When Lucy Kenny was named National Leader of the Year at Compass Group Australia’s (CGA) 2024 Star Awards, it was a proud moment for her and for Chartwells. “Being recognised is incredible, but I’m most proud of showing up, doing my job well, and having the support of my team to get here. It shows that the impact we make in Education is significant,” she shares.
When the Stars Align
Lucy’s journey with Chartwells began in 2016 as a Site Manager at Perth’s Presbyterian Ladies’ College. Throughout the years, she sought out new opportunities, taking on new challenges and leadership roles. “When I returned from maternity leave in 2020 with a seven-month-old and a two-and-a-half-year-old, I pursued an Operations role. Leadership is challenging for women, especially mothers, but with the support from a business like CGA, it’s achievable,” Lucy explains.
Her determination paid off. Today, Lucy is an Operations Manager overseeing Chartwells sites across WA, liaising with clients, supporting and guiding her teams through challenges as well as exploring new opportunities to ensure operational excellence.
Her current focus is on ‘Chartwells 2.0’, which involves securing new contracts and expanding retail facilities – a project Lucy is passionate about, as it not only drives growth but also creates more opportunities for people on the ground.
Guided by her North Star
A strong advocate for gender equity, Lucy emphasises the importance of creating pathways for women in leadership. “Representation matters,” she shares. “We want to ensure women see a clear pathway to grow within our business. When women see others in leadership, it inspires confidence. Supporting women isn’t just important; it’s necessary. I hope my journey shows others that with determination and support, anything is possible.”
Constellation for Success
Attributing her success to CGA’s culture of growth, Lucy’s advice for those looking to excel in our business is simple… “Take every opportunity, and don’t be afraid to seek them out. We’re a large business with so many pathways for growth. And to our leaders, it’s our job to share these opportunities with our teams and empower them to succeed.”
Read more about our People here.
