Embracing change: Alison’s 18-year journey at Resmed

Eighteen years ago, Alison Besley came to Resmed during a pivotal period in her life as she navigated raising young children while looking for a career that could grow with her. Today she leads transformation initiatives in the Global Supplier Alliance, part of Resmed’s supply chain business.

Throughout her time at Resmed, Alison has moved across multiple areas of the business, starting in technical communications then marketing operations, before shifting into process improvement within our Operations, and eventually transformation supporting our supplier engagements and Resmed’s supply chain. Each new role was the result of being open to possibilities, not chasing fixed goals.

Alison’s story isn’t about following a rigid career plan. Instead, it’s about embracing change, finding meaning in your work, and seizing opportunities as they come. Along the way, Alison has gathered valuable lessons for anyone looking to build a long and fulfilling career.

Here are Alison’s top three tips for staying motivated and growing — no matter where your path takes you.

1: Embrace change and new challenges

According to Alison, embracing change in an evolving organization is essential. “You must be adaptable. It’s not about going with the flow but concentrating on the skills you want to build. At Resmed, we’re pivoting and transforming constantly. Through that, you can network and identify opportunities — whether they’re within your current workspace or a different one,” she says.

Alison’s decision to remain at Resmed for close to twenty years has nothing to do with being comfortable. At past employers, she never stayed more than five years before seeking new opportunities. At Resmed however, each new phase of her role has offered fresh challenges, so she’s never felt the desire to leave.

“It’s okay to not have everything planned, to not know every answer to every question. But I always try to make sure it’s a step forward, not a step away,” she explains.

Her advice: don’t fear change — use it as fuel for growth.

2: Seek fulfilment from your work

Alison’s advice to those seeking long-term satisfaction in their roles is to focus on finding purpose.

“Whatever you’re doing at a given time, you’ve got to feel like you’re personally fulfilled in what you’re doing. Not everyone has to climb up the career ladder, but finding meaning in your work is key,” says Alison.

3: Never stand still

Even after nearly two decades, Alison continues to look for new and diverse — and even possibly uncomfortable — ways to grow at Resmed.

“For me, it’s perseverance, problem-solving, and being able to put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Find your blind spots. The best thing you can do is ask for a 360-degree view. Get feedback from the people around you, even if it’s uncomfortable,” she advises.

Her openness to feedback and growth is what has kept her Resmed career moving forward without needing to move on.

The takeaway

Ultimately, Alison’s journey is proof that careers don’t have to follow a straight line. With an openness to change and willingness to tackle new challenges as they come, you can build a career that lasts for years and yet still feels fresh every day.

At Resmed, longevity doesn’t mean you’re standing still, it means you’re constantly evolving.

Inspired by Alison’s story?

Ready to grow your career? Whether you’re just starting out or looking to explore new directions, Resmed offers the support, flexibility and opportunity to thrive.

Discover where a career at Resmed could take you.