Name: Michele Adair
Company: The Housing Trust
Position: Chief Executive Officer
Who inspired you to get where you are today?
Like many women, I was first inspired by my mum who, among other things, served in the Air Force during WW2. My father died suddenly when he was only 46.
We were very lucky he had life insurance which allowed mum to keep our house. I clearly remember the physical and emotional security that provided. It’s one of the reasons I’m committed to housing affordability and the for-purpose housing sector.
You can’t educate your children, manage your health or get and keep a job unless you have a safe, affordable roof over your head. Mum’s resilience, adaptability and optimism were extraordinary.
What is your greatest accomplishment and why?
I’m most proud of the positive impact I’ve been able to have on individual lives and in the community.
The greatest privilege and responsibility I have as a CEO is to create an environment for everyone to be the best they can be. When that happens, performance follows.
There have been significant and award-winning results in business and major social policy reforms that have changed lives.
I’ve raised two loving, respectful and hardworking children and stood alongside friends and family as they’ve faced life’s challenges. That’s what matters most.
