Tanya O'Shea

My pathway to university was not a traditional one. After starting and then leaving university earlier in life, I spent a number of years working in the private sector before joining IMPACT Community Services in 1999.

Over time, I developed a growing interest in people, behaviour and leadership, and a desire to better understand what helps individuals, teams and communities thrive. Returning to university as a mature-age student gave me the opportunity to explore these interests while building on my practical experience.

I chose CQUniversity because of its strong regional focus, flexibility for working professionals and commitment to learning that delivers meaningful outcomes for communities. Completing my Bachelor of Psychology in 2011 was a significant milestone. It gave me a deeper understanding of human behaviour, motivation, communication and organisational dynamics, and provided the confidence and qualifications to apply for the Chief Executive Officer role at IMPACT Community Services.

Since then, my career has been shaped by a commitment to leading positive change and creating stronger communities. I now serve as Managing Director of IMPACT Community Services, leading organisational strategy, growth, governance and community impact across a broad range of human services, including employment, training, community support, disability, youth and aged care services.

Over the past two decades, I have worked closely with government, industry and community partners to develop sustainable solutions that create opportunities for individuals, families and communities, particularly across regional Queensland. I am proud to have led IMPACT through significant organisational growth, service innovation and strategic transformation while strengthening governance, financial sustainability and organisational capability.

My learning journey with CQUniversity continued through a Master of Business Administration. The MBA complemented my psychology degree by strengthening my knowledge of strategy, governance, leadership, finance and organisational performance. Together, these qualifications have given me a strong balance of insight into both people and business, supporting my development as an executive leader and board director.

I also contribute as a director on several boards, providing strategic oversight, governance and advocacy to support strong, sustainable organisations that create positive outcomes for regional communities.

I am particularly proud to have been recognised by both CQUniversity and the broader community sector for my contribution to leadership and social impact. In 2020, I received the CQUniversity Alumnus of the Year Award for Industry Excellence, followed by the Outstanding Not-for-Profit Leader of the Year Award in 2023. These recognitions were especially meaningful because they reflected not only personal achievement, but also the collective impact of the organisations, teams and communities I have had the privilege to work alongside.

Beyond work, I am passionate about leadership coaching, wellbeing and lifelong learning. I have a particular interest in mental health, nutrition, healthy ageing and practical steps people can take to improve their quality of life and maintain independence as they age. Pilates, strength training and regular physical activity are important parts of my own wellbeing journey and reflect my belief that small, consistent actions can have a profound impact over time.

Looking back, my proudest achievement is not any single role or award, but the opportunity to combine leadership with purpose. Helping create opportunities for people, strengthen communities and contribute to meaningful social impact has been the most rewarding aspect of my career and continues to motivate me today.