Paths & Perspectives: Martina McAuliffe
This series is more than just a collection of career stories; it’s a celebration of the inspiring women who bring spatial sciences to life. It aims to highlight the diverse career paths and perspectives within this often-overlooked field. At Veris, we recognise that our strength lies in our diverse talents, collaborative spirit, and commitment to innovation. When we work together, we create something truly special.
Meet Martina, Project Manager - Consulting & Advisory.
Tell us a bit about your career journey.
I started my career in Administration, where I gained valuable experience in organisation, coordination, and process management. Over time, I transitioned from organising executives' day-to-day operations and assisting with projects to actively solving problems and managing multiple moving parts—ultimately leading me into a career as a Project Manager.
I moved into Project Management at Arup, where I worked on one of the largest infrastructure projects ever awarded by the government. This role helped me develop my expertise in stakeholder management, project financials, risk management, and contract administration. Seeking new growth opportunities, I joined Veris in April 2024 as a Project Manager.
What motivates you to progress in your career?
What drives me is the challenge of bringing structure to complex projects, collaborating with stakeholders, and ensuring smooth project execution from start to finish. I thrive on seeing tangible results and continuously improving our processes to deliver the best outcomes. Every project presents new learning opportunities, and this keeps me motivated to grow and advance in my career.
When did you first know this would be the right career path for you?
Early in my career, I worked on projects where coordination, planning, and communication were essential to success. I quickly realised that I thrived in this environment – balancing priorities, collaborating with technical teams, and ensuring deliverables met client expectations.
A defining moment for me was successfully managing a high-stakes kick-off meeting. This entailed navigating complex project requirements, aligning multiple teams, and setting the foundation for project success. Seeing firsthand how my contributions directly impacted the project's outcome gave me the confidence that Project Management was the right career path for me.
How have you navigated your career in traditionally male-dominated industries?
Early in my career, I sometimes found it challenging to have my voice heard in discussions. However, I learned to be assertive, trust my expertise, and build strong professional relationships—all of which helped me establish credibility and confidence in my role.
Over time, I’ve seen more women stepping into leadership roles and a growing awareness around creating inclusive workplaces. Companies are actively working to attract, retain, and support diverse talent, and I hope this momentum continues to drive meaningful change across the industry.
What’s your biggest career achievement/ highlight that you’re happy to share?
One of my proudest achievements was leading a high-impact project that involved multiple technical teams, external stakeholders, and a complex budget and resourcing plan. Ensuring smooth project execution while keeping everything aligned was a challenge, but seeing the successful outcome made it all worthwhile.
Additionally, stepping into the NSW Defence CRM role has been a significant milestone in my career. It has given me the opportunity to expand my influence, strengthen key relationships, and contribute to broader business development strategies, further shaping my leadership and strategic skills.
Who is your biggest role model in the industry and why?
I’ve been fortunate to work with colleagues and mentors who have guided me in various aspects of project management and leadership. While I don’t have just one role model, I have deep respect for professionals who demonstrate strategic thinking, communicate effectively at all levels of an organisation, and approach challenges with practical, solution-focused problem-solving skills.
One of the biggest influences in my career has been observing leaders who seamlessly balance technical expertise with excellent stakeholder management. Their ability to navigate complexities while keeping teams aligned and projects on track is something I strive to emulate in my own approach.
If you could go back in time and tell your younger self one thing, what would that be?
Trust yourself and speak up. Your ideas, insights, and contributions are valuable – don’t second-guess your abilities. Be open to learning, take on challenges, and remember that growth happens outside of your comfort zone.
Martina's career journey demonstrates the power of believing in your abilities, building strong relationships, and staying open to learning. From her early days in administration to leading major infrastructure Defence projects, she has consistently embraced new challenges, developed her skills, and shown that you can take charge of your career. At Veris, our people are at the core of what we do, and we are dedicated to helping them thrive. We promote career development throughout the entire organisation. If Martina's story has inspired you, explore our current vacancies to work alongside driven individuals like her who are passionate about taking on new challenges.