EastCoast HR Group has approached prominent and everyday Sunny Coasters about their careers. Follow our Friday Feature to find out what inspires those around to go to work every day!
Angie Mansey
- Owner and Managing Director of Kuluin Mufflers
- Charity Director – Driven by KM, Supporting families in need
- Winner of the 2019 Telstra Queensland Business Women’s Small Business Award
What was your first job?
My first job was at 15 years old and like most young teenagers I worked at the local Woolworths which was actually quite a lot of fun as I really love working among other people. I then followed my passion of books into working for a large University Library for a couple of years as a Library assistant which I absolutely adored and had planned on following this through to become a Librarian when I was offered a career in Dental Nursing and training and I jumped at the opportunity. I stayed in that career and specialised in my field for over a decade and enjoyed it thoroughly, without a doubt if I hadn’t purchased my own business I would certainly still be in that field. Working alongside people in any fashion has always been something I have been passionate about, the comradery and team work side is definitely one of the highlights of my day.
Who are the people that have made the biggest difference in your career and why?
A few people spring to mind here but one that stands out the most would certainly be Dr Vas Srinivasan from Invisible Orthodontics. He was my employer for almost 3 years and hired me without hesitation and provided flexible working hours and environment as I juggled the needs of my medically sick son whom I am a carer for. He didn’t know at the time what it meant for him to allow me to continue to remain a contributing part of the community and his attitude to adjusting my role to fit my family’s needs was something I never imagined someone would do. It gave me hope and reinstalled a sense of pride in myself that I could still have a career even if I am a carer. I only left this wonderfully supportive place of employment to start my own business, I most certainly would of stayed as a loyal employee if I hadn’t decided to branch out in my own business.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
I once read a quote that stayed with me regarding what I believe to be an Irish saying “To throw your hat over the wall”. I have always perceived that to of meant that by throwing your hat over the wall almost impulsively or as an act of decisiveness, you have to find a way to retrieve said hat, that you commit yourself to something and then find a way to follow through, even if at the time you feel a little overwhelmed or that the goal you are trying to achieve is out of your reach. Sometimes just committing to something is enough to push yourself out of your comfort zone and into an area of growth either personally or professionally.
Think back to five years ago. Did you envision your career as it is today?
Absolutely not. I was working as a Clinical Co-Ordinator in a nursing position quite happily but never had considered purchasing or running my own business. Buying a business came as a necessity when my sons liver failed and I believe he was about 21 surgeries deep at that stage and I needed to find a way to juggle the needs of our family and still keep an income coming in when I need to take time off to be in the hospital with him. Being in the position I am now with a hugely successful business that keeps growing and expanding and being the proud recipient of various business awards is defiantly something that was not even on my radar 5 years ago.
How do you approach work – life balance?
The work – Life balance is certainly something I have not mastered but after 3 years in business for myself and with 4 sons to juggle, I am not sure that I will ever master it. Some nights I have worked until 4 am as the workload has meant I needed to complete finances and projects at that hour to get it done in the time frame, in return I would have been able to attend one of my sons school award ceremonies the day prior instead of sacrificing the important moments being tied to the desk attending to the commitments then. I certainly do not have any time for myself, I am up at 6 am most mornings at rarely go to sleep before midnight in order to keep the show going. The highlights are that there is regular family time and down time to cuddle the children and to be present when they need me. I have also built an entire lounge room that is beside the main reception at my business, this means that the children can attend work by my side if need be and I can still do my job when required. I have a nanny who is pure magic and allows my husband and I to go on date nights regularly and I have recently hired a cleaner who comes in weekly and spends a few hours making my house spick and span. This then frees up my Saturday mornings to make pancakes with the children instead of cleaning bathrooms and folding washing. It is about prioritising as best you can.
What is your proudest moment in your career?
There have been quite a few important accolades in the past couple of years winning various community and State awards and a lot of media attention in print, online and on the TV but I still remember being mentioned in parliament in Canberra by MP Andrew Wallace who commended me on what I do and that was a slightly surreal moment definitely.
