In our eighth episode of season two, Donna talks to Tracy Wilcox. Discrimination, bullying, illness and burnout – this is the story of a true survivor, a true phoenix.
Tracy is a technical leader with a background in simulation.
She has achieved extraordinary career success and when you understand where she came from, it is not surprising.
Tracy’s divorce didn’t destroy her – instead it was the
impetus for a courageous change. She moved half across the world from her native Canada with her three and five-year-old daughter to make a new life in Australia and dramatically accepted a new role in the field of simulation. What followed was an impressive career culminating in Project Director and General Management roles. Tracy was often the large women in large project teams.
Throughout her career Tracy has been bullied, harassed, belittled, been stolen from, ignored, locked in buildings, stalked and regularly put down. The majority of this was gender related. Yet she doesn’t blame men, she blames
character, lack of confidence and her own insecurities. The patriarchal beliefs that still dominate these industry sectors (whilst lessening their hold) do get much of the blame but of course those old systems are perpetuated by both
genders. Tracy has fought back by being a relentless campaigner for change. Her exhaustive list of giving back includes membership of two National Association
for Women in Construction (NAWIC) inclusion committees, past Property Council committees,
numerous mentorships of young and emerging women engineers and project staff and support roles and all of this is in addition to her day job.
It all came to a head though, as the body really does keep
score. Tracy was again subject to this type of inappropriate behaviour which, coupled with a chronic illness - has made her reevaluate everything. Her dark night of the soul saw her question everything and she valiantly shares her
story on this podcast. She is vulnerable and raw and oh so honest. In some ways it’s a hard story to hear but it is said from the heart and with the genuine hope of helping others.
Tracy is on her way back from both the bullying and her illness, but rather than lick her wounds, this amazing woman wants to help others.
This episode is raw and true and for every woman that has
been bullied or belittled in the workplace or elsewhere – it’s hard to hear but it’s validating to know we aren’t alone.
Tracy most certainly shines bright – her kindness, her
empathy and her bravery in being so vulnerable, raw and honest make her shine like the true diamond she is.
This is a very emotional interview, it broke our hearts a
little, but it also restored our faith in a better future.
