Name: Kylie Bradley
Company: CDM Smith
Position: Principal Environmental Scientist
Who inspired you to get where you are today?
I’ve been lucky enough to have some people in my life during my career who have inspired me and helped me realise that I have the skills to be able to contribute to this industry.
My first boss in the consulting industry made me realise that there is a place for academia in scientific consulting and coached me in being able to apply knowledge to find answers and service clients.
A stint in industry was invaluable in allowing me to work in a large, international corporation to guide the use of science for the protection of the environment and giving me the opportunity to understand the need for consultants by industry.
In my current role, I have been encouraged to be agile and flexible in a difficult market with my mentors and managers recognising my potential and presenting me with opportunities to challenge and prove myself to meet personal and company goals.
What’s your greatest accomplishment?
I am proud that in my 20 years I have committed myself to just three employers. I am loyal and seek to learn as much as possible, while making a contribution for what I have been tasked with, and believe that a significant contribution comes with understanding, consolidation and time.
Being able to continue learning while part-time, raising daughters with a STEM focus, and providing a strong, professional female role model is made more relevant by the appreciation afforded me by my colleagues and in my network.
I was the first promotion to Principal in my current firm and I am the first female manager with a position on our company’s leadership team: This is such an important message for young professionals and graduates who don’t quite understand what their path will be. I am so fortunate to be able to assist young professional to work out what is next, and what the possibilities could be.
