This Week's Spotlight - Penny Evans, Regional Manager of Breakthru
This week we shine the spotlight on Penny Evans, Regional Manager at Breakthru.
Penny began her career in Employment Services in 2003 as an Employment Consultant, bringing more than 23 years of experience, knowledge, and passion to the sector. Her journey from frontline service delivery into leadership has been shaped by a strong belief in empowering people, building inclusive workplaces, and creating meaningful employment outcomes. Her leadership approach, commitment to lifelong learning, and genuine passion for making a difference make Penny someone well worth learning from.
Check out her responses below and enjoy the wisdom she brings.
1. How did you get your start in Employment Services?
I commenced my career in Employment Services in 2003 as an Employment Consultant at the age of 22. Prior to this, I worked in graphic design before discovering an opportunity to enter the Disability Employment sector.
I was drawn to the role because it provided the chance to make a meaningful difference in people's lives and support them in achieving their employment goals. During the recruitment process, I met an inspiring leader who believed in my potential and gave me the opportunity to begin my journey in the industry.
Starting as an Employment Consultant, I progressed into a High Support Coordinator role before moving into management. Since then, I have led multiple locations across both Disability Management Services (DMS) and Employment Support Services (ESS), developing a strong passion for supporting teams, driving performance, and helping participants achieve positive outcomes.
2. What advice would you give to leaders who carry a lot on their shoulders, managing people, processes, and systems all at once?
I believe that investing in coaching, training, and support creates the greatest return because people drive performance. As a leader, I don't see my role as having all the answers or solving every problem. Instead, I focus on creating an environment where people feel confident, supported, and empowered to succeed. Values and behaviours are the heartbeat of any organisation, and I strive to create clear direction, build trust, and bring teams together to achieve shared goals and meaningful outcomes.
"As a leader, I don't see my role as having all the answers or solving every problem. Instead, I focus on creating an environment where people feel confident, supported, and empowered to succeed."
3. Employment Services is incredibly rewarding, but the first year can take real resilience. What advice would you give to a new employment consultant starting out?
Resilience has been one of the most important lessons throughout my career. It doesn't develop overnight, it is built through experience, challenges, and a willingness to keep learning. Success in Employment Services requires a deep understanding of your clients, their goals, the local labour market, and the needs of employers.
I remember my first year feeling like there was an endless amount of information to absorb. Between working through a 1,000-page quality manual and supporting a caseload of clients who were relying on me to help change their lives through employment, the learning curve was steep. Looking back, those challenges taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and staying focused on the impact we can have on the people we support.
"Give people responsibility, clear goals and autonomy. People love autonomy, so let them have it.”
4. Can you share a memorable moment when something you did, a conversation, piece of advice, or action, made a positive difference to a staff member, peer, or job seeker?
My most memorable experience was achieving my first placement as an Employment Consultant in 2003. Early in my career, I developed strong relationships with local employers and discovered a passion for job carving, identifying opportunities that aligned an individual's strengths with an employer's needs.
One of my first successes was supporting a young gentleman with a moderate intellectual disability into a warehousing role that was specifically tailored to his skills and capabilities. By working closely with the employer, I was able to develop a solution that met both the business's needs and the participant's employment goals.
The first six months were a journey of highs and lows. Ongoing support was required to help Peter maintain his tasks and confidence in the role, while also educating the employer and wider team on disability awareness and workplace inclusion. Through collaboration, patience, and commitment from everyone involved, Peter continued to grow and succeed in his position.
To this day, Peter remains employed with the same organisation. More than 23 years later, his sustained employment is a testament to the power of inclusive employment practices, strong employer partnerships, and believing in a person's potential. It remains one of the proudest and most rewarding achievements of my career.
"One of my first successes was supporting a young gentleman with a moderate intellectual disability into a warehousing role that was specifically tailored to his skills and capabilities."
5. What surprised you most about working in Employment Services once you were actually in the role?
Even after 23 years in the industry, I am continually surprised by how much there is still to learn. Every day brings new opportunities to gain valuable insights into the needs, aspirations, and challenges of the people we support.
What I value most about this industry is that it is constantly evolving. It not only deepens our understanding of individuals and their unique circumstances, but also provides ongoing opportunities to learn from employers as they embrace education, inclusion, and workplace diversity initiatives.
Throughout my career, I have seen significant changes in how organisations approach diversity and inclusion. These changes have reinforced the importance of building strong partnerships, remaining adaptable, and maintaining a commitment to lifelong learning. It is this continuous growth, both personally and professionally, that keeps me passionate about the work we do and the impact we have on people's lives.
"What I value most about this industry is that it is constantly evolving. It not only deepens our understanding of individuals and their unique circumstances, but also provides ongoing opportunities to learn from employers as they embrace education, inclusion, and workplace diversity initiatives."
6. What keeps you motivated in this industry, even on the hard days?
One of my greatest motivations is seeing new staff join the Employment Services industry and discover the difference they can make. Every day presents a challenge, but the meaningful changes we help create in people's lives make it all worthwhile.
Whether it's supporting someone into their first job, helping them build confidence, or seeing them achieve their goals, those moments remind me why I chose this career more than 23 years ago. Knowing that our work positively impacts people's lives is what continues to energise and inspire me every day.
Connect with Penny Evans on LinkedIn
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