole trader. From the outset, I was fortunate to work on projects with inspiring organisations and colleagues. Over the years, as my family grew, so did my business. KF Consulting gave me the freedom to be present for my children—whether it was their first day of school, a school concert, or even just a dentist appointment. These moments, big and small, are the essence of life.But as my children have grown, so has KF Consulting. Last year, we transitioned from a sole trader to a company, KF Consulting Pty Ltd. This shift reflects not just the growth in our team and the complexity of our projects, but also the breadth of sectors we now serve. Today, KF Consulting partners with governments, community organisations, and businesses to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in policy and service delivery.People often ask what I’ve learned from this journey. The truth is, there’s no single headline or catchphrase to sum it up. Life’s challenges often come as curveballs or brick walls, and what matters most is how you respond. For me, courage, tenacity, and love for community are my superpowers. Deep attunement is my parenting style. Of course, that’s not when I’m not bellow at kids to pick up a wet towel off the floor, empty a dishwasher or get off their iPads. Of course, it’s not always smooth sailing. But I’m also the parent who cherishes deep connection with my children, ensuring I’m there for them emotionally as well as physically.I’m immensely grateful for this journey—both as a mother and as the founder of KF Consulting. What started as a leap of faith has grown into a thriving company that supports the sectors, services, and government policies I’m so passionate about. The work we do drives positive change, and I’m honoured to be a part of that.For anyone facing their own brick walls, my message is simple: rise to the challenge. You might just end up building something extraordinary.