Yes, even in Paris one can get homesick. After two years working in one of the world’s most beautiful cities, for a French multinational, Jane was ready to come home.
Melbourne born and educated and having trained as a chef, her career took various detours before ending up in Human Resources. She transitioned from a vocational career where her passion was training apprentices and “mis en place” to teaching commercial cookery in Victorian prisons and at TAFE obtaining a tertiary qualification in Adult Education along the way. She later moved into the corporate sector and for 15 years worked in a number of roles with Sodexo. She rose through their ranks earning positions from HR Director in Australia, HR Director for Asia Pacific (including two years in Singapore) to Global VP of Talent which took her to Paris for two years.
On her return she made Lorne her home base. Attempts to work from here became too difficult so at the ripe old age of 49 she resigned. She quickly filled her newfound spare time with a range of activities including becoming a member of the Lorne CFA and helping Eddie Babington in various Lorne gardens. She embraced the Lorne Community and got to know many people.
Jane also joined the Great Ocean Road Cyclists (GORCs) and admits to becoming totally addicted. “The cycling community on the GOR is made up of a wonderful group of people from all walks of life; we are connected by our love of cycling and stay in touch via email and Facebook. Besides a regular weekend ride, the GORC host a range of events throughout the year such as the GORC Classic – a 120km six person time trial starting and finishing in Lorne which attracts 100’s of riders from all over Victoria, a Good Friday 2.4km swim, a team triathlon, an annual golf tournament and frequent weekend drinks and impromptu dinners.”
She enjoys travel and her itinerary is always designed to include a cycling experience. “This year I had the trip of a lifetime. 15 of us rode from Barcelona to Rome.”
During her two year sabbatical Jane enrolled in the Business School at Melbourne University, graduated with a Masters of Enterprise. She is now working as the HR Director for LeasePlan in Melbourne. Every weekend is still spent in Lorne in the house they bought years ago once school fees for her two daughters were out of the budget.
