Women in Aviation- Danielle

2021

A member of our Contracts team, Danielle has been with the PTB team since August of 2012. Her skill and tenacity has seen her grow from receptionist, to purchasing, to contracts admin, settling into her new role as Accounts Manager, Contracts in 2020.

 As Danielle has progressed she has gradually deepened her understanding and investment in the aviation world. In light of Women in Aviation Week, she sat down with us to discuss herself and her experiences working within aviation.

How many children were in your family? Where were you in the line-up?

For the first 16 years of my life I was an only child. When I met my biological father for the first time, I quickly became the youngest of 5- all girls! We range from late 40’s to me, almost 30.

What were the occupations of your parents? Did this influence you in any way?

My mum has worked in valuations for the Government since before I was born and is still there. She worked full-time from when I was young and because of that when I had my daughter, I had the confidence to get back into the workforce because she showed me it was possible.

Are there any teachers or subjects you particularly like or disliked in school?

In grade 11 & 12 I did multi-strand science. I was never interested in biology, chemistry or physics but in multistrand we made wine- so who wouldn’t love that!?

What was your first job and how did you get it?

I got a part time job working for my Aunt and Uncle doing some bookwork for their Crane business. I danced a lot through high school so it was a bit hard to get your average retail/fast food gig.

If you undertook tertiary education, where the majority of your classmates male or female and did that impact your learning, drive or aspirations?

I did a Bachelor of Business when I first left high school. The class was a mix of both, I would say it was quite an even ratio. I don’t think it impacted me at all, it was very similar to high school.

What is your organisation doing well in terms of gender?

Being a very male dominated industry it’s nice to see both male and females in management positions at PTB. Their experience has gotten them to where they are today, not their gender and that’s really inspirational for the younger people who come through the workforce.

Reflecting back on your past managers, is there anything you’ve learnt from them?

  1. No job is beneath you. It all must get done and if you have the time to do it, just pitch in and get it done. I spent my first six months at PTB scanning, eight years on I will still get stuck in, scanning, if that is what needs to be done. Our Managing Director still takes out the rubbish- I think that’s a great example.
  2. Don’t take it personally (although that can be hard one to remember at times)

What are the most memorable family vacations or trips you recall?

My mum and dad both worked full-time so I spent most of my holidays with my grandparents. We would stay at the Sunshine Coast in their caravan. My cousins and I would sleep on the camping beds in the annex, spend all day at the beach, play card games and take turns helping to cook dinner.

More recently, in January 2020 when my daughter and I went on her first overseas trip (as well as the first trip with my sisters and Dad), we went to the beautiful Samoa. Samoa is where most of my Dad’s family are living. My dad is in line to be Chief, so it was an interesting and insightful trip. I was also able to visit Samoa Airways while I was over there; meet the people I speak to on a daily basis ad see their facility.  

What advice would you give to your daughter as she navigates the world as a future adult?


Be you, be strong and be confident in yourself. Take every opportunity that comes your way, you never know where it might take you. I never would have thought that applying for a receptionist job would eventually lead me to where I am today and shown me parts of the world I would have only dreamed on visiting.

What are you most grateful for in your life?

 Cliché- my friends and family It would be a lonely and sad world without the love and support from them. They have pushed me and helped me get through some rough times in life.

I am also very grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have had while with PTB. I started with PTB as a Junior Sales Receptionist and after moving around quite a bit (departments and the actual building) I am currently loving my new role as Account Manager.