From skeptic to leader: Judy Cole's 32 years in funeral care
Judy Cole was once reluctant about her father's funeral business. Now she leads the ACT and NSW division of Funerals Australia.
When her dad Bill Cole started William Cole Funerals in Canberra, Judy was in Year 10. The teenager begged him not to.
Reluctant and without experience, she left for a florist job at 18. Judy later returned to help in the family office.
She completed an infection control course. She discovered her calling as an embalmer.
Judy became Australia's youngest female embalmer at the time. Now 50 and 32 years into the business, Judy has been appointed senior vice-president.
She leads the ACT and NSW division of Funerals Australia, the peak body for professional funeral directors. Her husband Naithan works as operations manager.
Their daughter Ella handles HR. Judy says women bring fresh ideas to a traditionally male-dominated industry.
They are natural nurturers in a profession built on compassion.
- 32 years
- Years in business
- 50
- Judy's current age
- Senior vice-president, Funerals Australia
- Current role
Why it mattersLeadership diversity in traditionally male-dominated fields shows how people grow into unexpected callings. They bring new perspectives to old industries.
AustraliaCanberra-based funeral director takes leadership role in national industry body, shaping standards across ACT and NSW.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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