Jodie Hawkes – Bowhill Engineering

The Challenge

Stepping into a leadership role at Bowhill Engineering was far from straightforward for Jodie Hawkes. A family-owned metal fabrication business in regional South Australia, Bowhill Engineering faced a series of challenges that required resilience, adaptability, and strategic growth. Jodie’s journey began under difficult circumstances, stepping into the business’s administrative team after her brother-in-law’s tragic passing. Over time, her role expanded, culminating in her appointment as CEO 14 months ago.

Transitioning from CFO to CEO brought its own set of hurdles. Jodie grappled with imposter syndrome and the pressure of leading a business in a male-dominated industry. Additionally, Bowhill Engineering needed to move from survival to sustainable growth, build sophisticated systems for long-term success, and enhance its impact on the regional community.

How Vistage helped

Peer support and confidence building
Jodie joined Vistage six years ago, encouraged by her husband’s positive experience and the guidance of Vistage Chair Jerry Kleeman. Through her Vistage group, Jodie gained access to a network of like-minded leaders who shared insights and solutions for common challenges. This peer advisory group helped her overcome self-doubt, embrace authenticity, and develop confidence in her unique leadership style.

Developing a strategic playbook
With guidance from Vistage, Jodie has cultivated a ‘strategic playbook’ for Bowhill Engineering. She adopted new goal-setting and accountability practices, including the use of digital tools like OneNote, introduced by Vistage speaker Gary Bertwistle, to streamline organisation. These strategies have led to consistent, incremental improvements across the business.

Expert connections and tailored advice
Through Vistage, Bowhill Engineering gained access to industry experts who helped refine various aspects of the business. For example, Trudy McDonald, a strategic HR consultant, transformed job descriptions to be more aspirational, while Nick Setchell introduced advanced cash flow forecasting techniques. These expert insights have become integral to the company’s operational framework.

Building resilience and innovation
Vistage’s influence on Bowhill’s approach to resilience was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. Years of strategic planning on disruption enabled the business to weather challenges effectively. Similarly, insights from Vistage webinars, such as those featuring James Clear, reinforced the value of small, steady improvements for lasting success.

Community and ESG impact
Vistage has inspired Bowhill Engineering to enhance its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. One standout project involved undergrounding power lines, paving the way for a new facility and installing solar panels for both the company and the local community centre. This initiative significantly reduced the centre’s energy costs, benefiting the broader community.

Long-Term planning and succession
Vistage encouraged Jodie to focus on succession planning, leading to the development of a five-year plan and a family charter. This proactive approach has created clarity and removed emotional barriers, setting a solid foundation for Bowhill Engineering’s next generation of leadership.

The Results

Under Jodie’s leadership and with the support of Vistage, Bowhill Engineering has grown from a team of 12 to over 60 employees. The company’s systems and frameworks now rival those of much larger organisations, enabling sustainable growth and fostering a culture of accountability and innovation.

Bowhill Engineering has also strengthened its role in the community, balancing business success with social impact. Jodie’s leadership journey exemplifies Vistage’s power to not only improve businesses but also create meaningful change in their communities.

Jodie’s advice to leaders

For other leaders, Jodie underscores the value of mentorship and peer support. ‘Building a strong network, one that’s balanced between personal and professional perspectives, is key,’ she says. Vistage’s diverse groups provide unique opportunities to learn from leaders across industries, offering lessons that can be applied to any business.

Jodie likens her Vistage experience to earning a ‘degree in one-month chunks over 20 years,’ blending reflection with real-world application. For her, Vistage has been more than a leadership resource—it’s been a lifelong blueprint for bold and purposeful leadership.