Appointed as the Executive General Manager of People and Culture, Galit Yaary dives into her journey of finding career fulfilment by remaining true to herself and embracing the power of people. Galit shares her colourful career trajectory that started in the law industry, to now finding her true purpose. Galit’s story is one of resilience, a care for people, and a journey of self-discovery.

Working at a law firm early on in her career, Galit admits, “I thought it would be fun to be a lawyer, and I think watched too many episodes of LA Law.” However, after a year she realised it was not the long-term environment she envisioned for herself. “I never thought I would leave a firm, but I think what I saw in terms of work life balance for what best suited my family at the time, it was not for me.”

One of her clients at the time, offered her a role in an automotive company and she jumped at the opportunity. Shifting into an in-house counsel role, she was a part of an 11-person team looking after all things related to employment law, with particular focus on their People and Culture Department. Galit was with the company for a decade, sharing, “This was my biggest and toughest learning ground, and it taught me the importance of being resilient and creating a strong and welcoming environment. But, for the majority of her time, working as the only female executive surrounded by eight men, I was stepping into a man’s world.”

Deciding to leave automotive behind, she originally had planned to take a year off to celebrate the simple pleasures of family life. But two weeks after resigning, she received a call from a CFO at Novartis, which was a Swiss multinational pharmaceutical corporation. “This job sounded so phenomenal so I couldn’t resist. My time at Novartis was an experience like no other, where I was a part of a working environment that was high performing on a global scale.” Despite the magnitude of work, the fundamental values of the corporation were of communication, collaboration and teamwork, which resonated with her working and management style. “Looking back, it was such a fun gig. But when they merged and relocated to Sydney, I couldn’t envision my family and I living outside of Melbourne.”

After leaving Novartis, Galit fell back onto her law background, doing contracting work for 18 months, transitioning into a similar role at a manufacturing company for five years throughout COVID.

Galit was in need of a change and a colleague shared with her that Collingwood was advertising for an Executive General Manager of People and Culture position. “You would think working in people and culture I would be confident in my interview skills, but that’s not always the case. During each interview for the role, I’d say ‘full disclosure, I know nothing about AFL’” she laughed. “After a number of interviews soon got a call saying I was offered the job. At the time I don’t think I released how much I wanted it until it was offered to me, and I’ve been in this role for almost three years now.”

Having such a colourful career journey, when asked what made Collingwood different, she instantly answers, “I have never seen such magnitude of work ethic and passion people have in these four walls.” She further adds, “The hours, the commitment, the love for what the staff do to bring the game to life by taking care of our members and community. I have never seen that sense of purpose anywhere else.”

Starting her career in people and culture, Galit shares how the industry has changed. “The whole, ‘what’s in it for me’ has changed. It’s not just about your wage, it’s about, what are the incentives, what are the opportunities, how are you going to invest in me, what does career progression look like, what does development look like, what does my leader look like? We are more interested in painting what the future will look like.” She also shares how Collingwood has progressed. “I believe culture is the feeling in the pit of your stomach on a Sunday night. We worked hard to shape a different work experience by introducing strategies like our immersion program (where employees spend a week in the football department). These strategies help create a developmental environment and it’s exciting to see the positive outcomes of them.”

Being in a management and executive role for the majority of her career, when asked what skills and qualities are needed to succeed, she smiles and says, “I think the most important ones would be knowing how to listen, how to read a room, hear what’s not being said, and be in tune with your gut is saying to you.” With that, she shares some strategies she has used to develop her skills. “I ask a lot of questions and reach out to peers to collaborate and ask their thoughts on subjects I’m not sure in. I also love podcasts. On my way to work or if I’m on a walk I put one on because there are topics on absolutely everything and are such a great way to hear others points of view.”

Galit’s career journey showcased a clear progression from her hard work, but she shares it was not without its faults. “I think one mistake would be not investing in my own personal growth earlier in my career. This year I did a ‘women in leadership course’ with a focus in sport. I thought, wow, I never did a course where I could listen and participate to gain more knowledge and build my skills. I loved the course because of the conversations.”

She continues this conversation, touching on the theme of self-discovery and the hardships she experienced working in previous male-dominated environments. “Sometimes I felt like I should keep my thoughts to myself because I didn’t know the world of automotive, football or whatever. But I later realised this was a strength because I had a different view and opinion to things that perhaps had always been the ‘norm’. Having diversity at the table is what a smart, cohesive and strong executive team needs, while also still understanding and respecting the operations that bring everything to life.”

Reminiscing, Galit shares a memory of when she felt the power of women supporting women in her career. “A memory I have of women supporting women was when we (Collingwood) hosted our first Women in Black and White ‘Long Lunch’. I remember walking out of that room and feeling so much strength as a woman because of all the minds in the room. I walked out thinking, wow, we can achieve so much together. There was this swell of energy where we could do anything and that feeling and memory has stayed within me ever since.”

The Club’s Women in Black and White Group will continue to profile the women and non-binary people of the Club each month in 2024.