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.
Paige Cross is a dedicated and hardworking professional with a self-driven expectation of excellence. With a rich history of working in the agricultural industries across Southern Australia, Paige’s passion lies in delivering quality work in a timely and efficient manner, particularly in regional Australia.
Paige is deeply committed to professional growth and continuous learning. In addition to becoming a Professional Member of APEN (Australasia Pacific Extension Network) in 2023 and attending their 2-day conference in Launceston, she actively seeks opportunities to enhance her expertise. Paige completed a Carbon Neutral short course with the University of Melbourne, demonstrating her dedication to staying informed about sustainability and environmental practices. Furthermore, she regularly attends agricultural and agribusiness industry seminars and conferences, including the 2-day GRDC Southern conference in February 2024, to stay abreast of the latest trends and innovations in her field.
// Favourite inspirational quote
“That which does not kill us makes us stronger” – Friedrich Nietzsche.
// Let’s get to know you
My journey to where I am today has been motivated by a drive for success and an understanding that one of the best ways to thrive is to embrace opportunities while also being prepared to immerse oneself in the unique challenges and opportunities of rural and regional Australia. My passion lies in agriculture and agribusiness, a realm deeply rooted in my upbringing. Growing up on a farm that has been in our family for over 105 years, I was instilled with a profound appreciation for the land and the intricacies of rural life. Encouraged by my parents, who themselves were deeply involved in agriculture, I developed a strong affinity for the industry from a young age. Their unwavering support and guidance fuelled my ambition to pursue a career in agriculture, driving me to explore and contribute to this dynamic and vital sector. I hold a Bachelor of Applied Science (Agronomy) from the University of Queensland, which has provided me with a solid foundation in the field,
As the owner and founder of Cross Country Management, a business I started in 2015, I have continued to pursue my passion for agriculture and agribusiness. The inception of Cross Country Management arose when I was given the opportunity to work on a multi-stakeholder project in Western Victoria. This experience ignited my entrepreneurial spirit and reinforced my commitment to making a positive impact in the agricultural sector. Through Cross Country Management, I have been able to leverage my expertise and experience to provide valuable business development, project management, training, and facilitation services to clients across the industry.
A pivotal moment in my career was my involvement as a member in the project management team of a large multistakeholder project in Victoria in 2015. This project, focused on climate-based initiatives, brought together five local government authorities as well as the state government. Contributing to this initiative provided me with invaluable insights into collaborative project management, stakeholder engagement, and the complexities of addressing climate challenges in the agricultural sector. This experience solidified my commitment to sustainable practices and enhanced my understanding of the importance of cooperation and coordination in achieving impactful outcomes.
It was during this project, as well as my work with Local Government prior to starting Cross Country Management, that my ability to work with various and multiple stakeholders, as well as to understand the requirements of funding bodies and translate them to the industry level, evolved significantly. These experiences provided me with a deep understanding of the importance of effective communication, collaboration, and strategic planning in navigating complex projects and achieving meaningful outcomes within the agricultural sector.
Currently, I am focused on project managing five industry-funded projects on behalf of a farming systems group here in South Australia. In this role, I am overseeing the planning, execution, and coordination of these initiatives, working closely with stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of each project. Additionally, I continue to work as a ChemCert trainer in South Australia, with a focus on agricultural and veterinary chemical safety. In this capacity, I am committed to providing training and education to ensure the safe and responsible use of chemicals in the agricultural sector. Leveraging my expertise in project management, business development, and stakeholder engagement, I am dedicated to delivering results that contribute to the growth and sustainability of the agricultural industry in Southern Australia.
At present, I am also focused on my family and our family farm, where my mother and I operate a prime lamb enterprise together. This partnership allows us to maintain our family’s farming tradition while working collaboratively towards our shared goals. Our commitment to sustainable farming practices and the welfare of our livestock remains at the forefront of our operations, ensuring the continued success and longevity of our farm.
In summary my career, and also life, has been defined by a strong commitment to continuous learning, capitalising on opportunities and a steadfast pursuit of excellence within the agricultural industry.
// What is your goal or intention for the year ahead? And how are you going to achieve it?
My word of the year for 2024 is ‘intentional’. In the upcoming year, my primary focus is to strike a balance between my career aspirations and the time I have available, especially considering the responsibilities of raising three young children aged 8, 5, and 3. I acknowledge that, at this point in my life, my ambitions may exceed my capacity.
My goals for 2024 include:
* Generating $10,000 in revenue each month.
* Ensuring that I do not work during school holidays, which will require proactive planning, commitment, and maximizing resources during the school term.
* Delivering on all project requirements promptly and within the allocated budget for my clients.
* Dedicate every Friday to spending quality time with my 3-year-old away from the office, prioritizing family and creating cherished memories.
// If you could share one takeaway from your career or business journey, what would it be?
If I could share one takeaway from my business or career journey, it would be the importance of taking initiative and being unafraid to ask for opportunities. Throughout my journey, I’ve learned that if you are prepared to ask the question, the worst someone will say is ‘no’. By being proactive and seeking out opportunities, whether it’s pitching a new idea to a client or asking for a promotion, I’ve been able to advance my career and achieve my goals.
Additionally, I’ve found immense opportunity in expanding my network and embracing new experiences, including moving to different states and engaging with regional and rural communities. These experiences have not only broadened my horizons but have also opened doors to new connections, collaborations, and opportunities that have been instrumental in my professional growth.
// What would being a Woman to Watch for 2024 mean to you?
Being recognized as a “Woman to Watch in 2024” would mean a tremendous boost of self-esteem for me. As I enter and complete this submission close to the deadline, it reflects my dedication and determination to seize opportunities for recognition and growth. Working largely independently or for clients who seldom provide feedback, positive or otherwise, can be challenging.
Therefore, being acknowledged in this way would validate my efforts and accomplishments, reaffirming my belief in my abilities. In 2024, I envision significant growth for both my business and personal development. This recognition would not only highlight my skills and achievements but also provide a platform to showcase them to a wider audience. It represents a milestone in my journey towards realizing my potential and making a meaningful impact in my field.
// What would you like to see for the future of South Australian women and girls?
In envisioning the future for South Australian women and girls, I see a vibrant and inclusive community where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and pursue their aspirations without limitations. An ideal future would be one where gender equality is not just a goal but a reality, where women and girls have equal access to education, employment, leadership roles, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
In the agricultural sector, opportunities for women and girls have expanded significantly, thanks in part to the pioneering work of trailblazers like my Nana, who was not only a farmer but also a successful businesswoman. I have continued to advocate for gender equality in agriculture, recognising the immense contributions that women can make to the industry. This is being aided by the immense advances in technology. I am committed to encouraging my two girls to pursue their interests in agriculture, empowering them to follow in the footsteps of generations of strong and resilient women who have shaped the agricultural landscape in South Australia.
There is a pressing need for more open conversations about the challenges that women and girls face, both personally and professionally. By fostering supportive and trusting networks, we can create safe spaces where individuals feel empowered to share their struggles, seek guidance, and offer support to one another. Through these conversations and networks, we can build resilience, foster solidarity, and drive positive change for women and girls in South Australia.
Get in touch with Paige:
LinkedIn: Paige Cross
Website: www.crosscountrymanagement.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.
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