STEM Profile: Pamela Naidoo Ameglio

Pamela Naidoo Ameglio

Senior executive leader, scientist, board member and volunteer

Pamela has contributed to mining and nuclear industries for the past 30 years. She inspires teams to collaborate, innovate and collectively deliver value. She previously led safe and sustainable operations of the OPAL research reactor, nuclear medicine and radioactive waste facilities at ANSTO.

City/town: Sydney

State: NSW

STEMM sectors: Engineering, Research, Science, Technology

Open to being contacted about the following volunteer roles: Board positions, Mentoring others, New job opportunities, Speaking at professional events/panels, Speaking at schools

Guiding principle: Strive, be brave, and be the change you want to see.

Areas of expertise: Operational leadership, strategy, stakeholder engagement, capability development, risk management

Contact Pamela Naidoo Ameglio

Q&A

What’s something about your field that most people misunderstand or overlook?

Nuclear is the safest energy sector to work in. Nuclear science and technology provide a range of benefits from health, food security, and environmental protection to advancing material science and space exploration.

When have you taken a risk in your career, and what did you learn from it (regardless of the outcome)?

I quit a role during an industry downturn, to avoid burnout. I focussed on bucket list items and re-skilled during the down time, positioning myself for new opportunities. It taught me the value of backing myself.

What role does creativity play in your work, and how do you nurture it?

Creativity is important for innovation and creating an environment where team members can thrive. Engaging in the arts stimulates me to learn from diverse sectors and topics.

How do you navigate moments of doubt or failure in high-stakes or highly technical environments?

Engaging with subject matter experts and applying multiple lenses to an issue helps reduce doubt. Past achievement belies my self doubt. Failure, while disappointing, is the opportunity to learn and pivot.

What is the thing you enjoy most about your role?

Working towards a common goal with people from different disciplines, sectors, backgrounds and experiences and helping people build on their strengths.