Her story

Antoinette is a General Counsel at Telstra.

Without mentioning your job title, how would you describe what it is you do now (whether at home, work, in the community, etc.)?

I help others make good decisions, being decisions which are well informed and considered. At work, this means empowering my company to seek out relevant perspectives and consider the impact of our decisions (good and bad) before we make them. At home and as a mother to four small children, this means helping them learn how to make good choices (by considering options and impact), so they grow up to be adults who know how to make the good ones and feel empowered to do so.

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What are the first three words you think of when you hear the word ‘diversity’?

Innovation, curiosity and growth.

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What do you think it will take to develop truly diverse thinking within the legal industry?

Proactive and intentional effort. Diversity of perspective (informed by things like background, upbringing, beliefs and experience) is absolutely critical to good decision making. Until we have truly embedded diversity, we need to consciously push ourselves to ensure we seek a broad and diverse range of perspectives and make sure we listen to all voices not just the loudest ones.

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What was your main driver to enter the legal industry?

I have wanted to be a lawyer for as long as I can remember. My family always taught that everyone has a voice that should be heard and we all have a responsibility to speak up for what’s right. Being a lawyer gives me the platform to do just that, which is a responsibility and a privilege. I find my work fulfilling because it enables me to directly influence positive outcomes both for my company and for Australians.

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