This is part of our Executive Spotlight series, where we speak with leaders across the community and social services sectors about their work, challenges, and what drives them. In this edition, we speak with Dr Karla Seaman, Executive Leader for Community Living at ConnectAbility, who shares how a people-first approach and commitment to steady, meaningful progress are helping to create positive change for both staff and the people they support.
What does winning Best Sector Impact at the Australian Disability Service Awards mean to you personally — and what does it say about the work your team is doing at ConnectAbility?
Being recognised as leaders in the industry nationwide means so much to our customers and our team at ConnectAbility. We work together with a shared purpose: to deliver the highest quality support in the sector.
The executive leadership team has been incredibly generous in supporting my growth and learning. Their wealth of experience and patience in answering my many questions have given me the confidence to lead in my own way.
In conjunction, my team of Operations Leads has been truly inspiring, their dedication to the sector is remarkable. They consistently bring calm and reassurance despite the constant demands of their roles. Most importantly are our support workers, I feel incredibly grateful for each and every one of them. They are the backbone that makes my role achievable, and together, we are creating a transformational impact on the lives of the people we support.
As an executive leader for Community Living, what moments stand out to you as truly transformational for the people you support?
I value the honesty our customers share with me because they know I’m here to support them. Recently, while walking around and talking with customers, three approached me in one day to express their concerns and suggest changes they’d like to see. This is exactly the kind of environment I strive to create, for both customers and staff and it shows that the work we’ve been dedicating ourselves to is delivering positive outcomes. This was truly a standout moment for me.
What leadership qualities do you think are most essential in today’s disability sector, and how have you seen them evolve over time?
I strive to be genuine, transparent, and trustworthy in everything I do, always prioritising our people and staff. My approach is humanistic, and I lead by example, demonstrating through my actions what I say. Over time, I’ve evolved to remain composed throughout the day, avoiding feelings of being overwhelmed. I’ve consciously removed inflammatory words like “stressed” or “too busy” because I recognise that I am in control of my emotions and how situations affect me. Staying on top of this makes a significant difference when managing multiple complex scenarios at once.
The disability sector is undergoing constant change — NDIS reforms, workforce challenges, evolving expectations. How do you maintain focus on what really matters?
Change is a constant in today’s society, which is why we talk about it often and set the expectation that things will continue to evolve. We don’t view change as negative, we embrace it as a positive force. I see the NDIS reforms as a positive step forward, our customers are now living the lives they truly deserve because of the NDIS. While this is true for all our customers, I agree that further changes are necessary to ensure this continues across the sector, such as mandatory Supported Independent Living registration.
What have you learned from the people you support that has changed the way you lead?
Their positivity is truly contagious. If I can support even one person to make a positive change, and then witness the impact of that change, it’s incredibly inspiring. It reminds me why we do what we do, every small step forward creates a ripple effect that transforms lives. When people feel empowered and supported, they not only thrive themselves but also inspire others around them. That’s the kind of culture we’re building, one where positivity and progress spread from person to person, creating lasting change.
Looking back, what’s one piece of advice you would give your younger self starting out in this field?
At the recent Australian Disability Service Award ceremony, one of the presenting hosts, Christie Dawes, remarked that I could work in any industry and expressed gratitude that I chose the disability sector. Her words truly resonated with me, it was something I had never considered before. My goal has always been to make a positive difference for those I support in any sector.
I feel deeply grateful that the disability sector chose me, giving me the opportunity to do meaningful work that changes lives. I approach every challenge as an opportunity, and while I may have a hundred ideas, I collaborate with our customers and staff to turn those ideas into practical solutions. My commitment is to strive for continuous improvement, even a 5% difference each year can lead to transformational outcomes over time.
