The ARA would like to thank the outgoing Young Leaders Advisory Board (Y-LAB) members for their invaluable contributions over the past two years.
- James Forrest, John Holland Group
- Jorge Martin Gistau, Ricardo Rail
- Samiha Najem, Sydney Trains
- Sebastian Smith, ARTC
- James Dillon, ARTC (reserve)
- Beata Majidio, Yarra Trams (reserve)
The YLAB, established in 2019, plays an important role in leading the future development of rail.
The Y-LAB harnesses the ideas of young talent in the rail industry to inform the issues, projects and priorities of the ARA. It reports to the ARA Board and provides regular updates and advice to support our advocacy agenda. Y-LAB’s purpose statement is “Providing younger perspectives today, to shape the diverse and sustainable rail industry of tomorrow.”
The ARA’s General Manager Supply Chain and Diversity, Natalie Currey, asked our outgoing Y-LAB members about their experiences.
They described the experience as enriching, significantly enhancing their own professional and personal development.
Jorge Martin Gistau, Manager Sustainable Transport ANZ at Ricardo, said being a part of Y-LAB was “transformative”, exposing him to the broader rail industry outside his existing network.
“It is amazing to see the wide spectrum of companies and roles that can be found within the industry and how all of them play a key part in delivering services to passengers and freight clients,” Jorge said.
Samiha Najem, A/Associate Director Operational Technology – Sydney Trains, said the highlight of Y-LAB for her was the quarterly face-to-face sessions.
“We were able to engage with ARA Board member advisors, which seems to be such a privileged position. Our thoughts and ideas were heard, challenged and agreed. At the same time, we are also able to receive the perspective of the executive, and I was always so enlightened of the notes/observations I captured from the interactions and advice from Steve Butcher, Julian Sharp and Rebecca Want. I wouldn’t have had this experience and exposure anywhere else, which I acknowledge, and was very appreciative of these moments,” said Samiha.
Y-LAB members also attend the ARA executive committee meetings as observers.
“I attended the POEC and had an idea on creating a cyber security working forum within ARA, which was put forward, agreed and now exists as an ongoing forum. I attended an executive meeting and suggested the session also includes an acknowledgement of country and inclusion moment – this is now BAU in the meeting,” said Samiha.
Jorge also cites the opportunity to advise the ARA Board, and learn from its members, and attending the different ARA committees as a highlight, as well as connecting with the young professional network across Australia and New Zealand.
“I have truly enjoyed discussion ideas and having insightful conversations with your professionals at online coffee catch ups or face-to-face networking events organised by the ARA,” Jorge said.
“The ARA advocates for gender balance and cross-industry representation as part of the Y-LAB Board. As such, this has been a unique opportunity to interact with and learn from other Y-LAB members who work in project roles, operations, human resources, or engineering roles across Australia.
“After completing the two-year Y-LAB program, I feel equipped with additional knowledge about the rail industry, and I believe I am a more well-rounded professional.”
For James Forrest, Systems Engineering Manager Rail Engineering & Integration / TEK Rail & Transport at John Holland, being on the Y-LAB was an “overwhelmingly positive” experience.
“It’s such a great opportunity to learn and get to know the industry and its people,” James said.
“The highlight was having the opportunity to experience so many different facets of the rail industry I would not have got to see without Y-Lab. E.g., The ROC (Sydney Trains Operational Control Centre and its complex tech and human interfaces), Moorebank intermodal and the opportunities that presents to freight rail,” James said.
The members said that the Y-LAB site visits organised at each quarterly meeting were also a great opportunity to connect with the wider industry and to learn about Australian and international innovation.
When asked about where the Y-LAB process could improve, James said he would have liked more time in person with the Y-LAB Board at events or supporting the ARA team.
“I think the support from ARA and the Board to do it our way is exactly the right approach to continually improve Y-LAB. Each new board will progressively improve and reshape Y-LAB organically when supported as we were,” said James.
Samiha suggested expanding the group’s voice beyond the current eight members to include more young rail professionals: “The work in rail schools program idea could benefit from a database of young rail professionals. We have started this approach with the Ambassadors Program.”
She also suggested fostering more collaboration with other committees and encourage cross-functional initiatives with groups with shared common objectives.
Samiha will continue contributing to the sustainability committee of the ARA and has joined the Rail Ambassadors’ program.
“My experience with Y-LAB has significantly impacted my ongoing career. It has provided me with invaluable opportunities for growth, networking, professional development, and a wider outlook within the dynamic and brilliant rail industry,” said Samiha.
Sebastian Smith, Wayside Solutions Manager – Interstate Network at ARTC, said he had never attended Board Meetings prior to being on the Y-LAB and found it to be an “incredible opportunity”.
“I feel like we have come so far in these past two and a bit years. I’ve met some incredible people (the Y-LAB board and reserve board members, ARA team, and other professionals at conferences, networking events etc.), and it has been such a privilege to be involved. The Y-LAB strategy has evolved and is improving with every turn at each quarterly update which is gratifying to see.”
“The premier highlights for me are the connections and learnings I’ve had the pleasure of building during the term. The calibre of the other Y-LAB members is astounding and I’m fortunate to count them now as friends. A very close second is the opportunity to elevate the lens with which I see the rail industry … and the opportunity to endeavour to support and give back to the rail community through the Y-LAB strategy.”
“Every time I had any Y-LAB activity, meeting, commitment, site tour… I was always buoyed by the experience, and my optimism renewed for this industry.”
Sebastian said the Y-LAB buddy system for incoming members is a great initiative and is supportive of the yearly rotation of four members to bring in fresh perspectives.
“Seeing the enthusiasm of other young rail professionals as part of the Y-LAB outreach, I am confident there a is a rich pool of talent to this end into the future.
Sebastian sums up his time on the Y-LAB: “It was an awesome experience, and it is successful based on the breadth of skill and talent on the board, across different roles, organisations and professional experience.
“Y-LAB’s participation on the executive committees, and reporting into the ARA Board is a great way for the outcomes of Y-LAB to match industry needs and actually deliver meaningful initiatives. I’m excited to watch this space.”