Inspiring Stories of Success and Leadership - Tanya O'Connor

Tanya O'Connor with AWGN Founder Jessica Eden recently at The Grange Golf Club.

In the vast corporate landscape, one name shines bright - a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and unyielding commitment to excellence. Meet Tanya O'Connor, a founding member of the Australian Women's Golf Network in South Australia. For over two decades, Tanya has sculpted an extraordinary career within the expansive realm of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, one of the world's foremost brands.

Callum: What sparked your interest in joining Coca-Cola and has kept you engaged throughout your career with the company?

Tanya: I started with Coke almost 22 years ago, fresh out of Uni with degrees in International Business and Marketing. The allure of working with the biggest brand in the world hooked me. Over the years, it's the people, the diversity, and the constant learning in this fast-paced environment that have kept me engaged.

Callum: What's been the most fulfilling aspect of your long-term commitment to the biggest brand in the world?

Tanya: The ability to dive into various roles, learn, and then push myself further has been fulfilling. I've worked across different industries within Coca-Cola, from groceries to petroleum to liquor. The innovation, meeting diverse customers, and experiencing different facets of the organisation keep it exciting.

Callum: What are the key skills and lessons that enabled you to advance and move between different facets of Coca-Cola?

Tanya: Diversified thinking is crucial. Understanding customers and realizing it's not a one-size-fits-all approach is key. Being resourceful, proactively seeking solutions, and knowing you don't need to know everything but finding out who does, are valuable lessons.

Callum: What excites you most about having a leadership role within Coca-Cola?

Tanya: Building a successful, capable team and witnessing their growth. I love those conversations where we flush out strengths, areas for growth, and then work towards desired changes. It's about getting people out of their comfort zones and fostering diversity and inclusion in our teams.

Callum: When did you start playing golf, and what drew you to the game?

Tanya: I started playing golf in the last 18 months. Initially, I would be the girl in the cart at charity golf events. But seeing women on the course made me rethink. Now, I'm passionate about encouraging more women to break into this male-dominated industry, enjoying not just the game but the networking opportunities it brings.

Callum: What social and networking advantages have you found from golf, and how has it influenced relationships, both personal and professional?

Tanya: Golf is still new to me, but it has opened doors to great relationships, especially within AWGN. Networking, even beyond my industry, has huge benefits. It's not just about the professional aspect; I can call up friends from these networks for a weekend golf hit.

Callum: What else do you do in your downtime that helps you maintain a sense of work-life balance?

Tanya: With three teenage girls, family time is a priority. I love good food and wine. Living near the beach, I enjoy walks with my two puppies. Being present when I'm home is crucial, and having two phones - one for work and one for personal - helps me strike that balance.

Callum: What's the best piece of golf or networking advice you've received?

Tanya: Make the most of every opportunity and be open to trying new things. One interaction could lead to unexpected opportunities.

Tanya O'Connor's journey is one of dedication, adaptability, and leadership. From her early days fuelled by the ambition to work with the biggest brand globally to her current role as a leader at Coca-Cola, Tanya's story is a testament to the power of continuous learning and embracing new challenges.

Her insights into leadership, the transformative power of networking through golf, and the delicate balance between professional and personal life are a source of inspiration. Tanya's narrative resonates not only as a professional within Coca-Cola but one for those navigating their own paths in the dynamic world of corporate leadership.

Tanya recently joined AWGN event at the Royal Adelaide Golf Club.

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