Mercedes Mentor Circles
Mercedes Mentor Circles
How They Work
The Mercedes Mentor Circles are free for members. Six participants will be selected by each mentor through an application process.
The circles will meet no less than monthly over six months. Mentors will act as guides and provide support and feedback for participants who will be expected to play an active role in the circles. Each mentee will benefit from a one on one session with their mentor throughout the program as well as have the opportunity to participate in networking events.
Mentoring has been recognised as an effective way of professionally and personally developing for decades. When you connect with a successful and inspirational leader, that mentor can greatly assist you to navigate through issues, challenges and progression with ease by sharing their experiences and knowledge with you in addition to encouragement, support and guidance. The circles will not only give you access to the knowledge and experience of your mentor, but you will be able to collaborate with five other participants.
Session runs from May-November. Mentoring requires a high level of trust and commitment to the process and a sincere focus on learning and development. In return mentees will:
- share personal and professional experiences and learnings
- discover and explore new perspectives
- be encouraged to think strategically and holistically about business and life
- receive guidance on challenges
- be supported and coached on how to overcome barriers or push themselves further
- increase their effectiveness through learning
- review and renew their goals and visions
How to Apply
If you are ready to leave your comfort zone and share your challenges and experiences, we want you to apply. It is important that all applicants understand the level of commitment required, in order to get the most out of the Mercedes Mentor Circles.
Our mentors are volunteers and mentees are expected to be flexible. 100% participation at no less than six monthly meetings is required (in person). Each mentor selects the six participants for their circle. Two people from the same organisation or industry will not be selected for the same circle as this can impact on a participant’s ability to be completely honest and transparent in discussions.
Complete the Mercedes Mentor Circle Application Form. Mentors will make their selection and you will be notified of the outcome of your application.
APPLICATIONS FOR 2024 ARE NOW CLOSED
The Mentors
Bernice Hookey
Giving and Receiving Feedback
Ego - Am I listening to understand? Or to listening to respond?
What does leadership mean to me?
Bernice is proud Waanyi woman, mum and Changemaker. She is an accomplished speaker, author, mentor, leader and multi-award gold winner nationally for Indigenous Business and bronze winner for Leadership Excellence and bronze international award Women Changing the World winner for First Nations Leadership.
Bernice is an Honorary Fellow of the ARLF and is an alumni of the Australian Rural Leadership Program where she learned new experiential leadership skills and enhanced her confidence as a leader and her spiritual connection to her grassroots community.
After completing her studies, she embarked on a journey of leadership and founded MZB Empowerment to improve the quality of life for Mob. She is a voice for the voiceless.
She is also a member on the JCU College of Business, Law & Governance Advisory Board and Townsville University Hospital Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Advisory Board Community Partner member.
In her work as our National Lead Yanalangami Facilitator for Tranby, Bernice seeks to strengthen the empowerment of individuals through unique program delivery in a culturally safe environment. Bernice is committed to walking with other women along their leadership journeys and supporting them to thrive.
Claudia Brassard
Maximizing Human Potential
Cultivating Dynamic Team Excellence
Strategic Career Navigation
Claudia possesses a unique blend of skills cultivated through extensive experience in the engineering field and high-performance sports, contributing to her remarkable success.
As a qualified mechanical engineer and certified practicing project executive, Claudia has overseen the successful delivery of large, complex infrastructure projects and programs spanning various asset classes. Her expertise extends to managing extensive project portfolios and teams. Claudia is widely recognized as an authentic leader and highly regarded people manager, renowned for her ability to cultivate team collaboration and establish mutually beneficial partnerships. Thriving in complex operational environments, she provides invaluable insights, identifies risks and opportunities, troubleshoots effectively, and drives performance.
Before embarking on her engineering career, Claudia Brassard arrived in Australia as a professional athlete in 2001, joining the Townsville Fire after competing in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Transitioning from player to coach, Claudia served as both assistant and head coach of the Townsville Fire, guiding the team to three WNBL championships during that period. Her experience in elite sports has honed her ability to drive human performance and cultivate relationships within high-performing teams, making her an asset in any leadership role.
She is committed to leveraging her expertise to empower others and foster a culture of success and growth.
Claudia was a mentor for LGAQ’s developing manager program as well as for JCU female engineering students. She is passionate about enabling individuals to become the best versions of themselves.
Claudia is currently the Business Leader Regional Queensland for Stantec a global engineering and design firm. She is also a Director on the Board of Basketball Queensland.
Georgina Whelan
People management and progression
Creating high-performing Teams
Establishing or expanding your business
Georgina Whelan is a strong advocate for equitable access to care for regional, rural, and remote patients. She is Site Manager at Townsville’s Icon Cancer Centre who in 2023 celebrated 10 years of operating here in Townsville. Georgina is a Registered Nurse with 30 years’ experience across public, private, metropolitan, and regional settings having completed a Bachelor of Nursing at the University of South Australia and starting her nursing career at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
In 2002, Georgina moved to Townsville taking a position in the Townsville Cancer Centre at the Townsville University Hospital where she held various roles including Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse and Acting in leadership positions including Nurse Manager and Bone Marrow Transplant Coordinator for North Queensland.
Georgina moved into a full-time management role when Icon opened its doors in 2013. Georgina is a strong and values-based leader who has demonstrated successful business growth, patient and community advocacy and driving purpose and motivation within her teams.
Georgina has since completed her Master of Business Administration through The Australian Institute of Business. Georgina commissioned a second cancer day hospital in Mackay in Jan 2018, where there was an obvious need for cancer services and in particular radiation oncology services. Georgina is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and was appointed as Board Director for Townsville Hospital and Health Service in 2020, where she holds committee appointments including chair of the board safety and quality committee and is a member of the board finance and board executive committees.
Georgina has a strong focus on quality and safety in healthcare having successfully led multiple accreditation cycles through the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare Standards. Georgina was recognised in 2021 as Townsville’s Corporate Businesswoman of the Year.
Lisa Leonardi
Adaptability in the workplace
Self care in the workplace/leadership
The value of social capital
Lisa Leonardi is the Owner Manager of Bank of Queensland Castletown, which opened in 2003. After finishing school, a career in banking began and love for Retail Banking developed. Working in Townsville and Brisbane, the opportunity to operate a BOQ Franchise presented when the young family relocated back to Townsville allowing them to be close to extended family. Being a small business operator has provided great insights when dealing with business customers and rewarding with the Franchise being one of the longest serving and receiving multiple award recognition over the years.
The business has a team of ten local professionals, all with a shared passion for the Townsville community and is reflected in the company mission statement, “Passionate Locals Empowering Our Community.” Our business model is about educating and giving back to support the community in which we work. We work closely with organisations like Townsville Businesswomen’s Circle, NQ Football, Brothers Rugby Union, and The Special Childrens Christmas Party.
Lisa also served on the BOQ Franchise Advisory Board from 2019-2022 of which she held the position of Chairfor a 12-month period.
This year marks a special anniversary with the Business celebrating 20 years in October.
Past Mentors
Kylie Bartlett
Ranee Crosby
Fay Barker
Debbie Rains
Dr Cheri Motti
Dr Jo Lukins
Michelle Morton
Amber Hauff
Joanna Murray
Jayne Arlett