Career Spotlight: April McElligott

In this career spotlight we have the pleasure of speaking with April McElligott, the Global Director at Enserv Australia, about her dynamic career journey. From her work focusing on enhancing agricultural practices across the ASEAN region and Australia to her recognition as one of YAIA's 2024 Young Women to Watch, April shares insights into her commitment to sustainability, ESG, and cross-cultural engagement.

April is a seasoned professional in the Food and Agribusiness industry, bringing a wealth of expertise in ESG, sustainability, strategy, and sustainable agricultural trade. With a passion for international relations, April is currently in a strategic senior management role aimed at enhancing agricultural practices across the ASEAN region and Australia.

Her commitment to international engagement is further highlighted by extensive cross-cultural experience in the Asia-Pacific, having worked closely with industry, government, and the corporate sector in various capacities in Indonesia and Laos, facilitated by the prestigious New Colombo Plan scholarship.

April's career includes being the Chief Community Officer for ASEAN Australia Strategic Youth Partnership (AASYP), and working in Management Consulting, notably as part of KPMG Sydney's Food & Agribusiness team. Here, she played a role in a diverse array of strategy, operations, and transformation projects, providing valuable insights to companies, government bodies, and industry organisations.

You’ve had a fascinating career in the food and agribusiness sector. What or who inspired you to work in this sector? 

I wish I had a profound and inspirational story behind my passion, but the honest truth is that my love for eating is where it all began! My parents often joked that as a baby, I would cry if they didn’t feed me fast enough, and that they worried that my boundless appetite would keep me chubby for life. Even from a young age, I seemed to have a deep appreciation for food and where it comes from.

As I grew older, my curiosity expanded, and I realised that food systems go far beyond just putting food on a plate. They play a critical role in producing other essential products like health and cosmetic items, textiles, energy, biotechnology, sustainable materials, animal feed, and even contributing to environmental services, biodiversity conservation, and agritourism. When people think of agriculture, they often picture a backwards, outdated industry, but in reality, the agriculture sector and the agribusinesses along the value chain are incredibly diverse and fascinating.

While I can’t point to any one person who inspired me to work in this sector, I can certainly say that I’ve met incredible people along the way who have inspired me to continue contributing to and building up this industry.

You recently started a new role as Global Director at Enserv Australia. What does the new role involve, and what do you aspire to achieve in it?

In my new role as Global Director at Enserv Australia, I am responsible for overseeing a wide array of projects within our EMF3 program, which is dedicated to renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. Enserv Australia is part of Enserv Holding, headquartered in Bangkok, with operations extending across Asia, Europe, and Australia.

My role involves informing strategic decision-making to ensure that each project within the EMF3 program progresses effectively towards commercialisation. This includes assessing project maturity, addressing challenges, and aligning our initiatives with broader company goals and global sustainability objectives. Given the program’s scope and the diverse stages of project development, my role requires frequent travel both internationally and domestically, and dynamic engagement with various stakeholders.

I aspire to leverage this role to drive impactful advancements in EMF3. By working closely with our team, senior government officials, leading private sector professionals, and world-class academics, I aim to foster strong partnerships and gather insights that will support our initiatives. Ultimately, I want to contribute to the successful development and implementation of projects that not only achieve their commercial goals but also make a significant positive impact on global sustainability.

The dynamic nature of this role, coupled with the opportunity to work on transformative projects, makes it incredibly rewarding. My goal is to navigate these challenges effectively, foster collaboration, and drive progress in our key areas of focus.

You’re a very busy person! While working as a Senior Consultant at KPMG, you not only completed an Environmental Social Governance Expert certification at EBS Business School and an Executive Ready Program at Women and Leadership Australia, but you also actively participated in managing national industry associations like the Australia-ASEAN Strategic Youth Partnership (AASYP), the Supply Chain and Logistics Association of Australia (SCLAA), and Ag Institute Australia (AIA). On top of that, you supported in-house KPMG social groups by serving as a Community Builder for Asian Female Leaders (AFL). What motivates you to take on so much, and what advice would you offer to young professionals trying to balance work, study, volunteering, and life?

Thank you! I don’t view being busy as a badge of honour though, staying constantly busy is not my goal. There have been many times when I’ve had to step back or pause commitments to prioritise myself and focus on personal matters.

I think what drives me to take on more than what most people might is because of my passion, purpose, and a strong desire for continuous growth. I believe that making a meaningful impact in both my career and the broader community requires embracing opportunities that push me beyond my comfort zone. Every role and activity I’ve undertaken—whether advancing my skills through certifications or engaging in industry associations—aligns with my commitment to sectors I'm passionate about, such as sustainability, food systems, and empowering women in leadership.

For young professionals balancing work, study, volunteering, and life, my advice is to be intentional with your commitments. Focus on what aligns with your long-term goals and values, and don’t hesitate to say no to things that don’t serve that purpose. Also, remember that self-care is essential! You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make time for rest and activities that recharge you.

