59 min
46. REBECCA PINKSTONE THE COURAGE TO LEAD INTERVIEW SERIES
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- Business
From Bridge Housing to Homes New South Wales: Embracing New Challenges
Transitioning from the CEO of Bridge Housing to the helm of Homes New South Wales was a significant move for Rebecca. She shared with me the mixed emotions that accompanied this change. While she cherished her time at Bridge Housing, the opportunity to establish a new division in government dedicated to housing was too compelling to pass up. Rebecca's passion for making a tangible impact in the housing sector was evident as she spoke about the potential of her new role.
The Art of Leading Change
Leading change is no small feat, and Rebecca's approach is both thoughtful and strategic. She emphasised the importance of viewing change as an opportunity rather than a threat. This mindset is crucial when considering the diverse perspectives and reactions that change can elicit. Rebecca's leadership is grounded in the understanding that collaboration and clear communication with stakeholders like Minister Rose Jackson and Michael Tidball, head of the Department of Communities and Justice, are key to addressing the housing crisis effectively.
Family Support: The Foundation of Success
During our conversation, Rebecca opened up about her family life, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support from her husband, Tom. His transition from the community and justice sector to primary school teaching was a testament to the couple's commitment to open communication and negotiation. Balancing family responsibilities with a demanding CEO role requires a strong partnership, and Rebecca's story is a powerful example of that.
Addressing the Housing Crisis: A Multifaceted Approach
The urgency of the housing crisis was a recurring theme in our discussion. Rebecca stressed the importance of creating a "burning platform" to drive change and the need for policy settings and community engagement to address local challenges. She shared success stories of housing developments in Riverwood and regional communities, highlighting the importance of environmentally friendly and accessible housing designs.
Collaboration with local councils, particularly the City of Sydney, has been instrumental in supporting social and affordable housing developments. Rebecca pointed out the productivity link between affordable housing and the workforce, emphasising the need to prevent cities from becoming gentrified by ensuring that government and community housing partners can deliver affordable homes.
Defining Affordable Housing and Its Future Impact
A key part of our conversation centered on the definition of affordable housing and its implications for individuals and future generations. Rebecca clarified that affordable housing should not consume more than 30% of an individual's income. She underscored the distinction between the financial burdens of mortgages versus rent, advocating for affordable rentals to alleviate financial strain.
Building a Supportive Work Culture and Maintaining Work-Life Balance
Looking ahead, Rebecca's goals for the next two years include fostering a strong organisational culture at Homes New South Wales and creating a supportive work environment. She's committed to gathering staff feedback through pulse surveys and actively working on the results to enhance the workplace.
I wrapped up our conversation by acknowledging the sacrifices leaders like Rebecca make. Her dedication to her professional responsibilities, coupled with her commitment to her family's well-being, is a delicate balance that she navigates with grace and determination.
Rebecca Pinkstone's story is a testament to the power of passion, collaboration, and resilience in driving societal change. As we concluded our discussion, I was left with a deep appreciation for the complexity of her role and the impact she's making on communities across New South Wales.
From Bridge Housing to Homes New South Wales: Embracing New Challenges
Transitioning from the CEO of Bridge Housing to the helm of Homes New South Wales was a significant move for Rebecca. She shared with me the mixed emotions that accompanied this change. While she cherished her time at Bridge Housing, the opportunity to establish a new division in government dedicated to housing was too compelling to pass up. Rebecca's passion for making a tangible impact in the housing sector was evident as she spoke about the potential of her new role.
The Art of Leading Change
Leading change is no small feat, and Rebecca's approach is both thoughtful and strategic. She emphasised the importance of viewing change as an opportunity rather than a threat. This mindset is crucial when considering the diverse perspectives and reactions that change can elicit. Rebecca's leadership is grounded in the understanding that collaboration and clear communication with stakeholders like Minister Rose Jackson and Michael Tidball, head of the Department of Communities and Justice, are key to addressing the housing crisis effectively.
Family Support: The Foundation of Success
During our conversation, Rebecca opened up about her family life, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support from her husband, Tom. His transition from the community and justice sector to primary school teaching was a testament to the couple's commitment to open communication and negotiation. Balancing family responsibilities with a demanding CEO role requires a strong partnership, and Rebecca's story is a powerful example of that.
Addressing the Housing Crisis: A Multifaceted Approach
The urgency of the housing crisis was a recurring theme in our discussion. Rebecca stressed the importance of creating a "burning platform" to drive change and the need for policy settings and community engagement to address local challenges. She shared success stories of housing developments in Riverwood and regional communities, highlighting the importance of environmentally friendly and accessible housing designs.
Collaboration with local councils, particularly the City of Sydney, has been instrumental in supporting social and affordable housing developments. Rebecca pointed out the productivity link between affordable housing and the workforce, emphasising the need to prevent cities from becoming gentrified by ensuring that government and community housing partners can deliver affordable homes.
Defining Affordable Housing and Its Future Impact
A key part of our conversation centered on the definition of affordable housing and its implications for individuals and future generations. Rebecca clarified that affordable housing should not consume more than 30% of an individual's income. She underscored the distinction between the financial burdens of mortgages versus rent, advocating for affordable rentals to alleviate financial strain.
Building a Supportive Work Culture and Maintaining Work-Life Balance
Looking ahead, Rebecca's goals for the next two years include fostering a strong organisational culture at Homes New South Wales and creating a supportive work environment. She's committed to gathering staff feedback through pulse surveys and actively working on the results to enhance the workplace.
I wrapped up our conversation by acknowledging the sacrifices leaders like Rebecca make. Her dedication to her professional responsibilities, coupled with her commitment to her family's well-being, is a delicate balance that she navigates with grace and determination.
Rebecca Pinkstone's story is a testament to the power of passion, collaboration, and resilience in driving societal change. As we concluded our discussion, I was left with a deep appreciation for the complexity of her role and the impact she's making on communities across New South Wales.
59 min