IB Woman
Issue No. 15 - February/March 2004
Advancing the Knowledge Networks
Dr Helen Paige
Few people would find the Monarto Development Commission a catalyst for personal growth; but the turning point came for Helen Paige when she was an executive secretary in the late 1970s. The Director of Architecture asked Helen to undertake some research at the Barr Smith Library for a project relating to climatic change.
‘I realised that I had always sought out the pioneering side of things,’ relates Helen. ‘My inherent drive combined with the opportunity to undertake research just switched on the light for me. I applied to do some formal study at University. Other people had a belief in me and my ability so I was encouraged to seek out the spark within myself.’
Helen’s study eventually led to a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Policy and Administration, Degree of Bachelor of Law and Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice before being admitted as a practitioner to the Supreme Court of South Australia in 1992——most undertaken whilst working full—time in senior government positions and raising a young daughter.
In December 2002, Helen graduated as Doctor in Education. Course work and papers include An Exploration of the Beliefs, Values and Understandings About Leadership Guiding Key Educational Leaders in the Bureaucracy in South Australia; Learning, Small Business and the Knowledge—Based Economy; and Exploring the Impact of Executive Coaching on Individuals. All papers have been published in international and Australian refereed journals.
‘One of the critical things for me was recognising an opportunity and taking it,’ says Helen. ‘There are issues of commitment and being appreciative of people who are prepared to mentor you. I have also learnt that it’s all right not to continue with something if it doesn’t feel right; it doesn’t mean you have failed, you just take a different path.’
To cope with the extreme demands of being a woman with an incredible thirst for knowledge, Helen divides her life in to four qu...
