The How is ≥ to The What: Ways of working in the modern public service, and the value of not fitting in

Speaker: Ruth Farrell
Affiliation: Queensland Health

Abstract

It’s not just what you do – it’s how you do it. The post-pandemic Queensland public sector is changing. As the Wicked Problem of how to deliver safe, sustainable, and quality services to our population only get wickeder, the mindset of the typical public servant delivering those services must adapt to be able to solve it. Backed by the significant changes brought about by new psychosocial safety hazard legislation, the “command and control” hustle culture from days of yore is falling away and making room for the Technically Creative and their diverse ways of working.

In this seminar, Ruth will talk about her experience as a manager of diverse humans in this changing environment. She will discuss the importance of understanding the Individual and their work preferences and the necessity for workplaces to adapt to them. She will also discuss the experiences that the Technically Creative individual could expect to face in their careers, and share insights and observations on how diverse minds might safely navigate them. As global workforce challenges intensify, now is the time for the Technically Creative to seek employers who facilitate their unique ways of working, rather than conforming to outdated 9-5 corporate norms.

Emphasising the growing culture of kindness and the value of diverse mindsets, she will explore how embracing a variety of perspectives is essential for tackling Queensland’s The World's most pressing problems.

Biography

Ruth is a dynamic leader in the healthcare industry with a 19-year career dedicated to public service in Queensland Health. She champions a culture of kindness, delivering quality services through advanced digital solutions, and fostering inclusivity. Ruth excels in driving innovation, managing resources responsibly, and embracing digital advancements.

Recent notable achievements include leading a successful recruitment campaign during a global workforce shortage, forming a skilled Business Analytics and Reporting Team, and expanding data assets in Queensland Health’s Supply Chain Branch.

Ruth is passionate about nurturing the next generation of data professionals. She actively supports interns as an Industry Partner and supervisor for the University of Queensland’s School of Maths and Physics, and mentors in Queensland Health's MentorMe Program and the Women in Technology Network Mentor Program. A graduate of the Department’s Next Generation Program, Ruth’s career reflects her dedication to excellence in healthcare data analytics and digital solutions, embodying the themes of innovation and adaptability in the modern public service.