2024 Women to Watch
This year we showcase over 80 South Australian women to watch throughout the year. From business, to careers, arts to science. This year’s selected women highlight the depth and diversity of the women in our state and also the vast array of opportunities to develop a business or career in South Australia. Find our more about our inaugural Women to Watch initiative here.
I am a university-qualified professional writer and editor and also have a diverse background in the corporate world having worked at SAS channel 7 Adelaide for an eleven-year period, gaining much experience in media and marketing.
My professional writing experience is diverse and has been gained both through formal study and experience in a range of roles and writing genres. My current day job is Head of Engagement and Communications for the Uniting Church in South Australia, managing 4 direct reports and responsible for all communications both internally and externally, which includes design, writing original content, interviewing for potential stories, managing media responses on behalf of the church, and as a senior executive, also working on a variety of strategic projects.
Last October I was accepted into a writing program in Paris and have been invited back this December for the second phase of this program. Recently, I also attended the ‘Art of Writing’ in Brisbane run by Australian author Lisa Clifford.
// Favourite inspirational quote
‘Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?” Actually, who are you not to be?’
// Let’s get to know you
One of my first jobs was as a Typist Clerk working on a book called ‘Biographies Australia,’ essentially a ‘Who’s Who’ book of South Australian identities. From there I was employed at the English Department at the University of Adelaide, and looking back I realise that both of these experiences aligned with my love of writing.
When I commenced at Channel 10 in a secretarial role, and the station later became Channel 7, I learned a lot about the media and met many personalities. During my time at the television station, I also had the opportunity to attend various functions, theatre, cinema etc. which helped me overcome my initial shyness. My final role at Channel 7 was as Children’s Appeal Manager, fundraising for the Children’s Research Foundation.
I have always been interested in lifelong learning, and so I took on a degree at the University of South Australia, studying Professional and Creative Communications majoring in writing. After completing my degree, I continued with a year of Honours also in writing, with a focus on poetry. During my time at university, I became a published poet. I have also studied a Postgraduate degree in Evaluation and Assessment of projects, from Melbourne University; and a Diploma in Project Management; and an Associate Diploma in Business.
Various jobs across my carrier have all given me vast experience in different forms of writing whether press releases, reports, strategic documents, book reviews, project proposals etc. My current role as Head of Engagement and Communications in the Uniting Church in South Australia, sees me as the Managing Editor of their magazine, and working with talented graphic designers to produce a myriad of different products.
In my book coaching business, I am currently working on a new website concept called the ‘Female Author Association.’ My aim is to create a range of free resources for women writers, but also to provide a new concept called ‘My Memoir,’ which is a 6-month writing program that will lead applicants to publication.
// What makes you a Woman to Watch for 2024?
I am very much the quiet achiever and somewhat of an introvert by nature. However, I decided at the beginning of this year to re-focus my efforts on growing my book coaching business. I joined the SOAR program so that I could connect with like-minded businesswomen, and I want to commit time and energy to take my business to the next level.
As mentioned previously, I currently am obtaining quotes to create the ‘Female Author Association’ digital platform. My aim is to create a range of free resources for women writers, but also to provide a new concept called ‘My Memoir,’ which is a 6-month writing program that leads to publication of women’s stories.
// If you could share one takeaway from your business or career journey, what would it be?
In the words of Nike ‘Just do it.’ So often women especially, put their own desires aside or on hold to care for family and others. I feel it is extremely important for us to carve out dedicated time to give priority to our own personal goals. I know firsthand how difficult this can be, but if we don’t prioritise ourselves, at least occasionally, we are sabotaging our own personal desires, and doing ourselves a disservice.
Another cliché – is the putting on of our own oxygen masks, before we can help others.
By my very circumstances – the failure of my marriage was a wakeup call to me, and I have now been able to prioritise my personal goals and desires, and this, I believe has made me a better mother, sister, aunty, friend and colleague.
// What would being a Woman to Watch mean to you?
At the beginning of this year, I made a promise to myself to expand and diversify my book coaching business, and to develop some concepts that would see me work more closely with women so they could bring their stories into the world – whether fiction or non-fiction.
Being a ‘Woman to Watch in 2024’ would not only give me a personal sense of accomplishment that I have achieved my goals, but also would confirm that my work with women has significance. There is no doubt that it would not only add to my presence and profile in supporting women writers going forward, but also will support the on-going activities of SA Woman.
// What would you like to see for the future of South Australian women and girls?
I see the focus in schools on STEM and how universities seem to value science and technology careers for both men and women. Whilst this is also important, I would also like to see a focus on creativity for young people, especially women. Creativity is at the very core of who we are as human beings – being able to express ourselves creatively – whether an artist, writer, performer etc.
It takes bravery to bring a creative piece into the world, and I would like to see more women and girls have the confidence to believe in themselves and their creativity and that they are truly ‘enough.’
Get in touch with Bridget:
LinkedIn: Bridget Ransome
Website: www.thebookcoach.org
Check out all of the incredible Women to Watch for 2024 here as their profiles are uploaded throughout the year.
To become an SA Woman Member, check out our Membership Options here.
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