Helping women lead the future of emergency care

Strong leadership helps build stronger teams, better decision making and, ultimately, better care for Victorian communities.

That's why AV continues to invest in leadership development opportunities like the Ready 2 Lead program, delivered by Life Saving Victoria (LSV). The 10 week program brings together women from emergency services across Australia to strengthen their leadership skills, build confidence and create lasting professional networks.

For Shwetanjali Teotia, an Application Team Leader and Solutions Architect who has worked at AV for 13 years, the experience has been both inspiring and transformational.

"Hearing that leadership is not just about individual growth but how we show up for others really resonated with me," Shwetanjali said.

"This experience reinforced that leadership is shaped by diverse perspectives, cultures and lived experiences, and that those differences contribute to stronger, more connected teams."

Shwetanjali leads a team responsible for enhancing the digital systems that support paramedics at the point of care, helping ensure they have reliable technology and information when caring for patients across Victoria.

She says the program challenged her to see her own experiences as a strength.

"Coming from an Indian background, I wasn't always confident in how I expressed my ideas. At times I held back, unsure if my voice would be understood. Through this program, I've learned those differences aren't barriers. They bring new perspectives and value to leadership."

The program also encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone.

"I've been challenged to choose courage over confidence, to speak up even when I don't feel ready, to embrace imperfections rather than strive for perfection, and to recognise that growth comes from small, consistent steps forward."

Just as importantly, Ready 2 Lead has connected Shwetanjali with women from across AV and the wider emergency services sector.

"Until Ready 2 Lead, I hadn't experienced an environment that brings together women leaders in a space grounded in support, shared experiences and a genuine commitment to lifting others up," she said.

"The generosity of the women I've met and their willingness to invest in others reflects the kind of leadership this initiative is building."

Programs like Ready 2 Lead are part of AV’s broader commitment to developing confident, capable leaders who can support their teams and strengthen the organisation for the future.

Community support helps Ambulance Victoria continue investing in initiatives that develop leadership capability, create opportunities for women to grow, and build a stronger ambulance service for all Victorians.

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