Local women leading the way

When Jodie Buck opens her eyes in the morning, she has no idea what challenges the day will bring.

As the owner of three early learning centres – soon to be four – and a mum of three, Jodie starts juggling priorities at dawn.

“Our phones start at 6am, and we have to be available for kids, families, the communication starts immediately,” Jodie told the Mail this week.

Three years ago, Jodie opened her first Young Bucks Early Learning Centre, quickly expanding to two more locations, with another about to open the doors.

She has recently made the move with husband Dean and children Oscar, Jasper and Kaliyah, from Cowaramup to Busselton, to help facilitate the remarkable growth of the business.

“I am not sure what is about me, but when someone tells me I cannot do it, I just start working through the night to make it happen,” she said.

“Without the support of my family and friends, there’s no way I could do this. Every time I’m having a bad day, or I’m stressed out, it’s one of my family or friends who snap me out of it!”

Keeping the wheels turning and delivering high quality care for South West kids depends on a strong team supporting Jodie’s bold vision – a team she says she can’t live without.

“They make a massive, massive difference,” she said, of the predominantly female group.

“Every one of those leaders and managers has the same challenges I have, we have to be available to everyone at all times.”

Jodie is backed by more than 50 employees across the South West, with Directors Kelly, Katie, Erin and Laura leading the way.

“Two are single mums, which again puts even more pressure on them, they have to handle the same everyday issues that come up with kids and work,” Jodie said.

With International Women’s Day this weekend, Jodie said it was the perfect chance to reflect on her journey and how the practical and emotional support from other women had helped her to live out her dreams.

“If I didn’t have women who were supporting and cheering me on from the sidelines, none of this would have happened,” she said.

“In this industry, you realise pretty quickly who is on your side, who is positive and will back you when it gets tough.”

She said her leaders encouraged and inspired Young Bucks educators to draw from varied life experiences and cultures.

“We’re all in the same boat, we face the same struggles. Just to show that we can show up for each other is huge.”

Find Young Bucks Early Learning Centres in Busselton, Dardanup and Treendale. For more info, visit youngbuckselc.com.au