In Conversation with Kate Hughes
What do you do when life as you know it, changes, almost in an instant and all the dreams you had are no longer part of your reality? As a first-time mother, Kate Hughes found herself alone and caring for her newborn son, diagnosed with albinism, after her husband, unable to cope, left the marriage. What followed is an inspiring story of resilience and love. From ‘running two races at the same time; caring for a child with special needs and managing a divorce’, to building a new life, Kate has shown that it is possible to find the positive in almost every situation.
Kate Hughes is an experienced non-executive director, holding board and committee roles across a diverse portfolio, including the Victorian Department of Justice and Community Safety, Department of Transport, Department of Health, SuniTAFE, and Lower Murray Water. Kate also holds committee roles with two Commonwealth regulators, Comcare and Seacare Authority, and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority. Prior to this Kate held executive roles in risk management, governance and compliance across various sectors including financial services, agribusiness, fast moving consumer goods, telecommunications, and tertiary education. Her private sector experience is complemented by regulatory experience at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and NSW Treasury. Kate holds tertiary qualifications in commerce, applied finance and OH&S and she is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Corporate Directors. Outside of work, Kate harbours a secret desire to be a racing car driver (she’s completed a lap of the Bathurst track in a Porche), she’s an avid runner, her love language is food, and family is her everything.
In the third episode of The Family Compass podcast, Kate shares her story and in doing so, touches on a range of issues including raising a child with special needs, the challenges of being a single mother, grief and recovery, blended families and step-parenting, family dynamics and role-modelling, balancing career and family life, adapting to change and finding hope, and communication and healthy relationships. Kate also shines a light on the importance of family and friends in supporting people as they negotiate life’s hurdles.
This is a powerful episode of The Family Compass that explores the emotional toll of a life changing diagnosis and marriage breakdown and the complexities of blended families. But it also reveals the strength of the human spirit and reminds us of the significance of finding courage and maintaining hope.
