Meet Aarti Kashyap

Aarti is an experienced program and project specialist with over 15 years of experience working across multiple Commonwealth agencies. Aarti is married to Shay and has two girls and a very talkative husky.

Q Tell us how you came to join Proximity.

A My decision to join Proximity was strongly influenced by my previous experience working with the business. During my time in Government, I engaged Proximity to provide expert advice on a large procurement project. I was thoroughly impressed with the level of professionalism, expertise, and the quality of services the team delivered. Joining Proximity felt like a natural progression, allowing me to continue working in an environment committed to excellence and impactful solutions.

Q What is your proudest moment in a professional context?

A One of my proudest moments in my professional career came while working at Services Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic. The swift and effective response we managed to deliver during this crisis stands out as a testament to the power of teamwork, resilience, and dedication. As the pandemic unfolded, it became immediately clear that rapid changes were necessary to ensure that patient health remained uncompromised. This involved not just amending existing legislation but also engaging with key stakeholders, including peak bodies, to ensure a unified and effective approach. Navigating the complexities of this situation required comprehensive stakeholder engagement, where collaboration with peak bodies was crucial. My team had to ensure that all voices were heard and that the changes we implemented were both practical and beneficial for the healthcare system.

Q What advice would you give to someone starting out in their career.

A As someone who has worked my way up from an APS 4 through to becoming the Director of People, my key advice is: 

• Be curious and eager to learn: Ask questions, seek feedback, and never stop learning. 
• Build strong relationships: Take the time to build relationships with your colleagues, mentors, and other professionals in your field. These connections can provide support, advice, and open doors to new opportunities. 
• Be adaptable and open to change as workplaces constantly evolve. 
• Be patient and persistent: Career growth takes time. Be patient with your progress and persistent in your efforts. Set goals, stay focused, and remember that perseverance is key to achieving long-term success.

Q What keeps you awake at night?

A My thoughts are frequently occupied by the safety and wellbeing of my daughters in this ever-changing world. As a parent, it’s natural to worry about the challenges our children face today. With the complexities of social media to ensuring they are safe in their daily environments, there are countless factors that can cause concern. I constantly think about how to equip them with the tools they need to make smart decisions, stay safe, and thrive in a world that is rapidly evolving.

Q With an eye to the future, what does success look like for you?

A The invaluable insights gained from my time in government have equipped me with a unique perspective. I’m committed to use this experience to provide strategic guidance to Proximity’s clients, helping them navigate complex regulatory environments, optimise operations, and achieve their goals. I am also eager to continue to work alongside the talented team of professionals at Proximity to address emerging trends and challenges.