Twenty five years ago, Janelle Briscoe joined Konekt as a fresh Occupational Therapist, stepping into a role, and a career, she couldn’t yet see the full shape of.
What followed was not a linear path, but one marked by curiosity, challenge and continual growth. As we celebrate Janelle’s 25 year anniversary at Konekt and reflect on International Women’s Day her story offers a powerful example of what a long, fulfilling career in occupational rehabilitation can look like.
Starting out: learning by doing
Janelle began her career in Konekt’s Orange branch in regional New South Wales, relocating from Sydney and moving well outside her comfort zone.
“Little did I know, I’d be visiting a huge variety of workplaces in no time — abattoirs, gold mines, timber mills, farms and more,” she says. “Sometimes I was even flying in four seater planes through the outback to get there.”
Those early years were fast paced and demanding. They also provided a depth and breadth of experience that would shape her career.
“I’m positive those first seven years helped shape the OT and the person I’ve become.”
Saying yes to opportunity
A consistent theme throughout Janelle’s career has been her willingness to step forward when opportunities arose, even when they felt unfamiliar.
She took on secondments to other branches, attended training, learnt to deliver new services and built skills in areas she hadn’t initially imagined herself working in.
“Building skills in areas I never thought I’d be capable of was so very valuable,” she reflects.
Rather than waiting for a prescribed pathway, Janelle took ownership of her development, gradually expanding her scope and confidence. That approach ultimately led her into leadership roles and, today, her position as Konekt’s National Quality Manager.
Growing alongside life
Across 25 years, Konekt has also been present through many of Janelle’s major life milestones — from her wedding and raising three children, to completing a Masters degree and taking time to travel.
What’s kept her grounded, though, are the relationships she’s built along the way.
“I’ve met so many people, colleagues, clients and stakeholders, and made friends for life,” she says. “The friendships you form help you through the best and the hardest days.”
From team activities and charity events to shared challenges and celebrations, that sense of connection has been a constant.
“Doing all of this within one organisation over 25 years may surprise some, but it’s been deeply enjoyable and rewarding for me.”
Reflections for women building their careers
As we acknowledge International Women’s Day, Janelle’s journey also highlights the importance of confidence, self belief and sustainable growth for women in the workplace, particularly in allied health and occupational rehabilitation.
Her advice is practical and hard earned:
- Stick to your values. Trust in them and in yourself, your reputation will follow.
- Take initiative for your own development. Ask for feedback often and drive your learning.
- Set clear goals. Keep a development plan and track what you’re learning along the way.
- Pace yourself. Consistency matters more than speed.
- Invest in relationships. They will make a difference throughout your career.
- Challenge your comfort zone. Growth often sits just beyond it.
“These small choices compound over time,” she says. “That’s what keeps your career moving forward.”
A career that evolves
Janelle’s 25 year journey is a reflection of what occupational rehabilitation at Konekt can offer: variety, professional development, meaningful work and the opportunity to grow in different directions as your career, and life, evolves.
As we celebrate this milestone, we recognise not only Janelle’s contribution and leadership, but the example she sets for what a long, fulfilling career in occupational rehabilitation can look like.