You’ve been in roles where you’ve had to foster bilateral relationships between Australia and other countries. What have you learned from being involved in these activities, and what do you think is key to them?

Working on fostering bilateral relationships between Australia and other countries has been an incredibly valuable and enriching experience for me. One key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of understanding and respecting cultural differences. Each country has its own unique perspectives and priorities, and successful bilateral relationships hinge on recognising and addressing these nuances. Cultural awareness isn’t just about avoiding missteps—it's about building genuine, meaningful connections that can withstand challenges and differences.

Effective communication is another crucial element in these relationships. Building strong ties requires clear, open dialogue, and a willingness to listen actively. It’s essential to establish trust and find common ground, which often involves negotiating and balancing competing interests. Trust is the foundation of all aspects in a relationship, and without it, even the best-laid plans can falter.

Consistency and follow-through are equally important. Maintaining bilateral relationships involves ongoing engagement and commitment, not just one-off interactions. It’s vital to build and sustain connections that matter through regular communication, mutual support, and collaborative efforts. I’ve found this to be particularly true in the context of Australia’s relationships with ASEAN countries. Ongoing engagement fosters trust, and this trust is critical for ensuring long-term prosperity and security.

On a personal note, I’ve been fortunate enough to grow up in a multicultural environment, with an Irish dad, a Malaysian-Chinese mum, and friends from various ethnic backgrounds. This diverse upbringing exposed me to different cultures and ways of communicating, and instilled in me an appreciation for the richness that comes from understanding and embracing cultural differences. This background has been instrumental in shaping my approach to international relations and has given me a deep respect for the value of diverse perspectives.

The food and agribusiness industry is perceived as a male dominated sector. To what extent do you think this perception is changing, and what would you say to other young women considering a career in traditionally male-dominated sectors?

I love this question! The food and agribusiness industry has historically been—and, in many respects, still is—male-dominated. Most days, I often find myself in meetings where most of the participants are men, and are, typically, at least 10 to 15 years older than me. I can’t deny that I have noticed a growing recognition that diversity, especially gender diversity, brings valuable perspectives and drives innovation within the sector. This shift has enabled more women to step into leadership roles, and companies are increasingly focusing on creating inclusive workplaces. Despite this progress though, there’s still a long way to go. From what I can see in agribusinesses worldwide, the vast majority of key decision-makers—both board members and those in C-suite positions—are still predominantly men. It's crucial that diversity efforts go beyond simply meeting quotas or following trends. Instead, organisations need to genuinely understand and appreciate the value that diverse voices bring to the table, recognising that these perspectives are key to driving success.

For young women considering careers in traditionally male-dominated sectors, my advice is to trust in your abilities and embrace the unique perspective you bring. I understand that this can be challenging—imposter syndrome is something I've personally faced. However, I've been fortunate to have had mentors who have advocated for me and instilled a growth mindset in how I approach business decisions. My current and past mentors have been instrumental in shaping my confidence and approach. By seeking out mentors and building supportive networks, I’ve learned—and continue to learn—how to confront challenges with resilience. Surrounding yourself with people who believe in you is key to navigating the complexities of these industries with confidence.

I also truly believe that young women bring a fresh energy and zest to the workforce, which is crucial in a field often dominated by older men who may be set in their ways of thinking. This enthusiasm and innovative mindset is exactly what male-dominated industries need to evolve and stay competitive. Your voice and contributions aren’t just valuable—they are essential for driving progress and change. Male-dominated industries are transforming, and by stepping into it, young women can play a pivotal role in shaping its future.

You were recognised among the 2024 Young Women to Watch in International Affairs. Where do you see yourself and your career in five years?

Being recognised as one of the 2024 Young Women to Watch in International Affairs has been an incredible honour and a great source of motivation for me. To be honest, I haven’t fully thought about where I see myself in five years yet! One thing that’s for sure is my commitment to remaining an advocate for women. I want to continue paving the way for women to make an impact, just as those before me paved the way so that I could be fortunate enough to have the opportunities I have today. In the next five years, I see myself continuing to build on this by deepening my expertise and, in turn, expanding my influence in the field.I also plan to remain focused on sustainability and ESG, particularly on enhancing our food systems. This work is vital because our global food systems affect not only our present but the future of generations to come. Ensuring these systems are sustainable and equitable is crucial for addressing climate change, supporting global food security, and promoting a healthier planet. I aspire to be at the forefront of these efforts, driving meaningful change and contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Ultimately, while I may not have a clearly defined goal or specific role mapped out for the future, I don’t want my measure of success to be tied to job titles or salary. Instead, I aim for success to be defined by the growth and evolution of my character. This means focusing on my integrity, enhancing my emotional intelligence, communication, and active listening skills, and leading with empathy and purpose, while also developing resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning and collaboration. My goal is to serve those around me effectively and make a positive impact on both people and the environment. I believe that by focusing on this, success—by any conventional definition—in whatever industry I may be in, will naturally follow.