Shaun Williams
(Pronouns He/Him/His)
Shaun first found REQ like many people do - feeling an innate desire to give back, somehow, but not knowing where to start. Enter REQ! Having spent a career looking after the needs of others through People & Culture across Statutory Authorities, IT & Telecommunications, Private Health Insurance and Community Services, the path that REQ was walking stood out. Shaun’s seen as someone who loves getting people together to create ideas (often while riding a whiteboard) and enjoys a challenge. This shows in the lengths he will go to for others for professional purpose or for fun.
Roles in REQ:
Club President, 1 July 2023
REQ Director Jun 2021 - July 2022
REQ Incoming Director Dec 2021 - Jun 2021
Shaun is a member of the Australian Institute of Human Resources (AHRI), the United Nations Association of Australia WA (UNAAWA), and has completed Australian Institute of Company Directors training.
Tell us a personal attribute you are proud? I think being open to continual learning and change. Perfection doesn’t exist. So being prepared to be wrong is gold for being open to what’s possible for myself and for others.
What cheers you up? I like landscaping, or being in the garden, or generally being in nature. Or inside looking after my indoor plants – for some reason more keep appearing… shhhhh….
What is your preferred form of communication style? I’m a visual and hands on person. A marker and a big open whiteboard are key tools for me!
If you could change one thing about the world what would it be and why? There’s a very real problem with our consumerist society. If our structures of power through commercial advantage could shift, then a lot more becomes possible for the many rather than the few.
What adventures have you been on recently? Travelling around Tasmania was an incredible experience. Just self-pacing through their regions let me really soak up the experience. I capped it off with Dark Mofo which as an alternative arts and performance event simply blew my mind – freezing solstice nude swim included.
Do you enjoy the outdoors? What’s your favourite outdoor activity? I crave being able to go away on a hike for a couple of days or to head into the South West forest to camp. I never used to be a camper, but that changed following a very unique nature quest experience (hit me up and I’ll tell you more).
If you were to meet your 15 year old self what advice would you give them? Be more intentional about where you allow your time to be spent to help you grow, and challenge your boundaries every chance – you’re more capable than you think.
What experiences have you been ticking off your life-list (aka bucket list)? I’ve been challenging myself a lot over the past couple of years. From skydiving, getting my scuba ticket, learning to surf, pottery, to throwing myself into Blazing Swan and its community – I’ve expanded myself a lot by just making these things happen.
What would you say your fault is? I love to be involved and make a contribution to what ever I can. Sometimes this comes at a cost if I put myself and my own balance last. I’ve learnt from that, even though I still dive in to lots of open water.
When you were a child what did you think your parents did for a living? I thought my mum was in showbusiness given she worked for Red Tickets and was always at these incredible events, the good life! Where my dad was building the city – he was a glazier and when I went out with him on weekend jobs I’d see the length and breadth of Perth as houses were being built. I learnt a lot from their humility and hard work, a lot.
Do you have any weird nicknames? Sometimes I’m known as Sparky, and to some groups of people Rainbow Beetle Moonchild (funny story there).