Be part of the change!
The most interesting aspect of my career is the ability to work with a broad range of businesses – from start-ups through to global companies - on their innovation and growth journeys. As a lawyer and company director, I have a unique opportunity to provide input on both the legal and commercial aspects of business, as well as strategy and corporate governance. At present, there are more men named Andrew than there are women CEO’s on ASX 200 boards, so I would like to be part of the change with additional board appointments where there is alignment in terms of vision and values.
The impact of an MBA
Having studied Law (Honours) and Arts (Politics & International Relations) as an undergraduate student, as a business owner and a company director, I recognised that corporate finance and data driven decision making were important areas to build on my knowledge. My MBA (majoring in finance) has provided the level of understanding that I need to discharge my duties as a director when it comes to reading and analysing financial statements, as well as some really useful tools and strategies which have proved useful in managing staff and building businesses.
Life is a collection of experiences
I’m passionate about living this life to its greatest potential. I believe in work-life integration (rather than the elusive “balance”). I strive to create harmony between my passion for work and building businesses (I really do love the work that I do!) with spending time with my beautiful daughter Montana, family and friends and travelling. Life is a collection of experiences and I’m passionate about growth and development across all aspects of life. I hope that by sharing my journey along the way, I can play a part in helping future generations of female leaders in business and our community.
The importance of collaboration
Studying my MBA reinforced a lot of the lessons I learnt in practice and provided a theoretical framework to rationalise it. A key aspect of my experience that was most important for me was that the lecturers had real-world experience and could relate the course content not only to the theory but to practice. Another key aspect was the level of collaboration and interaction with peers (through organised group assignments and classroom participation) which resulted in ongoing business relationships and networks. The diversity of the cohort encouraged a different way of thinking and led to thought-provoking discussions.
Who is Rebecca Johnston?
I am the Legal Practice Director of Johnston Wheeler specialising in Aviation, Drones & Space, Corporate & Commercial Law, Innovation & Technology, and Ports, Transport & Logistics.
My clients include Fortune 100 companies, ASX-listed companies, large private companies, SMEs, start-ups and high-net-worth individuals.
I am ranked as a Leading Individual in Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific 2019, 2020, and 2021 and was fortunate enough to be recognised as Young Private Practice Lawyer of the Year at the 2018 Australasian Law Awards.
I am also a Non-Executive Director of Mungalalu Truscott Airport and Mirrorplex and Executive Director and General Counsel at Space Industries.
I hold a Bachelor of Law (Honours) / Arts (Politics & International Relations) from Notre Dame University and MBA (Distinction) from UWA and am admitted to practice in Australia and New York.
Outside of work, I’m a proud mum and a Co-Founder of the Cottesloe Roosters Football Club.