Creating Synergy Podcast
Creating Synergy brings you engaging conversations and ideas to explore from experts who help businesses adopt new ways of working. Discover innovative approaches and initiatives, new ideas and the latest research in culture, leadership and transformation.
JULY 08, 2021
#40 - Rebecca Pickering, CEO of Civil Contractors Federation SA, on How Adversity, Optimism and Resilience can Shape you to Succeed.
Rebecca currently holds the position of CEO of Civil Contractors Federation SA and an Executive Director of Civil Apprenticeships and Careers Ltd. Rebecca had worked in the civil, commercial building and construction industries for over 22 years, project managing in various roles before she fulfilled her entrepreneurship streak by starting her own consultancy company an operated it for 10 plus years.
Rebecca's early projects played an integral part in the Olympic Dam Expansion Project, Southern Expressway Project (when it was one way), and the Memorial Drive Tennis Centre, all of which fostered her love of the infrastructure industry.
Rebecca is a single mother of Shelby, 8, Harrison 10 and Busta, the dog; in her day was an ultramarathon runner where she could run 100kms in 19hours, and she loved to jump out of planes and climb rock faces too.
She was a latchkey kid who grew up in an ex Housing Trust home in Christie Downs. Her continued work with apprenticeships and building trade pathways supports her love of talking to young people, parents, the community and schools about the amazing career and life-changing opportunities Construction can provide. Her life, her family and her career are a testament to it.
In this episode, we deep dive into Rebecca's life from her childhood where she faced some really confronting challenges, to living a life battling an autoimmune disease, to starting her own businesses, to having only 10 days off after giving birth to her children, to becoming the CEO of the Civil Contractors Federation SA.
This episode is an impactful one with essential dialogue. Rebecca's message on how she faced and overcame many adversities is an inspiration to us all.
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Guest Info

Rebecca,
Rebecca currently holds the position of CEO of Civil Contractors Federation SA and an Executive Director of Civil Apprenticeships and Careers Ltd. Rebecca had worked in the civil, commercial building and construction industries for over 22 years, project managing in various roles before she fulfilled her entrepreneurship streak by starting her own consultancy company an operated it for 10 plus years.
Where to find Rebecca Pickering
Host Info

Daniel Franco
Meet Daniel Franco, the Managing Director of Synergy IQ.
A steadfast optimist who believes that the power of trusting relationships is foundational to our bright future. He believes that the world is a better place when we work together. Besides being the Director of Synergy IQ, Daniel is the Host of the Creating Synergy Podcast and rises up every morning with the vision that he can help leaders create a business where their people feel safe, inspired and fulfilled.
Here is Daniel's LinkedIn Profile
Episode Notes

Books mentioned in this podcast:
- Can't Hurt Me - Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds - By David Goggins
- HBR's 10 Must Reads on Strategy - Harvard Business Review Must Reads - By Harvard Business Review
- Quiet - The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking - By Susan Cain
- The Art of War - By Sun Tzu, Lionel Giles
- Mindset - The New Psychology of Success - By: Carol S. Dweck PhD
- Matthew Reilly