About Me

Hi, I’m Mark Owen and I currently reside in Sunshine State of Queensland.

Born in Noble Park, Victoria, I had a lifelong affiliation/obsession with aviation and was keen to follow the previous generations of my family into a life of National service. At the tender age of 9, I joined the Australian Air League and remained in that organisation for nearly 10 years. It was during these years that I pursued a C Certificate in Gliding and although I did not achieve this qualification, I did complete three solo flights in a Kookaburra Glider, ironic at RAAF Base Williams, Laverton.

After Year 12 and completing 12 months working in the private sector, I commenced a career in the Royal Australian Air Force. Firstly, in a clerical role and then as a Communicator, where I reached the rank of Sergeant. During my time of service, I also met my wife Belinda who was working at RAAF Base Williams as a civilian.

In 2006, the serious illness of an immediate family member meant that I had to make the difficult decision of ending my time in the military as the fluidity of posting locations meant I was not able to provide my family with the support they needed.

In 2013, my wife and I welcomed to the World our amazing son and his birth had a profound on how I viewed life, my own childhood, parenting and leadership.

In April 2017, the once in a lifetime opportunity of a voluntary redundancy came on offer for me in my workplace and we made the family decision to move to Queensland. This decision based solely on a change in lifestyle and being able to offer our child different and more outdoor, recreational opportunities. I had no job lined up, we had nowhere to live and no real idea what we would do, but we through caution to the wind, backed ourselves in and pressed the reset button on life. A decision we are still so grateful for.

Since moving to Queensland, I’ve been able to experience a variety of roles in both the public and private sector, as well as short term contract roles. These include positions as a Project Manager, Change Manager, Delivery Lead, Quality Manager, IT Manager, Business Systems Manager and current as a Principal Information Manager.

As a certified Practitioner of Life Coaching, I believe in continuous self-improvement, both professionally and personally. I have obtained a Diploma in Leadership and Management and enjoy developing my own leadership skills and trying to mentor others, with a paying it forward mindset. Success for me is being the best role model and example to colleagues, my family and instilling in our son a strong moral compass, positive mindset and work ethic.

I wish to share some of my experiences and life lessons I have encountered along my life journey via this blogspace. I am especially interested in connecting with other Defence veterans and anyone interested in making progress with their lives in order to attained a greater fulfillment in life or enhance the legacy they will leave behind for their loved ones, colleagues or future generations.