What started as a careers chat quickly became something much more meaningful—an honest discussion about identity, belonging, and finding your own path.
Michael describes himself as “hard working, reliable… and [someone who really] cares about people, social justice and making sure things are equal.” That sense of purpose clearly runs through both his career and his involvement in the Pride Network.
His journey hasn’t been about having everything figured out from the start. Although he enjoyed science at school, Michael explained that “I didn’t really have a specific career in mind—just the area I wanted to get into.” That mindset led him to study chemical engineering and eventually into sustainability, where he now works on projects with real-world impact.
As he puts it, “I feel like I’m making a huge impact on a regional and national level.”
Alongside his career, Michael spoke openly about his personal journey. Reflecting on his school years, he shared how important the environment can be, saying, “At my second school, I was much more authentically myself.” That experience has shaped his passion for inclusion and creating spaces where others feel able to be themselves, too.
This is where the Pride Network plays a key role. For Michael, it’s about more than just representation—it’s about action and awareness. “I like to be part of the network to show visibility, and tackle issues still present in the LGBTQ+ community,” he explained. He also highlighted the importance of remembering the global picture, noting that “in many countries globally it’s still illegal to be gay… a lot of people don’t realise that.”
When talking about Pride itself, Michael described it as a time to reflect, celebrate, and be seen: “It’s an opportunity to be open, present and loud—to make noise and be visible.” It’s this visibility—both inside and outside the workplace—that helps create safer, more inclusive environments for everyone.
To close the conversation, Michael shared a simple but powerful message for young people: “Relax… I spent too much of my youth stressing about what I wanted to do.”
For Gu and Isiah, the visit was a reminder that careers don’t have to follow a perfect plan, and that being yourself is just as important as what you choose to do. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is take your time, stay open to opportunities, and be proud of who you are becoming.