From her very first day, on 15 July, Professor Heywood made it clear that she would be open and available to anybody who wanted to speak with her. She accepted scores of invitations and promoted 'Bring the VC to Work' days in order to meet people in their workplace.
"In a very hierarchical organisation like a university, it's really important not to end up being jailed in your office," Brigid said. "It should be where you spend the least amount of time."
And so it has come to pass. "It has been the most phenomenal experience, because it has meant that I've been warmly welcomed and inducted into the UNE community, rather than me imposing myself on it," Brigid said.
Her personal, and very insightful weekly message has served as another very effective means of engagement. "I've never been that public about how I spend my time and who I've met, but it has been very well received and has worked as a successful instrument to connect with colleagues and students across the institution and the wider community," Brigid said.
It's also a powerful demonstration of the merits of authenticity. "This is the most exposing role that I've ever been in, and I genuinely believe that the way to be successful is to be myself," Brigid said. "You do the best job when you present the best of yourself, and you will be your best self when you are authentic and genuine. I am here because I bring with me a lot of experience from many places, but I also hope that I am evidencing that I have all the human frailties of a project yet to be completed, and that I am in learning mode."
Regular exercise, taking time each day for personal reflection, and maintaining her sense of humour have helped Brigid to cope with the heavy workload. "When you are VC, you get to plant a lot of seedlings that you may not see grow into oak trees, but the pleasure in being part of that process is one of life's great rewards," she said. "Those days of contentment are a great balance to the really hard days when you feel like you've been walking in thick treacle. I like to seek happiness and gratification not from the small, instant things but from achieving longer-term goals."
That's not to diminish the warmth of a friendly hello, the many patient explanations she's been given of the "acronyms, habits and secret language of the organisation", and her daily exchanges with the gardeners.
"I could not have been made to feel more welcome at UNE and I'm very grateful indeed," Brigid said.
