Introduction
Welcome to the fourth episode of this blog series from the International WaterCentre (IWC).
Water leadership is an essential process to ensure that teams, projects, programs and processes of change are successful. Water leaders work collaboratively to achieve a common direction and sense of purpose, to align resources with that direction and generate motivation and commitment to success (read more here). They require particular skill sets and behaviours to be effective in this work, skills and behaviours that can be developed through a mix of approaches including conscious practice, feedback, coaching, mentoring and learning from research about what works and why.
The purpose of this blog series is to profile emerging water leaders globally, their practices, and how they go about improving their capabilities through leadership development in various ways. Through this our aim is to build wider appreciation of the value of engaging in water leadership development, and ultimately to foster the growth of water leadership capacity globally.
Meet Liam – Lead high voltage electrical engineer from Sydney Water
In this fourth episode of the blog we talk with Liam Whelan, Lead High Voltage Engineer with Sydney Water. Liam completed the IWC’s Water Leadership Program (WLP) in October 2024, earning a Certificate of Excellence. We will start off by building a picture of Liam’s backstory – how and why did he move into the water sector and the role that he occupies with Sydney Water?
From starting out as an apprentice electrician to being the lead high voltage engineer at Sydney Water, Liam’s career has been a steady climb through seizing opportunities, stepping into challenging roles, and continually investing in his own development.
“I was in my last year of my electrical apprenticeship when Sydney Water outsourced their apprenticeships to a training company. I was lucky enough to finish my time with Sydney Water at Bondi sewage treatment plant — and even luckier to be offered a job straight away.”
“From there I got my instrumentation trade, and I was also doing a lot of soccer coaching, which helped develop my leadership skills. I acted up as supervisor several times before landing a permanent supervisor role at North Head treatment works, leading and managing a team of around 20 mechanical and electrical staff.”
“Two weeks after I got that role, Sydney Water outsourced all inhouse maintenance. It was a big shake-up, but I transferred into the new service provider and moved into high voltage work — a niche area with a skills shortage. That eventually led me back into an engineering role, and now I am the lead in the high voltage engineering team. It’s dynamic, challenging, and keeps me busy — and it’s what opened the door to the Water Leadership Program.”
How has investing in leadership development impacted you and your work?
“The biggest change for me has been active listening. It sounds simple, but it’s been transformative. Before the program, I had feedback that I was cutting people off. Now I consciously listen, paraphrase back, and really take in what’s being said. It’s improved relationships, built trust, and created a better team culture.”
“I’ve also learned how to prepare for and manage difficult conversations. Right now, we’re going through a tough transition with a change in service providers — some long-time contractors I’ve worked with aren’t being taken on by the new company. It’s been the hardest leadership decision I’ve faced, but the program helped me approach it with empathy, honesty, and clarity.”
“Mentoring has been a big part of my growth. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors both inside and outside Sydney Water — people with high emotional intelligence who’ve guided me through challenges and helped me build resilience.”
What are the most challenging aspects of leadership for you?
“Right now, I’ve got two big challenges. The first is the emotional side — managing through the service provider transition and supporting people while making tough calls. The second is strategic — bringing others on the journey as we digitise Sydney Water’s high voltage network.”
“That means working across business units, aligning with digital teams, and navigating issues like cyber security. In government organisations, people often like to ‘stay in their lane’. Part of my job is to challenge that, show the benefits, and enable others to act.”
“It’s about balancing technical credibility with influencing skills — knowing your stuff but also understanding other people’s priorities and language so you can connect with them.”
What does the future look like in terms of your leadership practice and development?
“I’ve been revisiting my leadership plan from the Water Leadership Program, and one thing I still want to do is join Toastmasters to work on my public speaking. Stepping outside my comfort zone is a must for the next stage of my leadership journey.”
“I’m also considering moving beyond electrical into broader leadership roles — possibly through project management. Sydney Water has a lot of major projects on, so that could be a growth path for me. It’s about developing new skills, keeping myself relevant, and opening up options.”
“The program helped me deal with imposter syndrome and made me more willing to take on challenges. I’m seeking feedback more, saying ‘no’ when needed, and not being afraid to step into big tasks. That confidence is what will carry me into whatever comes next.”
Final reflections
Liam’s story shows that leadership growth often comes from saying yes to challenges — and sometimes from learning when to say no. His focus on listening, building relationships, and pushing himself beyond his comfort zone offers a model for water professionals who want to grow their impact in an evolving sector.
More information
If you want to learn more about leadership development then please read more about Water Leadership Program (if you are living in AU/NZ) or Pathway Program (if you are living and working in another country). Contact us on IWC_training@griffith.edu.au for the opportunity to talk through your aims and needs. We are always happy to partner and collaborate.