Female Leaders in the Spotlight series – Mary Galanopoulos, Manager, Human Resources and Governance
The standard you are willing to walk by, is the standard you are willing to accept.
International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate and appreciate the achievements of women. This year IWD’s theme is ‘embrace equity’ through innovation for a gender-equal future. The focus is for change and education to achieve equity, equality and empowerment for all women and girls.
This feature is part of a series of profiles on some of the women that BMSA are fortunate to have across a range of our functional teams. In a largely male-centric industry, our women bring fresh perspectives and diverse influences to the table, that make a positive contribution to the overall success of the company.
How long have you been at BMSA and what does your role entail?
I joined BMSA on 14 November 2022. My role is to lead a team of HR professionals in creating a business partnership with the BMSA team.
Did you always want to be an HR Manager? What do you aspire to be?
I had originally considered studying psychology, but felt that studying business would assist in broadening my opportunities. As part of that journey, I took quite an interest in HR and majored in it. In fact, I went on to complete further studies in HR and I have never looked back. I am proud of the profession and the role it plays to support employees and help shape organisations.
Were you mentored earlier in your career?
I spent 18 years working for a Fortune 500 company, which is where I started my HR career. I was fortunate enough to have a great mentor in the HR Manager I reported to for over 10 years while there. She took me under her leadership wing and I watched, I learnt, and I evolved into the HR professional I am today. I became her successor, and to this day we are in regular contact. She was, and continues to be, a true inspiration to me.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Pick your battles Mary.” As a young HR professional, I often thought I could tackle everything at once. My mentor would regularly say, pick your battles. Something that at times I learnt the hard way, but I’ve embraced a more balanced approach these days.
Do you have a motto in life or a favourite saying?
The standard you are willing to walk by, is the standard you are willing to accept.
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
It’s a reflection of how far women have come in their drive to be placed on a level playing field. It’s also a reminder that we shape our destiny and we have an opportunity to create a greater, more balanced future for the generations to come. The girls of today will become the women of tomorrow.
In a predominantly male-dominated industry, what are women able to offer the business?
Women bring a unique set of skills, perspectives, and experiences to leadership roles in male-dominated industries. We also help shape diversity in the workplace which can lead to more creative and innovative ideas. Finally, I think that women bring a different set of life experiences that can help a company better understand and connect with their customers and employees.
What’s been a highlight for you in your role at BMSA?
The openness to embrace the need for a designated, supportive, knowledgeable HR function to be implemented. Creating a future of a HR business partnership model, by first getting the basics right.
What advice would you like to give other women in an earlier stage of their career journey?
Embrace being who you are. As women, we are often more attuned to issues of inclusivity and diversity which can lead to more equitable and fair workplaces. So help play your part in that, no matter what role you have in the organisation.
Are you a cat or a dog person?
I’m a dog person. I admire how easily they are pleased and how loyal they are. And when they love, they love wholeheartedly.
What’s your secret skill?
I have a fair amount of foresight on how current decisions will impact future outcomes. I’m fortunate to have a good memory, I’m heavily into attention to detail, and I love baking sweets.
What are a couple of fun facts about you that your colleagues wouldn’t know?
I love the beach and have a morning walk to watch the sunrise each day. I have rewatched The Sopranos series from start to finish too many times. And I’m a major fan of ‘The Boss’ – that’s Bruce Springsteen.