Focus on IWD: Gorica Todorovic

In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning is shining a light on the integral work and careers of a selection of our staff. Gorica is a human resources consultant.

What is the best aspect of working at the Melbourne School of Design?

My favourite part of working here is all the passionate and truly amazing people I’ve met involved in projects that transform and improve our community. It makes me feel like I’m part of something bigger than myself and that really drives me to do the best I can for the Faculty.

Do you have a strategy that you can share with us, which helped you in overcoming major challenges in your career? 

I’ve always struggled with the idea that in order to be any good at my job (or anything else really) – I’ve got to be perfect. Placing the expectation on myself that I need to have all the answers and that I can’t fail or make mistakes has had a negative impact on my self-confidence in the workplace. It’s taken some time, but I feel like I’m much better at being kinder to myself – as an employee, as a mother and as a woman. I’ve learnt to acknowledge that I do lots of things really well, to accept praise and stop being my own harshest critic – it did nothing except riddle me with insecurity and hold me back personally and professionally.

What is one piece of advice that you can share with women working in Universities or the built environment (or anywhere really) on how we can shape more inclusive workplaces?

We need to speak up about the challenges we face and not shy away from talking about the things we’re struggling with because we’re afraid that speaking up will reflect poorly on us. It’s likely that so many of us are facing the same issues – juggling work and family, managing our mental health, navigating our careers, sick kids, ailing parents or whatever else life throws at us.