Elizabeth McIntyre Think Brick Interview

Elizabeth McIntyre Think Brick Interview

Elizabeth's career journey has been far from a straight line. From Ford Motorsport and V8 Supercars to children's TV with Walt Disney Television International, and now in construction as CEO of Think Brick, Elizabeth's career has spanned roles in diverse industries.

Elizabeth is often asked what led her to work with such varied sectors. Her response is that each organisation had similar issues – all of them struggled to remain relevant and contemporary and needed repositioning and to reengage with audiences.

Elizabeth can share her advice about building a diverse career. She says that there should be no set path to your ultimate goal. Everything can change along the way and you shouldn't be afraid to respond to this change along the way. It's important to have goals and put them out there, you'll find opportunities do eventuate.

Working in the two very male dominated industries of motorsport and construction, Elizabeth can also share her leadership advice for young women starting out in similar industries. For instance, when you look at how women are promoted in the construction industry it's normally based on past experience whereas men are promoted on the basis of potential. You really need to prove yourself.

As Elizabeth can explain, change is happening in these male dominated industries, but not fast enough – there are no easy shortcuts to achieving diversity. You can't get too caught up in the glass ceiling, it's there but you've just got to do the best job you possibly can do. You will be recognised. Put yourself in environments where people recognise great business people and you'll succeed.

Think Brick Australia represents Australia's clay brick and paver manufacturers. The Australian brick industry is worth $2.8 billion and employs 30,000 people. Each year the Think Brick Awards encourages architects, designers and builders to rethink brick, concrete masonry and roof tiles as contemporary and sustainable design materials. www.thinkbrick.com.au

Interview with Elizabeth McIntyre, CEO of Think Brick

Elizabeth's success has been achieved in different industries. Her story is one of impact, growth, engagement and people. Elizabeth is frequently asked how she has gone from Disney to Bricks and the lessons she has learned along the way.

Elizabeth's ability to engage stakeholders at all levels has been key to her success. She helped revitalise the Ford brand through V8 Supercars. Following her success in the motor industry Elizabeth strategically developed Walt Disney TV to win audience share and multiply that success across other Walt Disney platforms. Working in such diverse and reputable industries taught Elizabeth to never underestimate the loyalty of a passionate and engaged consumer.

Leaving the world of entertainment, television and sport, Elizabeth stepped into a new role as the Group CEO for the peak industry body for brick manufacturers – known as -Think Brick'. Under her lead and implementation the -Think Brick Awards' have become the richest and most successful design awards in Australia. Elizabeth has helped transform Think Brick, garnering premium exposure and ensuring that brick remains in design as a contemporary building material.

Uniting industry and organisations during periods of uncertainty and change is an area in which Elizabeth thrives. Her transparent, energetic and outside the box approach shows organisations how to identify extraordinary possibilities that ensure transformation.


Question: What is Think Brick?

Elizabeth McIntyre: Think Brick Australia represents Australia's clay brick and paver manufacturers. Its purpose is to educate and provide technical support to architects, developers, engineers, builders and property owners on the use of brick products in contemporary design.

Question: Can you talk us through your journey to CEO?

Elizabeth McIntyre: My background is in marketing and I my first real challenge was when I worked for Ford. It really tested my marketing strategies as well as engaging the wider community about a brand. After that experience, I had the confidence in my ability to transform organisations through strategy in challenging circumstances. My ability to look objectively at different industries became a strength in my appointments, in both the television and building product industries.


Question: Can you explain why you decided to change your career direction?

Elizabeth McIntyre: At the time I don't think the decision to change was a conscious one but I was intrigued by the challenge and opportunity that the Ford V8 supercar opportunity presented. I found the role challenging but for the first time I could see the impact of my strategies and this gave me confidence in my ability to transition organisations and industries. I have always enjoyed learning how different industries operate and that is why I decided to change industries but be able to have impact.


Question: Where else have you worked?

Elizabeth McIntyre: In addition to my role at Think Brick Australia, I've held senior roles in a range of different industries, including:
Executive Director – Marketing and Sales for The Australian Turf Club
Marketing Director for Walt Disney Television International
Director of Operations for Global Marketing Communications, working with international motorsport teams
Marketing Manager at Ford Motorsport


Question: How can we ensure we remain relevant in our careers?
Elizabeth McIntyre: I believe you need to ensure your skills are transferable, in different environments or industries always look for opportunities to broaden your scope. This may not necessarily mean you need to change industries or roles but I would encourage women to move outside their comfort zones and try to increase their personal development.


Question: What advice do you have for responding to change?

Elizabeth McIntyre: My advice in addition to the above is for women to continue to learn and actively seek feedback for their own development. Whether this is structured learning or there are plenty of free resources online that people can learn from. Networking is an absolute priority.


Question: What are your 2017 goals?

Elizabeth McIntyre: For Think Brick, my goals are to continue to build a high performing team and culture. To continue to have conversations that keeps our products being used in contemporary design.


Question: Have you experienced any difficulties working in male dominated industries?

Elizabeth McIntyre: The most challenging aspect of working in male dominated industries is the misperceptions that exist about female roles. That is changing and I believe that with more women in leadership roles in these industries there is greater motivation and exposure for young women to be what they can see.


Interview by Brooke Hunter