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Petra Stirling
Head of Knowledge and Development at Westpac
Professional Background
Petra Stirling is a distinguished leader with over two decades of experience spanning professional services and financial services. Throughout her vibrant career, she has made significant strides in championing the positioning of top Australian legal brands. Petra is renowned for defining best-in-class operations, knowledge management, and talent management capabilities, which have established her as a pioneer in legal operations and digital transformation. Recognized for her agility in adapting to various mandates, Petra focuses on facilitating change, enhancing engagement, and instilling robust legal risk and compliance cultures that drive business growth.
As a qualified lawyer specialized in legal technology, Petra has built an extensive career primarily focusing on end-to-end people and organizational development. Her leadership style combines strategic thinking with a listening ear, allowing her to authentically engage stakeholders across diverse organizational structures. By viewing people, processes, and technology as interlinked opportunities, Petra delivers significant market differentiation, harnessing emerging technologies to enhance business operations and customer satisfaction.
Education and Achievements
Petra's academic background includes a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the prestigious University of New South Wales and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Communication and Media Studies from Macquarie University. This strong educational foundation has equipped her with the necessary skills to thrive in various roles throughout her career.
Her professional journey is marked by her remarkable contributions to several esteemed organizations. As the Head of Knowledge and Development at Westpac, she has shaped operational strategies that underscore the organization's commitment to excellence in legal operations.
Her tenure at Gilbert + Tobin is noteworthy, where she held multiple key leadership roles, including Head of Legal Capability and Transformation and Head of Legal Transformation Strategy. Here, Petra was instrumental in building new functions and transforming legacy business operations into responsive and effective contributors within the organization.
In addition to her leadership capabilities, Petra has also been recognized for her outstanding accomplishments. In 2019, she was honored as the Legal Operations Professional of the Year during the Women in Law Awards — a testament to her exemplary work in this field. The following year, in 2020, she received the Corporate Legal Departments People and Skills Award at the FT Innovative Lawyers Asia-Pacific Awards, underscoring her innovative approach and significant contributions to legal operations.
Key Positions
- Head of Knowledge and Development at Westpac: Leading knowledge management and development initiatives, enhancing operational effectiveness.
- Former Head of Legal Capability and Transformation at Gilbert + Tobin: Spearheading transformative strategies within the legal domain.
- Former Head of Legal Transformation Strategy at Gilbert + Tobin: Driving initiatives that foster innovation and operational excellence.
- Former Executive Coach and Consultant at People Talent Coaching: Guiding individuals and organizations to enhance their performance through strategic coaching.
- Former Head of Organisational Development & People Development Specialist Consultant at Gilbert + Tobin: Fostering organizational culture and employee engagement.
- Former Head of Human Resources at Gilbert + Tobin Lawyers: Overseeing talent management and human resources strategies.
- Former Learning and Development Manager at Gilbert + Tobin Lawyers: Enhancing employee learning and development opportunities.
- Former Project Manager, Research & Development at Gilbert + Tobin Lawyers: Managing projects aimed at innovative legal solutions.
- Former Lawyer at Blake Dawson: Gaining critical legal practice experience.
- Former Program Manager, Australia Television International at Australian Broadcasting Corporation: Working on projects in the media sector, combining technology and communication.
Achievements
Petra's career is adorned with accolades and recognition, notably her award as the Legal Operations Professional of the Year in the prestigious Women in Law Awards 2019. This recognition highlights her significant contributions and influence in advancing legal operations within Australia.
In 2020, her innovative strategies and focus on people development were acknowledged through the Corporate Legal Departments People and Skills Award at the FT Innovative Lawyers Asia-Pacific Awards. This award is reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional skill and ingenuity in legal operations, sustainable business practices, and leadership in transforming organizational services.
Community Engagement
Beyond her professional achievements, Petra is highly regarded for her passion for connecting with other professionals. She actively seeks to forge new relationships within the business community and considers LinkedIn as an excellent platform for networking and knowledge-sharing. Her approachable demeanor, coupled with her extensive expertise, makes her a sought-after connection in the legal and operational fields.
In summary, Petra Stirling is an exemplary leader with a proven track record in legal operations and organizational development. With her ability to leverage technology and foster engagement, Petra continues to lead transformative initiatives that yield superior outcomes for customers, shareholders, and the broader community.
