Michelle Hok’s career shift to Adelaide Fringe
For Michelle Hok, the journey to becoming Senior Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator at Adelaide Fringe was about taking a leap of faith to explore new possibilities, balancing her strategic expertise with creative hands-on impact.
Before stepping into her current role, Michelle worked as a Senior Organisational Development Consultant in South Australia’s public sector, focusing on organisational culture, recruitment, and diversity and inclusion. After five years in the public sector, she felt it was time to reassess where she wanted to take her career and broaden her horizons. “I wanted more variety and a greater community focus, with more touchpoints across an organisation,” Michelle shares, “I felt as though I often couldn’t see the practical, tangible outcomes from my work.” As her previous role was heavily strategy-focused, she was eager to work in a more collaborative role, with ‘on-the-ground' aspects of strategic implementation.
The opportunity at Adelaide Fringe felt tailor-made. With its vibrant and fast-paced nature, it promised the variety she sought while aligning with her skills and personal connection to the iconic festival. “Having lived in South Australia most of my life, I’ve attended and been involved with the festival in previous years, experiencing the euphoria of Adelaide Fringe.”
“The role with Adelaide Fringe seemed like a unique opportunity that doesn’t pop up all the time, so I decided to take the leap and apply,” Michelle says.
It was the perfect opportunity to combine my expertise with something I’m passionate about.
Michelle found the hiring process with Robert Walters to be smooth, supportive, and transparent. “I was pleasantly surprised when I was shortlisted for this particular role,” she shared, despite initial concerns about how her public sector background might be perceived. She appreciated the honest communication from her consultant, Shaan, noting that he was “very clear about the experience, skills, and interpersonal abilities needed to be successful in the role.”
With culture being a key factor in her decision-making, Michelle valued the inclusive approach and support throughout the process.The follow-ups, debriefs, and patient approach provided her with the confidence to make the right decision.
I felt comfortable expanding on who I am as a person, being myself, and telling my story.
Three months into the role, Michelle is embracing the challenges of transitioning from the public sector to the dynamic arts industry, describing it as “chaotic but in a good way.” She enjoys the active nature of the role and the social workplace. “The fast pace tied to the festival’s schedule has been an adjustment, but it’s exciting. I now balance strategy with hands-on implementation, which has made me more agile and adaptable,” she shared.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Michelle’s role is seeing the tangible impact of her work. “My favorite part is being able to see the impact I make,” she explained. “Whether it’s introducing a new access initiative, influencing social media content, or seeing something I’ve contributed to come to life at the festival, it’s incredibly fulfilling to know I played a part in making it happen.”
Reflecting on the inclusive environment at Adelaide Fringe, Michelle appreciates how her lived experience is genuinely respected and valued. “I am a trans woman, so that is a perspective I always wondered—does the workplace value it?” she shared. “My identity doesn’t define my role—it’s just one aspect of the value I bring. The team’s support and openness have been amazing.”
Michelle highlighted how the role allows her to draw on both her technical and creative skills, leveraging her lived experience to deliver meaningful initiatives and campaigns. “Being able to pull from my own lived experience and really have that valued is one of the very unique things about this role,” she explained. While acknowledging the high standards already set at Adelaide Fringe, Michelle views this as both a challenge and an opportunity. “There’s room to grow even more, but the bar is already set pretty high. It’s encouraging to know that my expertise is valued and respected, and I’ve got the buy-in from the team,” she added.
Looking ahead, Michelle is excited to explore new opportunities within the organisation while leveraging her HR and diversity expertise. “This role has exposed me to event management, marketing, and communications, helping me evaluate where I might want to pivot in the future. For now, I’m enjoying the variety and the chance to express my creativity in impactful ways,” she said.
Robert Walters Adelaide have been supporting Adelaide Fringe as a partner for six Festivals through recruiting and retaining their diverse team of permanent and seasonal staff who make the festival possible. Learn more about our partnership.
Adelaide Fringe is running from the 21 February – 23 March 2025. Book your tickets here.
If you’re ready to explore exciting career opportunities and realise your potential, register your CV or contact the Robert Walters team today.
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