Investing for Life Podcast – Anita Mitchell, Chief Executive, Placemaking NSW

In this episode of the Investing for Life podcast, host Douglas Isles interviews a guest whose less-than-conventional career pathway has led her to oversee transformation of some of Sydney’s most treasured places.
 
Anita Mitchell was 17 years old when she began her environmental science university degree. Initially “horrified” at this pathway, her mother believed she was destined to tie herself to trees for a living (something Anita is yet to try, for the record). Despite being told she would waste her education and lack future financial security, Anita followed her passion.
 
Today, Anita has over 25 years’ experience in executive management, sustainability, social impact and corporate assurance spanning energy, water, waste, property and construction in both the public and private sectors. Having joined the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment as its inaugural Chief Executive of Placemaking NSW last year, Anita is now responsible for overseeing the management of Sydney’s most treasured places, including The Rocks, Darling Harbour and Sydney Olympic Park, among others.
 
Anita previously managed sustainability and environmental programs for one of Australia’s largest energy distributors, as well as the country’s largest water authority and waste management operator. She holds a Bachelor of Environmental Science, a Master of Environmental Management and an MBA – completed under full scholarship as ‘Australia’s top emerging leader and MBA scholar’, as selected by The University of Sydney and AFR BOSS magazine.
 
"Having an understanding of what you actually want to do, what the world needs and what you're good at is this sort of nexus of trying to find a career. I've got one of the best jobs in the world."
 
Listen to this conversation to:

• Hear how Anita navigated her parents' initial resistance to her pursuing her passions;

• Discover the ins and outs of her role as Chief Executive of Placemaking NSW, and what’s to come;

• Hear Anita's reflections on how she has remained intellectually curious, adaptable and how she pushed herself to overcome career setbacks, including on her return to Australia;

• Explore Anita's heartfelt account of losing her mum at a young age, and the lessons she’s learned as a result.

Investing for Life is hosted by Douglas Isles, Platinum Asset Management. If you would like to listen to Episode 1, where Douglas introduces the concept behind the Investing for Life podcast series, it can be accessed here. 

Investing professionally requires a long-term focus underpinned by a strong philosophy. At Platinum, three core principles underpin our investment approach: we look for companies that are facing temporary setbacks, investigate long-term change, and avoid the crowd. We believe these same three principles can also be applied to life and lead to better outcomes over the long run.

In this podcast series, Douglas explores each of these three principles with a variety of guests to discover the setbacks they have overcome, the changes they have made to improve their odds of achieving long-term happiness, and how they stand out from the crowd.

Disclaimer: Issued by Platinum Investment Management Limited ABN 25 063 565 006, AFSL 221935. This information is general in nature and does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances. You should consider your own financial position, objectives and requirements and seek professional financial advice before making any financial decisions.