Girl Boss: Janet Peters

Janet Peters with her award from 2015, a proud work moment. Photo by George Novak

Name: Janet Peters
Company: The International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership (IIMHL)
Job title: New Zealand liaison

Describe your job.
This is a part-time job that I have held for 11 years. IIMHL is a government-sponsored virtual agency and is made up of eight countries: Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, Sweden and the US. The aim is to keep improving mental health and addiction services.

What is the main thing you want to achieve professionally?
I am passionate about improving services for children using the "adverse childhood experiences" research. So for the last four years I have promoted this work around New Zealand. It is my belief that we need what is called a "trauma informed approach" to all government services (that is, health, education, justice, police, housing, etc).

It is so important to intervene early - preferably at mums and babies but definitely with children. The first 100 days are critical - we know that.

Why did you get into this profession?
I trained as a registered psychologist and then realised I was better suited to serving communities and populations as I love learning and research and making change.

What do you like about your job the most?
I have been privileged to meet many great people all wanting to make a difference. I have met national and grassroots leaders from many countries and communities, such as indigenous peoples, youth, mental health, addictions, older people, people with disabilities, varying cultures, family members, government officials and, most importantly - people who use services.

What's the most challenging aspect of your role?
As I also do other contract work (I have worked work with John Kirwan and the National Depression Initiative for 12 years) so juggling several contracts to achieve the right outcomes is sometimes tricky. Very rarely I come across people who I find are really difficult to work with - a challenge for us all.

What's your proudest work moment?
I have two. In 2012 I received the Public Interest Award: for valuable contributions to psychology in the service of the public, from the New Zealand Psychological Society.
In 2015 I received the Exceptional Contribution to New Zealand Mental Health Services from the Australasian Mental Health Services.

What's the best piece of career advice you've received?
The best advice was from my brother - when I was worried about my work he said "stick to what you know best".

What's the most important thing your current role has taught you?
Two things come to mind ... how to get on well with people and make sure to do your research when starting something new.

Would you recommend your career to other women?
I am the luckiest person - I get to work with wonderful people and learn all the time - so yes.

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