Emily Heenan Discover, refine, communicate, repeat: The exciting daily life of our Manager Corporate Relations
What first sprang to mind when you heard of PBPL? For those not in the know, it might have been wharves and shipping containers on the outskirts of the city. But the reality is so much more. With major property development, a leading approach to sustainability, and innovative projects like the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal, PBPL is integral to the Queensland economy. Communicating across such a diverse range of operations is no easy feat. Thankfully, Emily Heenan is on the job.
A DIFFERENT STORY EVERY DAY
Our skilled Manager Corporate Relations, Emily Heenan, is tenacious, articulate and perpetually curious. She can learn something unfamiliar one day and clearly express it to stakeholders the next, and she values the trusted relationships she’s formed with our people—after all—they’re the ones with a story to tell.
“It’s important to build relationships with people. They’re the content experts. You’ve got to work with them to explain what information you need and why it’s important. Our people are talented and passionate about what they do, and it’s my role to accurately capture that information and disseminate it through the right channels. They need to trust me to follow the right processes, deliver on my word, and do justice to their work.”
Emily isn’t one to use a cliché lightly, but she says it’s true here: no two days are the same. She might be at her desk managing media enquiries or writing reports, media releases and other publications. Or she could be out and about at the Port, following our people with a photographer or videographer to create content for our social media channels. When asked what she loves most about her role, Emily has a simple answer. “I love writing and communicating. I love the challenge of distilling complicated information into easily accessible and digestible content. As a communicator, I’m naturally curious. I think that’s an important quality in this space. I’m constantly learning about a range of different projects and industries. It’s truly fascinating.”
The parts of the role Emily loves most can also be the most challenging. PBPL is constantly evolving, and Emily explains that something innovative or important is happening at every corner of the business on any given day. Her biggest challenge is keeping on the front foot, gathering content and identifying the optimum channels to communicate information. Thankfully, Emily tackles each challenge head-on, ensuring the best possible outcomes for the business and its people.PLANNING FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW
Sustainability has always been important at PBPL. It’s reflected in our initiatives and shared values. In recent years, we’ve worked to formalise our commitment to sustainability to ensure it’s central to our operations. Emily doesn’t take her responsibility in this space lightly.
Although Emily is a quiet achiever, her contributions to PBPL are noticed and valued. In 2020, she was recognised with PBPL’s ‘Accountability - Empowerment with Responsibility’ award for her work and commitment to Sustainability. Deeply passionate and driven to succeed, Emily consistently delivers outstanding results, setting an exceptional standard for herself and our team.
“It’s important to recognise that we’re part of a bigger community. We have an important role to play in supporting the prosperity and growth of the Queensland economy. The decisions we make today will positively impact stakeholders now and into the future.”THE ICING ON THE CAKE
Prior to joining PBPL, Emily led an exciting career in Australia and internationally. From local government in Queensland to marketing luxury goods in the UK, Emily has had plenty of wonderfully eye-opening experiences. While working with a corporate consultancy firm in Brisbane, Emily was exposed to a wide range of industry sectors and clients. She was also introduced to her next opportunity.
“PBPL was one of my clients and quickly became one of the most important. I was a consultant, but I felt like an extended member of the team. When this role became available, I thought I’d love to make it formal. Now, I feel like part of the furniture!”
Emily has had an exciting career full of unanticipated benefits. And her experience at Port of Brisbane has proved no different. There’s an opportunity for an incredible career here, with plenty of icing on top of the cake.
“Reflecting on my career, I realise how lucky I am to have had so many amazing experiences. I visited some fascinating regional towns during my time with the government. I visited Coco Chanel’s apartment in Paris. At PBPL, I’ve been able to board world-class cruise vessels and be part of city-shaping projects like the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal. There’s always something exciting just around the corner.”
Are you interested in exploring the possibilities of a Port career? Find the right fit for you by visiting our careers page today.