About Ruth - Ruth McGowan

Professional

A commitment to absolute professionalism guides my support to clients; especially when working in high-stress environments or with ‘big’ personalities. With three decades of experience managing diverse teams and public projects, I’m known as a ‘safe pair of hands’ who gets the job done as promised. Professional – every single time.

Political

Aristotle wisely noted that ‘Man is by nature a political animal’. I get a kick out of helping men and women to boost their political intelligence, to tap into their ‘political animal’ and master politics. As a former Mayor, campaign coordinator, and author of Get Elected, I understand the power of positive politics.

Powerful

The leaders I admire, seek to apply political processes to change the world for the better. They use power for good. This is where my insights into politics help teams. I bring respect, straight-talk and a WARM* style to supporting leaders to power-up. (*World According to Ruth McGowan)

Focus for 2022

Ruth’s focus is on supporting local government leaders to develop personal skills and build high-performing teams that deliver good decisions for their diverse communities.

Confidential councillor coach for councillors, either in small group coaching or one-on-one personal coaching
Supporting Victorian council teams to develop positive political cultures by facilitating respectful conversations.
Training in Political Intelligence for councillors and senior officers.
Mentor high achieving Mayors who seek to sucessfully lead through challenging times.
Supporting active citizenship by delivering training on Get Elected and EQUIP campaign workshops across Australia in partnership with Women for Election Australia

Politics, big personalities, and a passion for community is what fascinates me about local government.

When these come together in the right combination, it is a powerful force for good, especially when a community is dealing with the challenges of these times.

I work with councillors and senior managers to develop respectful teams, inclusive services and engaged communities.

Across Australia, there are more than 5300 councillors. They are important decision-makers who are entrusted to manage finances and assets while overseeing the delivery of exceptional services to diverse communities. Councillors often need extra support to help get things right. I provide expertise as a trusted expert who understands the pain, the problems – and the possibilities. Contact me if I can help.

Ruth wears many hats.

Consultant. Speaker. Trainer. Coach.

Ruth has worked as a consultant and adviser to councils, peak bodies in local government and community leaders since 2012.

Biography

Growing up on the family farm in northeast Victoria, I was fascinated by the natural world and science. I studied agriculture at uni and spent the first twenty years of my career managing research and communication projects for the Victorian government while bringing up three wonderful children.

In the last decade, I changed my focus to local government; first as a councillor and mayor with Baw Baw Shire Council, and now through my consultancy business.

Community service is important to me and I have volunteered for organisations involved in education and disability support, advancing gender equality and with my local Country Fire Authority brigade.

My service has been acknowledged with a Medal of the Order (OAM) and a National Emergency Medal. I now advocate for gender equality in the Australian Honours through Honour a Woman.

Always a country girl at heart and soul, I live on a small property in West Gippsland with my husband, a couple of horses, chooks and a beloved rescue border collie, Cosmo.