‘‘I’ve been qualified in community education for almost 30 years. I got into it based on my own childhood and teenage years - I went by the wayside very early on and was homeless for a few years as a teenager. I was rescued by the YWCA in Scotland. They were excellent and gave me the confidence and encouragement to pick myself up and get back into my education,’’ she says.

Today, she’s CEO of not-for-profit On the Line, an organisation providing remote support services such as online counselling and telephone helplines, including MensLine Australia, the Suicide Call Back Service and the Veterans Line.

The role means she’s in charge of about 130 staff, including dozens of counsellors, psychologists and mental health workers.

‘‘I don’t micromanage; I believe if you get the right people you don’t need to manage them too closely. [But] I think what draws them to us is the work we do. The vast majority could be working elsewhere for more money. But it’s the sense that we are getting to the most marginalised and vulnerable individuals. The people we work with aren’t accessing services on the ground,’’ she says.

The combination has meant recruitment is rarely an issue; a position that many in the sector would be envious of.

‘‘We’ve worked hard to become an employer of choice. We have beautiful premises and some nice value adds like a meditation room and a prayer room, as we’re multicultural. What we can’t pay in salary, we try to make up for in other areas.’’

CURRICULUM VITAE

Name: Alyson Miller Current position: CEO, On the Line

Responsibilities: Responsible for the day-to-day running of a not-for-profit, operating in a business environment.

Education: Community Development Degree, Moray House, University of Edinburgh, Scotland.

Additional training/courses: Company Directors Course, Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), Melbourne.

Professional associations: Member, Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Strength: My passion and my drive. I really believe in what we’re doing and I love to mentor people and bring staff on the journey with me.

Weakness: Maybe sometimes I run before I walk. Sometimes my staff say: ‘‘Actually, you need to stop and explain that.’’ I catch myself and say ''yes''. Not everybody is - or necessarily should be - like that.

Management style and tips: I’m not that keen on ''yes'' people. I like people to have a say and I love robust discussion and debate across the organisation.

Work motto: Never stop. Keep going.