Women who Choose to Challenge- Mary Hayward

Mary Hayward – MetaPM

1. What do you choose to challenge?

I choose to challenge myself to achieve any goals I set for myself.

2. What would you tell your 20 year old self?

To slow down and accept that it’s okay for everything in life to not be perfect.

3. Who inspires you?

My Mum- she worked full time, studied, and raised five kids by herself, all while maintaining a positive mind set.  

Tell us a little about your background…

Born and raised in New Zealand I started my career in the health insurance sector with the Accident Compensation Cooperation (ACC). I then moved over to London where I worked in the insurance and property sectors.

I then made the best move yet, (to Melbourne) where I worked for Telstra Health and I had the opportunity to lead my first project ‘Implementing Future Ways of Work’. I also assisted multiple projects relating to recruiting, onboarding and offboarding. After Telstra Health I moved to Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) where I was known for being the Purchase Order Queen; I created and established the purchase order process and guide, as well as creating the onboarding guide and I established an end of month process (which successfully reduced project variances to under 10%).

I assisted project managers on multiple projects ($200k to $18m) with their risks/issues, forecasts, accruals, and preparing governance report packs. I am passionate about growing my career and challenging myself. I am currently studying a Diploma in Project Management at Monarch Institute.

When I am not working or studying, I love to travel. So far, I have been to 41 countries and counting, hopefully when the borders open, I can increase that number. In the interim I am looking forward to exploring more of Victoria and Australia, if anyone has any recommendations on places I should visit let me know.

I also enjoy attempting new recipes in the kitchen and landscape oil paintings. I am hoping that one day I will be the next Bob Ross, I might have to get a perm though.

MetaPM’s ‘Women who Choose to Challenge’ blog series was created to highlight the amazing women within our network as part of International Women’s Day 2021. Thank you to everyone who has shared their stories throughout this series.