Christine Alan's journey of becoming a Wellness Advisor at Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s Jerriwah Village is nothing short of inspiring. Her career trajectory has seen her tackle various roles across Sodexo's operations, from catering to housekeeping, before finally finding her calling in the field of health and wellness.

Patience and Perseverance

Christine's passion for health and wellness led her to make a bold career shift. Leaving behind a full-time role as a childcare educator, she was dedicated towards achieving fitness certifications. Despite the challenges and uncertainties that came with transitioning to a new industry, Christine remained determined to carve out a fulfilling career for herself.

Her journey into the fitness world took an unexpected turn when she was introduced to the concept of FIFO (Fly-In-Fly-Out) personal training. Embracing the opportunity with courage and tenacity, Christine overcame her initial lack of experience in the field and focused on leveraging her qualifications and eagerness to learn and grow. Her persistence paid off, and she was successfully appointed as a Wellness Advisor in November 2022, a position that deeply resonated with her passion for making a positive impact on others' lives.

"Although I initially lacked experience for the role, I had the necessary qualifications and was eager to find a way in.”

"In early 2022, I began working as a catering team member at Punurunha Village. Later, I transitioned into the role of a housekeeper. After 10 months, I secured a second interview for the position of Wellness Advisor and was successful taking on the role and moving to Jerriwah village. 

Christine was asked what aspects of her role bring her joy. She said, "By taking every opportunity to impact someone, get to know someone, hear another story about their life, and put a smile on their face, I build a community within this space."

“Being a full-time personal trainer is difficult, but it was something I still wanted to do.  When looking for my next opportunity, I was looking for a position where I could use my passion to show kindness and help people.  And in my role with Sodexo, I can do that.”

Growth Within

When asked for advice about FIFO, Christine said, " My advice is to think carefully, stay open-minded, and manage your expectations.  Finding a work-life balance is crucial.  Spending quality time with family and my partner is a top priority.  I make sure to hit the gym regularly, even when I'm not feeling motivated.”

“It's also important to find a sustainable routine that works for both work and home. Taking time to rest when needed is essential.  I approach life with an open heart, being kind to myself and embracing both the good and the bad.  Temporary challenges help me grow into a better version of myself.”

“I believe the small behavioural changes and habits will yield the most positive long-term results, both physically and mentally.  Embrace every stage of your journey, love the progress, not the results, because progress is where you grow; there is no failure but an opportunity for you to learn.”

Christine shared that Sodexo has had a positive impact on her. “I learned to be independent and take on challenges, especially outside my comfort zone, which really shaped me into who I am today," she said.

Team Work Makes The Dream Work

“The Wellness Team are big advocates who help others choose a better lifestyle and habits and hope for the best.  We create a space here on site that everyone can enjoy and have fun!”

“We're a tight-knit team because we all share similar values and reasons for choosing this lifestyle. When we have a common goal, it makes everything a lot easier.”

Christine Alan's journey serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of perseverance and a steadfast commitment to personal and professional growth.  Her story is a testament to the possibilities that unfold when one follows their passion and embraces the challenges along the way.