SHEROES: A QnA With Lynne McGready

Lynne McGready was born in Mumbai in 1950, she left India at the age of 20 in 1971. After spending all these several years away, she recently decided to come “full circle” and return to India. She now lives in Pune after having bought her own home and struggling with administrative issues like procuring a PAN card, gas line on her own.

Let’s read her story as told to us in her own words:

Tell us about yourself...where were you born / raised, a little about your education, childhood?

I was born in Bombay in 1950. I was raised there as well. I went to two schools. St Joseph's Convent, Bandra and boarding school in Kodaikanal, Presentation Convent.

Can you tell us about your professional journey so far?

I worked in the Middle East where I lived for approximately 14 years (Lebanon and Kuwait.) I was the In-flight Service Manager for Kuwait Airlines. During my time there, I took part in the development and implementation of new and enhanced products and in-flight service standards and established performance management systems. I was responsible for liaison with suppliers in countries such as Switzerland, Thailand, Japan and Germany. In 1984, I joined Australian Airlines, later to be known as Qantas Airlines, as the Cabin Crew manager. I worked on performance management systems and drove programmes to instill a strong sense of trust, image and commitment into the employees. I was promoted to General Manager of Customer Service Delivery in the year 2000. During my years with Qantas, I spent a fair share of my spare time studying for my graduate certificate, diploma, and finally, my MBA. In March 2001, I took leave of the industry that I had called home for three decades, and took time out to take further training in the area of education and self-development. I completed my CELTA from the University of Cambridge ESOL, and started off teaching relief classes for JAMCO Education Services in Sydney, and soon became a regular teacher of General English, English for Academics purposes and also Business English. I joined The Erican Education Group in early 2002 and was appointed in 2003 as General Manager of the Erican Language Centre.

That’s quite a journey, can you tell us about your last few years?

Over the last 10 years, I travelled extensively throughout Malaysia, facilitating and presenting on many various topics to audiences of all ages and background. I speak on self-improvement and career development.

How many years have you been away from India? In terms of corporate life and changes, what were the greatest inspirational moments and greatest challenges for you along the way?

I left India in 1971 at the age of 20. Inspirational moments and greatest challenges?? Crikey! I have worked for 45 years and there have been many challenges. But the things that come to mind. First, going overseas on my own as a naive young woman. My first promotion at the age of 25 where I managed a team of flight attendants of different nationalities, cultures, creeds AND ages...many much older than me at the time. Immigrating to Australia, giving up financial and job security in the ME to start a new life. I went to Sydney, Australia knowing I would accept ANY work that came my way irrespective of previous management positions. I applied for jobs advertised in the newspaper. Jobs ranging from receptionist to Manager! Fortunately, the domestic Australian Airlines advertised for a Sydney based Manager. I applied. They wanted a person who had experience working with Unions and knowledge of the Flight Attendant's Award. I had neither but I got a copy of the document and studied it before the interview. I got the job.

Challenge? First person to be recruited externally...not from within the airline so initial suspicion from more senior crew about my capabilities and experience. BUT I managed the way I did in the ME where there were no Unions basically being firm but fair with my teams. I had a lot to learn and was quite happy to do so.

Surprise? I thought Australia offered equal opportunity to all. I was wrong. The ME airline had women in positions of responsibility and offering equal opportunity WAY before the Australian airlines did.  In the ME managers were expected to get into uniform and maintain their flying licences. We operated as one team. Sure there were levels in the hierarchy but we were all expatriates. As a result of this I did not expect the demarcations that existed between Management and employees. The Managers never got into uniform and managed on the ground.

Another challenge. When the airlines Australian and Qantas merged I was promoted to the International Division.This was not easy as the bigger carrier Qantas expected to 'dominate' over the smaller domestic management team. This did not happen and many of the 'old guard' at Qantas were resentful. I had the 'honour' of having to manage many of them.

After all these years away, why did you choose to settle back down in India? What do you do here now?

In 2013 I recognised that I did not want to live in Malaysia any longer although I was part owner of a training company, owned a property that I loved etc. It was no longer a challenge for me personally. I knew I had to make some decisions about my future and these did not include remaining in Malaysia. I had the choice of going back to Australia but the word 'back' was stuck in my head. So, I decided to travel around some of the cities where I had family and friends. My objective was to understand what going 'back' would mean to me in terms of challenges, remaining active and involved. I had a wonderful time meeting friends and travelling to places that I loved and still love in Australia but I wasn't excited or energised. It would mean retirement and I wasn't ready for that. Another option that was more firmly stuck in my head was going 'full circle'. This idea did not leave my mind as quickly as going 'back' did. I started to explore options. And it wasn't very hard for me to decide. I started 'closing things down' in Kuala Lumpur and planning my move to India. All a bit of a blur right now as it was quite a task! The initial move to Pune was quite chaotic and frustrating at times as the property developers were behind schedule on handing me possession of my apartment but I decided to bite the bullet and move to Pune irrespective so I could learn more about the city and keep an eye on the progress.

Overall, I believe that one of the most significant changes that has occurred in Lynne is that nothing much bothers her. I used to rant about Bombay traffic congestion, the dust, the dirt, the poverty etc as a much younger person. Ha Ha. Now, I just go with the flow and am quite proud of myself. I live in Wagholi where I don't know many people and after 45 years have set up my home, arranged a gas cylinder, organised a PAN card etc etc etc. The list is long and I even have a part time job teaching. I moved into my apartment end January so have spent most of my time setting up my home, finding my way around this city, organising documentation needed for banks, government agencies etc. I have a part time job teaching English to Working Adults.

Tell us your experience being a single woman - buying a house - settling down in India. What has been the major take-aways from these experiences?

I have always been 'single' or independent. I left home when I was 20. I always worked very hard not because I was ambitious financially or career minded but because I could not do anything else! If I tried to chill and take it easy at work my conscience would bite hard and the chilling would last for a few minutes! Hahaha

When I look back on my life I feel that despite many stumbles and falls and disappointments I would not stay miserable for long. I am afraid I do not spend to much time on personal analysis. It was my mother's strength and I believe I inherited this characteristic.

What core advice would you share with upcoming young professionals? What is the key message you would give them?

I often heard my employees say things like 'I dislike my work and I cannot wait for my holidays' or 'I really need to get a work/life balance'. 'I am miserable at work but I love my life...at the weekend' and and and. I can never figure this out. For example, a person spends 5/6 week days OF THEIR LIFE working [not living???] and only enjoying/living 1/2 days! So, my key message has been to MANY ...you work during your life. This work takes up time in your life. You don't know how much time you have, so given that you have chosen to STAY in the job or if you are FORCED to stay in it...do your best to enjoy it. STOP waiting for the weekend to live your life!! You have wasted a week of your life.

What would you change if you could change one thing about your journey so far?

Hmmm...I am sure I have hurt and angered a few people as I went from being naive, to a more settled and experienced adult, manager, leader etc. In hindsight, I wish I could have handled a few things in my personal life differently but...I have also learned, looking back, that I had a path to follow and that is what I did. Every experience made me a better person.

What plans do you have for yourself, for the near future (professionally and personally)?

I feel that I am in recovery mode. Recovering from the huge decision to go full circle, tasks of closing my business in Malaysia, selling my home, packing my belongings, shifting to India, living in a strange city, worrying about the progress on my home, developers etc etc etc that right now I am just happy to be finally enjoying the 'fruits of my labour', exploring Pune and starting the weekend, part time teaching job with ELTIS in Shivajinagar!!