Meet Emilia Lech who is celebrating ten years with Belgravia Leisure! Emilia has held various roles with Belgravia Leisure including, a swim teacher, guest experience officer, lifeguard, duty manager and venue manager at Whittlesea Swim Centre. As well as her current role as Aquatic Services Manager at Thomastown Recreation and Aquatic Centre (TRAC).
When asked what some of her highlights of working with Belgravia Leisure have been, Emilia said, “I enjoy the interaction and building rapport with students in their lessons. I love watching them learn, progress and grow in their swimming careers.
“One of the biggest challenges faced was to create a swim school program from scratch at an outdoor venue over the summer period, which reached 120 students,” Emilia said.
How have you, your team or your venue been impacted by Covid, and what have you learnt?
“Covid gave me the opportunity and confidence to take risks and explore beyond my usual routine. It allowed me to travel to different venues, expand my knowledge, and be mentored and supported by some incredible team members,” Emilia said.
What is your favourite and least favourite thing about your career?
“Overall, my experience as a swim instructor was a significant first step into the aquatics industry. I learned many skills in this role, such as communication with students and parents, which led me to become an aquatic service officer.
“One of the reasons I was ready to move on after seven years of teaching was that it was no longer a challenge, and having experienced high staff turnovers over a short period did impact the team. However, it allowed me to step up and provided me further insight into how the swim program was structured and run.
“What I gained from this experience aided in the development and growth of the swim school program when I was based at Whittlesea Swim Centre. Those experiences continue to serve me in my current role at TRAC.
“In my current position as Aquatic Services Manager at TRAC, I have enjoyed the positive and supportive culture between staff and members. This has been a source of motivation and encouragement in my personal development and leadership,” Emilia said.
Where do you see yourself in the next three to five years?
“I am excited to further develop my skills, knowledge and experience as a leader at TRAC and the broader Belgravia Leisure aquatics team. In three years or so, I would love to utilise my creative flare and support projects in the marketing team or in a position managing, coaching and mentoring staff,” Emilia said.
What are three things you’re most passionate about in life and why?
“My three passions include adventure, which gives you the opportunity to take on new challenges, to explore the unknown and learn something new. Creativity allows you to be imaginative and innovative and overall health. The state of complete physical, mental and social health and well-being with fun, laughs and a positive environment, is so important to me,” Emilia concluded.
