Cass Walters
I grew up in Bendigo raised by my amazing mother with my two brothers. I completed all my schooling in Bendigo and achieved a Biomedical Science degree at La Trobe University Bendigo prior to joining the ADF, where I was posted to Canberra, Darwin, and Townsville. I moved to Brisbane to be with my gorgeous partner Luke, who is the light of my life after transitioning out of the ADF to work at QUT. I have two wonderful stepchildren and a beautiful dog Chase and whilst I think Brisbane is still too cold I hope to stay here for a very long time.
How would you like to be described by your family, friends, and clients?
Intelligent, empathetic, caring, genuine, passionate, humble, and hilarious (would settle for funny but always helps to aim high)
What is your favourite piece of leadership advice, or quote?
‘Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light’– Albus Dumbledore.
This quote has always resonated with me, not only because I am a huge Harry Potter fan but because it can be applied in so many of life’s situations. There have been many times in my life where it could have been easy to sit in the dark and not find the light, but the light is what life is about. The beauty and wonder of life, we only have one chance in this world to make a difference and I want to help everyone find the light in their life as I have had help finding my light so many times before.
What does success look like with a client?
Success looks like a very strong professional relationship, built on the foundation of trust and genuine conversations. When a client feels empowered to be a part of a high performing team and when they feel confident in not only their abilities but their teams’ abilities to handle any challenge that comes their way with genuine conversations, collaboration, and positivity. When I can walk away knowing that I have made a positive change within the clients and their teams’ life.
Tell us about your culture and leadership experience?
I have served 9 and a half years in the Australian Army as a Logistics Officer attaining the rank of Captain. Throughout my time serving I lead small and large teams on national and multinational exercises, where I planned and executed up to brigade level missions. I have refined my organisational development experience, working with small and large teams in the Military and Higher Education sector, designing and delivering team and leadership development programs. I have mastered technical skills within the Higher Education sector and Defence wide spectrum, I also have a solid understanding of organisational development, leadership and coaching skills, WH&S and strategic level planning, and execution. I attained my Master’s in Strategic People Management to further enhance my leadership skills and knowledge and am currently studying a certificate in Positive Psychology.
My success as a facilitator is contributed to my ability to engage with people at all levels, creating environments of trust and allowing for genuine conversations. I can bridge barriers through my passionate, empathetic, and enthusiastic response to team development and leadership. I have managed and coached individuals through complex professional and life situations and bring my confident but humble individual approach to attain growth and change.