Regular columns

Recognising performance that goes above and beyond doesn’t always have to be expensive, writes Dr Gayle Avery. But it does have to be executed properly and appropriately.

How to ensure that budding HVAC&R building services professionals get the support they need? AIRAH firmly believes mentorship is the way forward.

It’s one thing to manage a business when times are good, but what do you do during difficult times – such as in an economic slowdown?

During my time in the employ of this venerable Institute, it’s regularly astounded me how frequently our name is mispronounced.

AIRAH used the occasion of International Women’s Day to celebrate women in HVAC&R, and discuss how to address the gender pay gap.

Well, it’s a little late, but I hope that you have had the opportunity to take a well‑earned break over the summer. Let’s face it: in January the construction industry usually grinds to a halt, and just about everybody you’re trying to reach is away. We all need the chance to rest and recharge.

As we face the unknown financial road ahead, it’s useful to people reflect on the most recent major economic downturn, the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) of more than a decade ago. Officially spanning form late 2007 to mid-2009, it took several more years for employment and the economy to stabilise to previous levels. It is important for us to look at the business successes and failures from this challenging time, and to learn from them.

It is undoubtedly a time of change – socially, politically, environmentally and for many, personally. The same can be said for the mechanical services consulting landscape following the mergers of local and international firms.

A co-founder of the Institute for Sustainable Leadership based, Dr Gayle Avery is a pioneer in the burgeoning field of sustainable leadership.

We can’t change the things that have already occurred, but we can try and make an impact on the future, so let’s get started at the very least. Of course, I’m not wishing to be political, but with a coming federal election we all have the opportunity and responsibility to vote for those who we think are best aligned with our vision for the future.