Kathryn Bradbury
Construction Project Manager and Opera Singer
What do you get when you combine opera singer and a project manager? A one-woman powerhouse!
What work do you do?
I have two jobs. I work as a professional opera singer in one job and very differently, I work as a client-side project manager in construction.
What are some of the things you do every day in your role?
In opera singing we often sing in different languages, wear costumes, wear makeup and sing on a stage with an orchestra. We do this without microphones as our voices are very big and we don’t need them for the audience to hear us. In my other role as project manager, I help manage construction building projects, like new schools and other buildings.
Did you know what you wanted to do when you were at school?
When I was a little girl, I told my dad I wanted to sing and build – I have ended up doing both.
How did you get started?
Opera singing took many years of study. I have completed three degrees in music/singing, including a Master of Music Studies.
I studied project management and worked my way up from a minor role by proving I could do it!
What do you love most about what you do?
Opera singing is amazing. There is nothing like performing. The music is beautiful and it’s really fun getting to wear different costumes and makeup.
There are not many women project managers, but I do love managing a job from the beginning as a drawing, and then watching it turn into a completed building. Seeing a job completed is very rewarding.
What makes you feel confident?
Study has definitely made me feel more confident. It gives me courage to know what I’m talking about!
What are you afraid of and how do you cope with that?
Sometimes I’m afraid of making a mistake. What I realise though, is that everyone in life makes mistakes and it is how you deal with these mistakes and move on that is important.
What are you most proud of in your career so far?
Performing with Opera Australia and Opera Queensland as an opera singer.
Also, my work as a project manager for a housing redevelopment on Groote Eylant in a very male- dominated mining area.
Who helped you get to where you are today?
My parents always supported me and told me I could do whatever job I wanted to do. It didn’t matter if a was a girl.
What was your biggest failure along the way?
Not believing in myself.
Do you have any advice for girls thinking about a career in your industry?
Work hard. Study lots. You can totally do it. Just believe you can xx
In your wildest dreams, what would you love to do and get paid for it?
What I’m doing now.
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