In celebration of International Women's Day - spotlight on WNHS Executive Director, Jodi Graham

Growing up in the great southern region of WA, and graduating from Iona College, Dr Jodi Graham is a locally trained specialist Anaesthetist, with a passion for leadership.

Looking back on her early years Jodi said it was then that she developed many of the values and beliefs she holds close to her heart today. “I think growing up in the country and then moving to Perth and attending Iona College really gave me an opportunity to truly see people and to understand what it means to create your own path,” she said.

“I found myself really recognising and appreciating all their differences, all their challenges, all their achievements and doing that has really shaped my personal values and who I am today.” As a consultant Anaesthetist, Jodi embraced and followed her passion to lead people and became Medical Co-Director of the Surgical Division at SCGOPH group.

During this time, she completed a Master of Health Policy at the University of Sydney and was able to put this to use while working at the Department of Health on the Sustainable Health Review.

Even as a medical professional Jodi says she’s been exposed to gender bias at various points throughout her career. “One of the greatest challenges I ever faced was thinking I was a modern, working woman and being told by a neighbour that I should be at home looking after my husband,” she said.

It really challenged the way I see myself and highlighted in my view a hangover from a time ago. “But clearly this and many other gender biases still exist.”

Jodi successfully applied for the role of Executive Director, Women and Newborn Health Service in 2019 and has focused on developing a transparent, authentic way of communicating to her teams.

“I have a strong motivation to bring everyone together because I honestly believe we can achieve greater things together,” she said. In 2021 Jodi completed the Signature Leadership Programme which she described as an amazing experience.

“I met so many amazing people and the program really fed my desire to continue to work with and empower people to see them achieve more than they ever thought possible,” she said.

Jodi giggled as she light-heartedly described her leadership style as being like a sheep dog.

“I work tirelessly to bring everyone together and I am truly inspired when I see people achieving more than they thought they could.”

A successful, people minded leader Jodi is incredibly proud and willing to advocate and encourage change in removing gender bias. “With gender being so important globally I think a focus on removing gender bias is becoming ever more important,” she said.