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.
Madhavi Nawana Parker is the Director of Positive Minds Australia and author of resilience, wellbeing, confidence and social emotional literacy books published worldwide. As a public and keynote speaker, she is a passionate advocate for the mental health and wellbeing of all young people, parents and educators.
// Favourite inspirational quote
“When you learn, teach. When you get, give.’ Maya Angelou
// Let’s get to know you
As a small child I grew up on the grounds of the Glenside Hospital where my Dad worked in leadership. Our back yard opened out the the hospital and patients came in and out along with my amazing Dad and his colleagues. I loved listening to their conversations about how they would support the mental health and wellbeing of their patients and I was always inspired by their enthusiasm and compassion for people who were having such a difficult time. This sparked my interest in Mental health and wellbeing right from the start of my life. When my dad passed away suddenly, when I was ten years old, choosing a path in Psychology felt like a wonderful way of continuing his legacy. I started private practice in 2001 and have worked hard from day one to now, teaching skills to help others succeed.
// What is your goal or intention for the year ahead? And how are you going to achieve it?
In 2024 I am going to be brave and invest in expanding PMA to address the mental health crisis by hiring two new Psychologists and renting a PMA centre where our clients can come in and feel seen, heard and valued from the moment they walk through the door. I will mentor and welcome our new team members and together, we will deliver proactive and preventative mental health and wellbeing solutions.
// Share with us a standout example of how your expertise, knowledge or experience has been needed in a situation?
A group of year 11 girls were creating havoc for themselves and others in a school, dating young adult men and experimenting with drugs. Their goal was to make their Principal and teachers cry and they were all at risk of not completing school. I counselled the girls weekly over two terms, helped the Educators and parents learn how to support and communicate with them and and all four of them came out on top, completing year 12, reconnecting with family and teachers and they all learnt to make much safer relationship choices. I never gave up on them, I knew they were not bad kids, they were just missing the necessary supports to adjust to teenage life and even though they threw some very colourful language and looks at me throughout the process, I loved working with them and I know they knew that. At the end, we were so connected and all sad the time working together had come to an end.
// If you could share one takeaway from your business or career journey, what would it be?
Never, ever give up and always stay true to your values.
// What would you like to see for the future of South Australian women and girls?
Confidence and self worth taught from reception and preventative, proactive wellbeing programs in schools before the tween and teen years when hormones, social comparison and increased demands at school impact wellbeing. We can all be positive role models, treating young people with warmth and compassion and help them feel seen, heard and valued.
Get in touch with Madhavi:
LinkedIn: Madhavi Nawana Parker
Website: www.positivemindsaustralia.com.au
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.