Student Spotlight: Ashleigh Porritt
Monday, 9 November 2026
Balancing study, work and family life is no small feat, but Ashleigh is proof that investing in your future is possible, even during life’s busiest seasons. Drawing on five years of experience with the New South Wales Police Force and her current role as Administration Manager at Redefined Counselling, she has been intentional about building her confidence as a leader and developing skills that support both her professional and personal growth.
While undertaking Wodonga TAFE’s Leadership & Management course, Ashleigh was not only a recipient of a Business Women Albury Wodonga scholarship, but was also preparing to welcome her third child, making for a demanding yet incredibly rewarding chapter in her life.
In this Q&A, Ashleigh reflects on her learning journey with Wodonga TAFE, shares what leadership means to her, and offers an honest insight into pursuing professional development while balancing work, family and other priorities.
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What motivated you to enrol in the Leadership and Management course?
I wanted to build my confidence as a leader and develop skills that would help me grow professionally. Having also worked in the police force, I'd experienced a variety of leadership styles which further sparked my interest in what makes a great leader. I wanted to better understand how to lead, communicate and support others in a positive way. Receiving the scholarship gave me the opportunity to invest in myself and I wanted to make the most of it.
What does good leadership look like for you?
Personally for me, good leadership is about leading by example. It's being approachable, listening to others, communicating clearly and creating an environment where people feel valued and supported. A good leader has the ability to inspire trust and help bring out the best in the people around them rather than simply just telling them what to do.
Which part of the course has had the biggest impact on you?
The biggest impact was learning practical leadership strategies that I could immediately apply in the workplace. I appreciated the support from the teacher (Leanne), who created a welcoming environment and encouraged everyone to contribute. Leanne made learning relatable, which helped build my confidence throughout the course.
What skill/s have you learned in class that you didn't expect you would adapt when you started?
I didn't expect to learn so much about emotional intelligence and self awareness. The course helped me understand how different communication styles, personalities and emotions can influence the way people work together. It's something I've found myself being more conscious of when supporting colleagues, working with clients or navigating challenging conversations.
How has your confidence as a leader (or general confidence) evolved over time?
When I first started, I often questioned myself and wasn't always confident in who I was as a leader. Throughout the course, I became more confident in my abilities and realised that leadership is something you continue to develop. I now feel much more comfortable speaking up, taking control of situations when needed and taking initiative when opportunities arise.
What has been the most challenging part of the course and how did you overcome it?
Balancing study alongside work and family life was definitely the biggest challenge, particularly while preparing for the arrival of my third baby. I am fortunate enough to have a supporting husband and family who were able to help with my older two children when I needed it. Staying organised, breaking assessments into manageable tasks and keeping focused on my goals helped me stay on track.
How has studying the course supported your career goals?
The course has strengthened my leadership skills and given me greater confidence in my role. It has also encouraged me to continue looking for opportunities to grow professionally and has opened my mind to future leadership opportunities that I may not have considered before.
Any memorable or fun anecdotes you wish to share about your time studying Leadership & Management?
One of the highlights was getting to know people from different industries and hearing about their experiences. It was interesting to see how the same leadership principles could be applied in so many different workplaces. I also enjoyed the classroom discussions, where everyone brought different perspectives and learned from each other.
What would you say to someone who is on the fence if they should study this course?
I'd absolutely encourage them to go for it. Whether you're already in a leadership position or simply want to build your confidence and professional skills, there's something valuable to take away from the course. The skills you learn are practical, the teachers are supportive and you'll walk away with greater confidence in yourself and your ability to lead.
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Want to take the next step in your career? Check out our Leadership and Management courses and build the confidence to lead your team to success today!
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Photos credit: Maggie Simmons