Purpose and place

AIRAH Victorian division president Rula Karali, M.AIRAH, shares her international HVAC&R journey. 

One of the first things you notice about Rula Karali, M.AIRAH, is her positivity. It shines through both in conversation and in professional settings, whether she’s representing Temperzone as the company’s business development manager or AIRAH as the newly elected chair of the Victorian division committee. It’s arguably this trait above all others that has helped Karali thrive in an already impressive HVAC&R career that still has plenty in store.  

Having left Iraq at a young age and in tough circumstances, Karali spent three years living in Jordan and 15 years in Malaysia before moving to Australia in 2017. It’s a trajectory many would find challenging. But instead of dwelling on the uncertainties of life, Karali frames these life experiences as a blessing. Not only have these formative experiences made her who she is today, but they’ve sparked joy, wonder, and learning in her along the way. 

Karali talked with Ecolibrium’s Nick Johns-Wickberg and Matt Dillon about her early life, her career so far, and her hopes for the future. 

Ecolibrium: What’s your specialty in HVAC&R? 

Rula Karali: With a foundation in engineering, I navigated through various facets of project management, engineering, and estimation from 2016 to 2021. My journey led me to specialise in HVAC with a graduate diploma from AIRAH.  

Transitioning into technical sales in 2021, I now blend my technical expertise with business acumen. Currently, I’m pursuing a master’s degree in business administration to further hone my skills and insights into the business and management world. 

What are you enthusiastic about?  

Sustainability is at the heart of my passion, particularly when it comes to implementing sustainable practices within the HVAC&R industry. Through my MBA training at the University of Wollongong, I have developed strong skills in strategy, planning, and exploring contemporary global perspectives on strategy. I look forward to applying this knowledge and skill in the HVAC sector.  

What do you like about your job? 

What I love most about my job is the dynamic nature of each day. No two projects are alike, presenting fresh challenges and learning opportunities consistently. From problem solving to innovation, every day brings something new to tackle. 

What do you find challenging? 

Keeping abreast of the ever-evolving technological landscape is undoubtedly a challenge in my field. However, beyond technical complexities, I find the intricacies of project budgeting and cost estimation particularly demanding. Balancing the fine line between pricing and delivering top-tier sustainable projects remains a perpetual challenge, given the significant role HVAC plays in overall project costs.  

What would you most like that you don’t have? 

I consider myself very lucky, and I always appreciate where I am and what I have, so there’s nothing specific that comes to mind that I feel I’m lacking. Just another content person focused on making the most of the opportunities given to me. 

If I wasn’t doing what I’m doing, I’d be a … 

If I wasn’t doing what I’m doing, I would still choose to pursue a career in the same field. I thoroughly enjoy my current role and the niche field of HVAC and business development side of it. The blend of technical challenges and the dynamic nature of the job keep me engaged and fulfilled.  

Rula at IAQ24.

Something people might be surprised to find out about me is … 

Something that might surprise people about me is my love for teaching languages and mathematics – I consider maths a worldly language, too. Beyond my role in business development, I find immense fulfillment in sharing knowledge and mentoring teenagers and young adults in learning their mother tongue and exploring the option of a second language.  

Could you tell us a bit about your own journey, the countries you’ve lived in, and your move to Australia? 

My journey began in Iraq, a beautiful country with extremely kind and generous people. However, as the political situation deteriorated, it was time to move on. This was the beginning of my international journey and adapting to new environments. 

I lived in Jordan for three years before moving to Malaysia, where I spent 15 years. I then moved to Australia in 2017. Each experience was unique and added immense value to my personal growth and worldview. 

I consider myself extremely lucky that my parents were highly skilled, which allowed us the opportunity to experience and integrate into different cultures through their work as expats. 

How was the experience of adapting to those changes? Did you ever get a sense of culture shock? 

Jordan wasn’t much of a cultural shock for me, as we spoke the same language and had a lot in common as Middle Easterners, though the cuisine was a bit different. I still can’t decide which cuisine I prefer. 

Malaysia was a completely different experience with a different language, culture, and food. However, it didn’t take long to adjust and make it home. The people were very kind and just as curious about our culture as we were about theirs. Looking different was always a conversation starter, boosting our confidence to talk to strangers and learn.  

