Asialink

Viisti Dickens


viisti_dickens
    


Communications and Change Consultant

Generation V

  1. What is your current role?
    I currently work as a change management and communications consultant. I have experience in corporate affairs, policy, strategy and project management. My most recent project was managing a team of web designers, technical experts, an information architect, marketing and communications professionals to develop and launch Macquarie University's new audience-focused website. We also developed a suite of training tools, video clips and internal communications pieces. I enjoy working with smart people on complex projects and achieving great results.
     
  2. What has been your experience working in the Asian region?
    As a young professional I spent a year working in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam as an AusAID Youth Ambassador for Development. It was exciting, chaotic, and challenging. More recently, I visited China and Indonesia to experience development on the ground and understand the challenges and opportunities of working and living there by meeting with expat business people and talking to locals.  It sparked my interest in working more in the region.

    As a consultant, cross-cultural skills are paramount for communications and negotiations, project management, teamwork and collaboration. Living and working overseas really emphasized this for me.

    I have also worked on projects working with and hosting delegations from China for arts and trade-related events. This entailed research, reports, project management and logistics. I am interested in further exploring opportunities in the Asian region.
       
  3. What led you to the Asialink Leaders Program?
    After spending a year in Vietnam, I formed part of a committee in Brisbane of people interested in Australian-Asian relations, including from Brisbane City Council, Queensland Art Gallery, a law firm, Queensland Government, a journalist and a business consultant. We organized a series of events in Brisbane for people with an interest in Australian-Asian relations and it was at that time that I first heard of the Asialink Leaders Program.  It has been on my ‘to do’ list ever since. After completing a Masters of International Relations, working overseas in France and returning to Sydney, I felt it was the right time. Meeting some great Alumni – Dorjee Sun, Dr Jane Hirst, Natali Pearson and Malinda Wink – sealed my intention to apply.

  4. What have you been doing since completing the program?
    Since finishing the Asialink program in 2010, I have been working as a Change and Communications Consultant, and growing business opportunities. I am also currently working on a number of thought leadership pieces. In May I had an article published in the Australian Financial Review’s BOSS Magazine: "Sharpen your Asian cultural IQ". I focused on the importance of increasing cross-cultural skills for business. Based on a number of in-depth interviews with senior executives as well as additional research, I found there are some very experienced and passionate people out there, and there are many opportunities for Australian businesses to grow this talent and skill set.

  5. What have been the major lessons learnt from the program?
    The Asialink Leaders Program underlined the importance of trust, time and understanding in building relationships in Asia. I have applied this to new and existing networks. The program definitely also highlighted the importance of culture, context and communications in everything we do, both personally and professionally.
     
  6. How can Australia build stronger relations with the Asian region? What are the priorities?
    There are many ways to build relations – primarily by going to Asia, spending time there and making the effort to understand local priorities and ways of doing things. Each country is different, with its own strengths and characteristics. , as does building Australia's visibility in the region.

    If we want to work with Asia, and be seen by Asia to be part of the region, we have to be humble in our approach and take time to understand intra-Asian relationships as well. That requires standing back and listening, as well as diving in. Fostering trust through educational and professional exchange programs to Asia, expanding track two diplomacy initiatives and corporate support of cross-cultural communications and training are some other examples. They can help build deep connections for more investment.

    There are great opportunities to exchange innovation and intellectual capital – for science, creative industries and new technology-driven business models. Resources, infrastructure, agricultural and urban development are the obvious big business opportunities, yet corporate social responsibility demands more attention. Considering environmental impacts, supply chain and waste management also represent opportunities.


    Find out more about the Asialink Leaders Program