GURL PWR in Action: Meet Shula Russell and discover her trailblazing journey at Sodexo
Trailblazers: Shula’s Journey of Care, Courage, and Connection
This March, we’re celebrating GURL PWR – Grow. Unite. Rise. Lead. across Sodexo Australia. Throughout the month, we’re spotlighting the women who embody this spirit — those who follow non-linear paths, act with courage, break barriers, and inspire those around them.
We call them our Trailblazers.
Meet Shula Russell, a Village Manager overseeing operations at our remote mining sites in the Pilbara, Western Australia. Her story highlights the power of leading with empathy, building strong connections, and understanding our frontline teams.
Not Linear: Leading from the Ground Up
After spending most of her career in operational management, Shula took a leap in 2020 to try FIFO (fly-in, fly-out) work. To truly understand the environment, she started in entry-level support roles across housekeeping, kitchen operations, and retail.
When she joined Sodexo Australia as an Assistant Village Manager in 2021, she quickly realised she was in the right place. An interview question about her hands-on start showed her that we value leaders who truly appreciate the daily realities of site work.
“Leaders need to understand the work from the ground up and appreciate the day-to-day challenges faced by frontline teams,” Shula shares.
Not Limited: Turning Challenge into Growth
Moving into her current role as Village Manager in 2024, Shula now leads teams of up to 100 employees. Together, they serve more than 1,000 meals a day, creating a safe, reliable, and welcoming environment where residents can recharge. In the mining sector, this care and consistency are essential for improving the quality of life for our teams.
Shula’s resilience extends far beyond her daily operations. In 2022, she stepped away from work to undergo breast cancer treatment. Encouraged by her daughters, she used this time to enrol in a Bachelor of Business and Human Resource Management. Exploring global sustainability goals gave her new ways to integrate social responsibility into our everyday strategies.
Not Done: Building Confidence and Safety
Mentoring and career development are at the heart of Shula’s leadership style. Starting a FIFO role can feel daunting, so she makes it her mission to ease nerves and create a supportive environment from day one.
Shula believes in building leadership through connection, not just compliance. After completing a secondment as a Safety Maturity Specialist, she actively supports frontline teams in strengthening their safety conversations.
Now in her second year as the Gender Network Employee Champion for Australia, Shula values being part of a company that promotes culture and belonging.
Shula encourages us to embrace the groundwork and believe that true workplace safety comes from psychological safety, open conversations, and looking out for one another. Easing the nerves of new starters and mentoring safety champions creates a stronger, more united team. Shula’s journey proves that when we lead with care and purpose, we build thriving communities.