Australia, on the other hand, was extremely multicultural, at least in Sydney where I first landed. The diversity in such a small place enriched my experiences immensely. I’ve absolutely loved every stage of my journey, admired its uniqueness, and appreciated the value it added to my life. 

I like to look at journey from a very positive angle: it’s a true blessing, and I couldn’t be more grateful for these experiences. I always say that education is your passport and key to the world. When things don’t work out in one place, education opens countless new doors and limitless opportunities. 

On that note, do you think Australian HVAC&R is becoming more diverse? Do you think diversity strengthens the industry? 

Absolutely! The Australian HVAC&R industry is definitely becoming more diverse. You can see this first-hand in the consulting and engineering and project management spaces, with a growing number of people from overseas backgrounds joining the workforce. This diversity is a real strength for the industry in several ways, such as offering fresh perspectives, global knowledge and providing a wider talent pool. 

People from different backgrounds bring unique experiences and approaches to problem-solving. This can lead to innovative solutions and a more well-rounded industry. 

Skilled migrants often have experience with international standards and best practices. This can help to ensure Australian HVAC&R systems are efficient, sustainable, and meet the latest global trends. A broader talent pool allows companies to find the best person for the job. This can lead to a more skilled and qualified workforce. 

Speaking of championing diversity, how have you found the experience of being involved in the Women of AIRAH STG? 

Having a strong sense of belonging is so important, especially for women in the workplace. In my experience, women have often been a small minority. So, seeing a committee dedicated to supporting and empowering females is truly inspiring.  

It’s fantastic to see successful women leaders paving the way for others, and it’s a great platform to sharpen your leadership and debate skills. I’ve also made some great connections over the past two years – both professional and personal – through the committee, which I am very grateful for.  

Could you talk about the value of doing AIRAH’s Professional Diploma in Building Services (PDBS)? 

Participating in AIRAH’s PDBS was immensely valuable for me. Three years into my HVAC career, as I transitioned from residential to more complex commercial projects, I recognised a need for formal HVAC design training. A lot of companies don’t have a structured design training programs; learning was predominantly on the job. This prompted me to enrol in the PDBS, a decision that significantly honed my skills and solidified my foundational knowledge.  

The course not only sharpened my technical abilities but also connected me with professionals across the country, many of whom I remain in contact with today. Undoubtedly, the PDBS is one of the premier programs in Australia aimed at enhancing both skills and knowledge for daily tasks in our field.  

Congratulations on being elected chair of AIRAH’s Victorian division committee. Do you have any specific plans for the committee or its activities? 

I’m both excited and honoured to begin this journey as chair of the Victorian division committee. My primary focus is to revitalise the social dynamics we’ve missed over the past three years due to COVID-19.  

Bringing back in-person gatherings is essential, as I believe it’s crucial for us to cultivate and strengthen our professional networks locally. Activities like golf and go-karting can provide a relaxed setting away from work pressures, fostering camaraderie among members. 

Additionally, I aim with the committee to celebrate the achievements of our members – highlighting significant projects and contributions to the industry, and providing a platform for them to share their expertise with peers. It’s important to acknowledge and showcase the hard work and success within our community, enhancing visibility and recognition for our engineers and HVAC professionals. If anyone is interested in becoming part of the organising committee, please reach out to us.  

You mentioned that you are into golf, and golf balls are the one piece of corporate merchandise that you are happy to pick up from events. Why golf? 

It’s simple: the only merchandise I actively collect at conferences and trade shows is golf balls. I play socially, but I genuinely enjoy the game – not just for its competitive yet relaxed atmosphere, but also for the social interactions it fosters. Being out on the green under the sun surrounded by the natural beauty of various golf courses across the country adds to the appeal for sure. I look forward to the AIRAH Victorian Golf Day later this year. 

What are you optimistic about? 

I am optimistic about the direction our industry is heading. There’s a noticeable shift towards inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation. It’s inspiring to witness the collective efforts towards creating a more sustainable and equitable future.  

The Women of AIRAH Special Technical Group works to promote diversity, representation, and inclusion within the ranks of HVAC&R. To register your interest in joining the Women of AIRAH, click here.