RDO Australia Group is one of the world’s largest Vermeer and John Deere equipment dealers, encompassing Vermeer Australia, Vanderfield and RDO Equipment. The group proudly employs more than 550 staff and operates out of 18 dealer locations providing sales, parts and service support for the agricultural, roads, civil construction, landscaping, mining and forestry sectors – with Ms Whitcombe stepping into the CEO role late last year.
Ms Whitcombe says she has always enjoyed the directness of primary industries and the feeling of being “part of a business that contributes something real and tangible to our society and economy, be it roads, infrastructure or raw materials for manufacturing or food”.
Speaking on equality, Ms Whitcombe says she has a front-row seat to recognising why diversity in these industries is so vital.
“I’ve learnt that diversity in these typically male dominated industries ensures that the ideas going into the hopper are as varied as possible, and this delivers when it comes to execution, because we are taking on the best ideas of everyone involved, and utilising diverse backgrounds and skillsets to ensure a successful outcome on projects,” she says.
“Seeing women step into non-traditional roles is just one sign that the pipeline industry, and many other male dominated industries, are evolving and opening their collective minds to new ideas and perspectives that continue to see them thrive.
“Women have a lot to offer in creating and leading high performing teams that harness the strengths and talents of an increasingly diverse, and sometimes transient workforce. In the end, all industries must innovate to thrive, and diversity of thought is critical to the ability to innovate.”
Long-standing customer of Vermeer Australia and Director of Pipe Pro Directional Drilling Dannielle James says she completely agrees with this notion after a similar career trajectory.
“I have worked in male dominated industries for nearly my whole career, in both the pipelining industry and the mining sector, and I’ve learnt that a diverse workforcegives you a team that has a great deal of depth, as they all bring different strengths and ideas to the table,” says Ms James.
“Throughout my years working in the mines in Western Australia, I saw more and more women take on roles and really owning them, and I try to promote that in my directional drilling business. The diversity I’ve seen has made each workforce more successful in productivity as well as creating an enjoyable place to work.
“I do see that a lot of women feel they need years of knowledge and experience before applying for an operator role, and that makes them reluctant to apply. So, I’m a big advocate of getting out and about and to speak to women about moving into this industry or any type of trade industry that they may think has traditionally been male dominated.”
Practicing what you preach
RDO Group and Vermeer Australia don’t just say diversity is an important facet in organisational success, they act on it too.
Ms Whitcombe says the team at Vermeer Australia features great women who are making their mark in the company and has no doubts they will continue to do so.
“Our Operations Manager in Victoria, Christine Meilak, for example, worked her way through the ranks from administrative roles to take on a branch leadership position, and over recent months we’ve seen the benefit of her authentic leadership style especially as we navigate the daily challenges of COVID-19,” says Ms Whitcombe.
“Our National Parts Manager, Nellie Smit, similarly changed industries and has worked her way up in a short period to a senior national role in our business. Her respect for her team, willingness to get to the bottom of problems before proposing solutions and sharing her thoughts and perspectives are hallmarks of her style.
“We have many other talented women across our business that I don’t have the space here to call out separately – but I will say that I love the quality and authenticity of the conversations that flow from the different backgrounds coming together across our team, and I’m excited to continue to add and build to this to ensure we always are fostering innovation.”
This article was featured in the October 2020 edition of The Australian Pipeliner. To view the magazine on your PC, Mac, tablet or mobile device, click here.
For more information visit the Vermeer website.
If you have news you would like featured in The Australian Pipeliner contact Managing Editor David Convery at dconvery@gs-press.com.au
