GURL PWR in Action: Meet Ronell Rudolph and discover her trailblazing journey at Sodexo
This March, we’re celebrating GURL PWR – Grow. Unite. Rise. Lead. across Sodexo Australia. Throughout the month, we’re spotlighting our Trailblazers – women who follow non-linear paths, act with courage, break barriers, and inspire those around them.
Meet Ronell Rudolph. Ronell transitioned from a career in aged care into the dynamic, demanding world of the mining industry. Her journey shows us the power of resilience, the value of a hands-on approach, and the importance of never underestimating what you can achieve.
Not Linear: A bold career pivot
For many years, Ronell built a meaningful career in aged care. She loved the work because she has a natural passion for helping people. Caring for others gave her a strong sense of purpose.
However, during the COVID pandemic, Ronell felt a strong urge to challenge herself. She wanted to step completely out of her comfort zone and explore a different way of working. This drive for personal growth led her to the mining industry. It was a massive shift, but it gave her the exact opportunity she was looking for to develop new skills and push her boundaries.
When her initial contract ended, Ronell was offered the chance to stay on with Sodexo. She saw this as the perfect opportunity to continue the journey she had bravely started.
Not Limited: Embracing variety and challenge
Today, the best part of Ronell’s job is the sheer variety of her daily tasks and the deep sense of purpose she finds in her role. No two days are ever the same.
On any given day, you might find Ronell driving the site bus safely across the village, assisting with ground handling tasks at the airport, transporting passengers and team members, or helping with cleaning and village operations.
She thrives on staying active and engaged. She takes immense pride in contributing to a team that ensures everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, delivering operational excellence for our clients and a welcoming community for our residents.
Moving from aged care into a highly physical, male-dominated mining environment was a significant adjustment. It took time for Ronell to build her confidence and find her rightful place in the team. She faced practical challenges, too. She admits that even simple tasks like washing the large site bus can be a hurdle when you are not very tall! But Ronell’s approach is simple: adapt, find solutions, and never let anything stand in your way.
Not Done: Growing with Sodexo
Ronell’s commitment to her own growth is far from done. Sodexo encourages our people to grow, offering pathways into health and safety and management training. For Ronell, this means feeling genuinely supported and valued as she navigates her career path.
She recognises that the mining industry is still largely male-dominated, and women can sometimes feel the need to work harder just to prove themselves. However, she also sees a positive shift. The industry is evolving, and more opportunities are opening up for women every day.
Words of Wisdom
Ronell is passionate about lifting others up along the way. For women stepping into similar roles, she offers clear, actionable advice based on her own lived experience:
Step outside your comfort zone: Do not be afraid to take on new and unexpected challenges.
Believe in yourself: Trust your abilities, even when things feel uncertain or overwhelming.
Commit fully: Work hard, stay dedicated, and give your absolute best in everything you do. Challenges will always arise, but they shape you into a stronger, more capable person.
Ask questions: Never be afraid to speak up. There is no such thing as a silly question, and your managers and team are there to support and guide you.
Ronell’s story is a powerful reminder that we are just as capable and have so much to contribute to this industry. Looking back, she views her move from aged care to mining as one of the best decisions she has ever made.
At Sodexo, our inclusive culture ensures our people can bring their whole selves to work. Ronell leads with empathy, tackles challenges head-on, and ensures our communities thrive. Join us in celebrating Ronell’s incredible journey!
