Q & A WITH Jaqui Bond, General Manager, Client and Vision Services, Guide Dogs Victoria
Jaqui leads a large team, and oversees the delivery of high-quality programs (including Children's Mobility, Adult Mobility, Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), Orthoptist, Occupational Therapy, Assistive Technology, Access Consulting and Support Coordination) that develop independence for the blind and low vision community of Victoria.
Gembridge worked in partnership with Guide Dogs Victoria to appoint Jacui in her current role GM, Client & Vision Services. She has a wealth of experience, passion, energy and commitment to making a difference, plus a love of dogs. We are excited to follow her career journey at GDV.
Jaqui Bond with a Guide Dog puppy in training
What's the best thing about your current role?
I have joined an establish team which is perhaps more experienced than any other I have worked with and they are doing some wonderful work with people with low vision or blindness to live their best lives. I hope my contribution will be to build on this amazing work, to grow our services to support even more people across Victoria and deliver more fully on our purpose. And the dogs, I get to have dogs around me every day. That makes me happy.
What was your previous career/s and what motivated you to move into the 'for purpose' Sector?
I come from a background of physiotherapy and have always worked in the health industry. After living abroad for 12 years I was inspired by Australia’s initiative to bring equal opportunities to people with disability through the NDIS rollout. I want to contribute to this massive reform that aims to build a more inclusive Australia.
How do you stay focussed and motivated?
I started meditating every morning to calm and focus my mind. This practice has been a game changer for me. Then I am out exercising in the evenings – I wish I could say that happened every night but that isn’t true. Water inspires me so you’ll often find me somewhere on Albert Park Lake or along the beach.
What are your key goals for 2021?
I am constantly on a leadership journey and my goals for 2021 are to really work on my language and to be more comfortable with sitting in silence with my team to let their voices be heard. It comes down to building trust with and in my team.
What is the best career advice you've received?
It starts with good relationships. Then find the balance between setting high and clear expectations and stepping back to let them be successful. You need to have the courage to let people fail in order to move forward with strength.
If you could invite 3 guests to dinner, who would they be?
I once held a dinner party where 6 friends came in character. I really enjoyed breaking bread with Nelson Mandela for his leadership, Bill Gates for his mind and Ronni Kahn for her purpose.
Did you learn something new or manage major pivots during lockdown?
Lock down reinforced the value of my relationships. Zoom dinners, zoom check ins, zoom movie nights all built on my already strong community. We showed our strengths and our vulnerabilities and mostly kept laughing together.
What is your favourite holiday destination?
I like to explore new places. A few years ago, I backpacked with my teenagers in Laos, taking boats up river to see how far we could get away from cities and into villages. It was a magical adventure.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
I would love to be a rock star for a day. Maybe Pink on stage just once, flying around on a trapeze and belting out great tunes. If only I could sing!