Karin Gouws Born to Tri: Karin Gouws is the Triathlete Who’s Strengthening Our Tech Transformation
Challenges? Karin Gouws eats them for breakfast - quite literally! By the time she arrives at work each morning, she’s already clocked ~60 minutes of training - on the bike, in the pool, or pounding the pavement. Our softly spoken yet tenacious Application System Analyst is a mad-keen triathlete and force to be reckoned with. A two-time Ironman finisher, Karin approaches her sport the same way she approaches her work: with grit, integrity, and a team focus.
FIT FOR PURPOSE
Karin Gouws has had an interesting career journey. Born and raised in South Africa, she completed a Bachelor of Science (Microbiology) but soon realised spending her days in a lab looking at samples through a microscope wasn’t for her.
“I decided to do a Microsoft Database Administrator certificate, and that’s where I changed careers drastically,” Karin says. “I loved IT a lot more than microbiology. I’m glad I changed. I’m growing with the technical world - it’s fast-evolving, and you need to keep up to date.”
After spending many years working in various Clinical Data Management roles, Karin and her partner decided to leave South Africa to create a safer, more stable life. They arrived five years ago with only two suitcases each and a mattress to sleep on for the first few months.
“South Africa was not doing so well. Unfortunately, the country is very unsettled,” Karin says. “Being a triathlete, I couldn’t run or cycle by myself anymore, so we decided to come to Australia to see what it was like. It didn’t take us long to decide to stay.”
Karin feels extremely fortunate to have spotted the Application System Analyst role at Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd (PBPL). The challenge of supporting the business applications of one of Australia’s fastest-growing container ports piqued her interest.
“I didn’t have that much experience in Application Support at the time,” Karin says. “But in the interview, I explained that I was open to learning anything, and that makes for boundless motivation.”
She certainly has landed on her feet. At PBPL, we’ve been continually amazed by Karin’s can-do attitude and thirst for excellence. In fact, this team player won an award for business improvement in her first year with us.
“That’s what motivates me,” Karin says. “I always aim to leave things better and improved. I really enjoy supporting people, too - whether that’s helping them in the workplace or giving them health and training tips. Sometimes, we get thrown with unexpected issues, and we have to think on our feet. It’s challenging but also rewarding. I’m lucky to be in this phase of growth with Port of Brisbane. There’s no time to sit around and get bored. It’s exhilarating!”DRIVING CHANGE, ONE STEP AT A TIME
Since joining us in 2018, Karin has been fundamental to PBPL’s technology transformation. She’s worked on several key projects with specialised stakeholders across the business, and is constantly analysing, maintaining, and upgrading our systems and software.
“In my first year, we made some big changes, which is always a challenge” Karin says. When “we try to make it as smooth and painless as possible for the people impacted. It is always a team effort. We all jump in and help until the job’s done. A lot of the time, it doesn’t even feel like I’m working - I’m just having fun with an exceptional team!”
When Karin isn’t fine-tuning our software systems, she’s working up a sweat with her Brisbane-based tri athletic club, Starfish. Her passion for triathlons began like so many other all-encompassing pursuits: with a dare!
“Some uni mates and I had thought, let’s all rock up tomorrow and attempt a mini sprint triathlon. Afterwards, most of my friends said, ‘Never again! How bad was the swimming? I nearly drowned!’ But I liked it, and it has stuck with me all these years.”
Karin went on to complete the South African Ironman twice. That’s a 3.8km open-water swim, 180km bike ride, and 42.2km run! The full Ironman Australia is on her bucket list (although she has done a couple of 70.3s (halfs)). In the meantime, Karin loves supporting the younger generation of triathletes at Starfish. Her zest for sport is also rubbing off on her workmates, inspiring several of them to lace up for the Bridge to Brisbane 10km and 5km fun run event.
“They’re all very supportive. I think they are mostly afraid of me not training because then I’ll be grumpy!” Karin laughs. “It’s a great team. I’ve worked with a lot of different teams and managers in my career, and this is the best one I’ve ever been part of. We’re a mix of cultures - English, Aussie, Iranian, South African. We’re like a family.”Are you ready to explore the best career you never imagined? Visit our careers page to view current opportunities.
INNOVATING FOR THE FUTURE
Karin relishes the diversity and flexibility of her role, which enables her to balance training, work, and chasing after her two border collie crosses. She also values being part of a work environment that prides itself on integrity, teamwork, and collaboration.
For now, Karin looks forward to finding innovative ways to drive our tech journey and contribute to the growth of PBPL. And, of course, getting that Aussie Ironman under her belt!
“A lot of the work we do is a little out of the norm. In tech, we’re bringing so many exciting changes to the table over the next couple of years. So, if you do get the opportunity to work here, grab it with both hands - and hold on to your hat!”
Are you excited to see where a career with PBPL can take you? View our current opportunities today. Follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook to be the first to hear about new opportunities.