Being the change

Annette Ruhotas AM has always been driven to mobilise humanity for the betterment of society.

“I believe that each individual, no matter how small or big their act, can make a positive change in the world if that’s their intention,” Annette explains.

Annette began her career as a civil engineer with Lendlease as a site and project engineer and was instantly drawn to the company’s socially minded ethos. A secondment as Community Development Manager at not-for-profit The Hornery Institute, established by former Lendlease Chair Stuart Hornery, proved pivotal.

“Stuart was all about making our built environment better for the people that live, work and play there. The experience showed me how corporates, if they have the will, can invest in people and communities and make a genuine difference.”

In 2010, Annette moved to the UK as Chief Executive of BeOnsite, Lendlease’s award-winning not-for-profit helping disadvantaged people access training and employment in property and construction. During this time, she completed a Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary Science) online through Charles Sturt. While she didn’t pursue a career in teaching, what she learned still resonates.

“I was drawn to the idea of inspiring young people to have robust curiosity about all things scientific; to help them to think in logical ways, like an engineer would, around problem-solving and fact-seeking,” she recalls.

“The flexibility and practicality of the course was fantastic, and the content still informs the work I do today.”

Annette returned to Australia in 2012, excelling as Social Sustainability Manager for Lendlease's Barangaroo project and later as General Manager, Social Sustainability and The Lendlease Foundation Australia/NZ. In 2017, she founded Be the Change, an ESG advisory practice, helping organisations with social strategies, Reconciliation Action Plans, Modern Slavery statements, and expert coaching.

Growing her business while raising young children, Annette’s first taste of governance came through Playgroup, serving as a director and chair on the NSW and national boards. Since then, she has brought her insight and expertise to several corporate and not-for-profit boards including One Door Mental Health, The Reconnect Project and Kimbriki Environmental Enterprises. She is also an adjunct to the celebrated Women on Boards mentoring program accelerating women into ASX board roles.

But her most cherished role is that she holds with Australian Red Cross. Last year, Annette was proudly elected as the organisation’s Deputy President –the culmination of more than 30 years of dedication to its mission.

“Red Cross has a special role in Australian society and all around the world. Our fundamental principles of neutrality and independence allow us to rise above any conflict, opening doors where others can’t go to deliver help where it’s needed most. It’s a phenomenal organisation that will always be part of what I do.”

Annette was recently made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the King’s Birthday Honours in recognition for the vast impact of her for-purpose and governance roles. She sees board work as a privileged opportunity to influence positive social change, setting a tone that ripples down through organisations into wider society.

“Boards and leadership have an enormous responsibility to ensure organisations act ethically and morally, and without causing irremediable harm,” she says.

“But more than that, organisations can generate good. Boards play a crucial role in creating a communityminded culture where staff want to work together to make a positive societal difference – on a much greater scale than individuals tinkering away in the local community.”

I believe that each individual, no matter how small or big their act, can make a positive change in the world if that’s their intention.

Annette Ruhotas Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary Science), 2014.