NSW Featured member interview
Interview with Philippa Zingales, Committee Member/Alumni, Director of Alumni Relations, PLC Sydney
What are you looking forward to most post COVID?
Planning ahead! I enjoy planning and setting out my calendar so I have found the inability to plan more than a few weeks ahead challenging, both personally and professionally. Also, the opportunity to travel internationally again will be very exciting.
Have you re-ignited a passion or hobby during 2020?
During the initial lockdown phase, I did all the cliched things: I made a sourdough starter. I got out my old cross-stitch basket. However, ultimately I didn’t re-ignite any passion for baking or craft (and honestly, I’m pretty terrible at both of those activities!). As we settled into the “new normal”, I enjoyed the chance to read more, walk more, catch-up on some tv and generally slow down the busy pace of life pre-COVID.
Do you have go-to comfort food that has re-surfaced in 2020?
Not really, although one of the best experiences of this year so far was my first meal at a restaurant after COVID lockdown #1. My husband and I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary at the restaurant where we were married. It felt even more indulgent and special than a fancy dinner out usually would because it was just ten tables in the restaurant and we really enjoyed the whole experience with a new appreciation after being in isolation.
Who would you like to have lunch with and where/why?
Lunch in Rome at a little restaurant near the Spanish Steps with Meryl Streep, Dame Julie Andrews, the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton and my mother. All women I admire, who are sure to have great stories to share over red wine.
Favourite food and why?
I have a weakness for Yum Cha. I appreciate lots of options!
Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
I am slightly obsessed with the Agatha Christie TV series: Poirot starring David Suchet, historical biographies about Hitler and I collect Queen Elizabeth II memorabilia.
Motto or personal mantra?
I have two that spring to mind. The first is pretty simple that I say after a bad day or in a difficult situation: Tomorrow is a new day, and we can try it another way. The second is something my father told me when I was in high school and it’s about trying to find balance in your life: look after your health, wealth, family and heart (emotion). If any of these feels out of balance, it starts to affect the other and ultimately you need to aim for a balance of all four to achieve whatever your personal vision of success and happiness may be. Then go forth, with determination and dedication!
What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?
Family.
What do you find most valuable as an Educate Plus Member?
After a career in corporate and arts communications, a few years ago I moved into alumni relations. As a relative newcomer, Educate Plus has been invaluable for my professional development, as well as for building a network.
I did the Practitioner Training Courses in my first six months in this role, primarily to meet with other professionals and to get a broader understanding of how other Colleges approach alumni relations. Particularly after being involved in the NSW Conference Committee last year, I can say the more involved you can be, the more value comes from being an Educate Plus member.
Everyone in Educate Plus, and the colleagues I’ve met from other schools in similar roles, have been incredibly generous with sharing their knowledge and time with me. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the fantastic events, webinars and networking Educate Plus offers!
