Erin Lang – Reconciliation Queensland

Erin is the CEO of Reconciliation Queensland. I met her recently when her team updated their corporate profile. I always find it incredibly hopeful when young women like Erin are fully present, confident and sit more comfortably in their skin than I do. To me, it means we’re on the right track. 

Tell us a little about what you do for a living?

I am the CEO of Reconciliation Queensland. At Reconciliation Queensland we are  working towards an equitable and informed Queensland, which recognises a shared past and respects Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first Australians.

How did you start in your career?

I have spent the past decade working within non for profit organistaions across QLD, the experienced I gained the long way has landed me in the position I am in  today.

What has been the biggest challenge or fear you have had to overcome in work and how did you manage it?

This role by far is the biggest challenge for me.  Getting my head around the position title is taking a little to get use to, I have to keep reminding myself that I can do this job.

How do you achieve balance between relationships, work and personal needs?

I love the work I do so that makes it easy to get up every day. I truly believe in the work I am doing and I like to think I am helping make a change in the world we live in.  Also a lot of my friends and family are very supportive and are in similar fields or are some how linked to the work I do, or are interested in this space which is also really helpful. 

How did you prepare yourself to enter your line of work?

I am still preparing myself for this line of work. I am trying to learn as much as I can each day, to ensure I am doing the best I can in this role. 

How do you know when you are ready to do something?

Most of the time I don’t. I find I perform better when I have to process and deal with life as its thrown at me. This way it minimises time spent over thinking and go against your better judgment. 

What have you put in place as a reminder to nurture your soul?

I am very grateful for the family and friends I have in my life, these people keep me in check in all aspects of my life but nurturing my soul is something they most definitely help with. 

What does a typical day look like for you?

My day is spent in and out of meetings with members of my team, usually planning and strategising upcoming events and discussing what we need to work on next. Meetings and introductions with people wanting to get involved in reconciliation, and lots of emails.

Any words of wisdom to those thinking of taking the leap?

I don’t know if I have any words of wisdom to convince people to take a “Leap” but when I think about make big changes in my life I usually refer back to quotes and sayings I’ve heard such as : “We can not become what we want by remaining the same” or “If you want to see a change in your life you have to make changes”. So I guess if you’re in position in your life and you aren’t getting joy or satisfaction, look at what you think needs changing. We only have one life and to think you spend a lot of it at work, so find something you love or at least brings you joy. 

How has working with Amanda as your photographer contributed to your brand?

The corporate photos that Amanda took for me, helped me see myself in away I wasn’t expecting but it also meant that I felt confident and comfortable using these images as my “on-line hand shake” as Amanda says. 

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