Meet our people

Working here, I have come to realise that with the right planning and people, nothing is impossible.

As an example, in 2016, we were set an ambitious 2 year project. The objective was to improve Digital TV services and launch Digital Radio in Hobart, Tasmania. To achieve this we needed to replace antennas at a transmission site at Mt Wellington.

Approaching the task, it was assumed that we would need two antennas; one for Digital TV and one for Radio. Upon removing the old Analogue antenna and interlaced DTV/FM antenna it became apparent that we actually only had enough space on the structure for a single one, not a pair. An added challenge was that the installation needed to proceed in a World Heritage Park. Under no circumstances could waste be allowed to impact the area. Also the weather conditions experienced were often extreme and included snow and high winds. It was a highly complex task, filled with many difficult challenges. To add one further complexity, some structural maintenance was also needed to be carried out. This included work on two separate tuned liquid dampers that were perched at great heights (110m and 130m). Such a task had never been done by BAI before.

To solve the lack of antenna space issue, a specially fabricated, single interlaced antenna for Digital TV and Radio was created after an exhaustive design process. To manage the high winds and conditions, detailed planning was put in place. This included moving in a 33m high guyed antenna as a temporary measure to keep transmissions running for Hobart while new works were undertaken. On the dampers. which needed maintenance, 3,600 litres of liquid was safely drained and refilled. That was completed without any spillage or impact on the Heritage park. The project itself was delivered ahead of schedule and below budget. Our customer was thrilled.

To be a part of this project with its combination of engineering disciplines and see it to its completion, demonstrated just how much passion, pride, strength and can-do attitude we all have. Since then I’ve been involved in a separate antenna replacement project in Queensland at our Brandon Transmission site. There, a 198m tall MF mast (built in 1959) was replaced with a 236m tall mast. Again, an incredible project, completed by an amazing team.

BAI has proven to me that it’s amazing what you can achieve with a modest team of smart, dedicated, and collaborative people. From keeping customers TV and Radio services on air during times of emergency, creating innovative commercial models to solve customer problems, supporting charity events, and hosting themed workplaces lunches, I’ve seen this in action many times. We have a great team spirit and, when there is a challenge to be overcome, everyone pulls together to problem-solve and achieve the end result. The people at BAI make it a great place to work and build friendships along the way.

Working in the Business Development space, each opportunity is unique, which means we are constantly learning, and no two days are the same. Joining BAI, I had very little understanding of the technology behind broadcast and communications systems, so it has been a huge and ongoing learning curve. Our engineers and technical SME’s have been an amazing support to me throughout my different roles and they are integral to the deals that we do. It’s ok to not always know the answer, as long as you know who to ask! I appreciate the opportunity to work with diverse customer groups, industries and technologies and get involved in all aspects of business development, from customer relationship building, market analysis, developing bids and proposals, and assessing contracts and commercials.

It is an exciting time to be joining the Australian business as we accelerate our telco growth strategy and pursue new business verticals which leverage our experience and capabilities in overseas markets. At the end of the day, our mission is all about keeping communities and people connected and in today’s world this is more and more essential, however it’s a challenge to achieve. BAI is designing innovative and creative solutions, both technically and commercially, to meet the needs of people, cities, and businesses today whilst also looking ahead to the future. It’s rewarding to be part of a team that is supportive of developing long term partnerships with our customers so we can go on a journey to solve these problems together.

I have a strong work ethic, which comes from my upbringing and my parent’s values. They came to Australia in 1989 during tough economic times. As a result I came to understand what it meant to earn your keep. It’s a tough world out there, and it’s not easy to find a place that cares for your well-being. But BAI certainly does.

I’ve worked across a lot of different areas in my career. As a sound engineer previously, and then as a Network Operator, in Customer Liaison and now in Service Operations at BAI. Having had various roles I now really appreciate the fact that managers can have a real impact on enabling positivity. For example, while studying, I completed an engineering degree and was then offered a scholarship to pursue a doctorate. It was an incredible opportunity, the kind you don’t pass up. At the time I had a thirst for knowledge and a passion for the area. Not long into my studies, I began to experience challenges with my University’s PHD supervisor, who was technically brilliant, but lacked people skills. When he got stressed he would distrust those around him, lack patience and show aggression. Unfortunately I couldn’t swap supervisors and while this negativity took a toll on my research, I was able to successfully complete my PHD.

As a result, this experience left a deep impression on me. I learnt from those interactions and apply positivity to my current role as a people manager at BAI. I believe the hallmark of a good manager is one that identifies talents and qualities in your team to bring out their best. I strive to be an enabler of collaborative and constructive working environments. With my team I ensure they feel supported to do what matters for our customers, colleagues and themselves. This core belief has seen me introduce a number of initiatives to encourage care and coaching within my team. This includes ensuring team leaders feel more empowered, while encouraging better communication. That way problems can be solved team-wide.

If I could sum up BAI – it’s like a family. We are inclusive. People’s skills and opinions are valued, and we work together to reach our goals. There’s a fun aspect, but the people around you will also support you to take your abilities to the next level. That’s because here, we’re in it for everyone, not just ourselves.