Profiles in Leadership Shaping the Future at Altus Group
In recognition of International Women's Day 2025, we are proud to highlight the inspiring journeys of two remarkable women at Altus Group: Wendy Douglas and Katy Fluhler. Their stories reflect the dedication, resilience, and passion that drive our team forward.
Wendy Douglas
General Manager, Impact and Engagement, Altus Group.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the traffic management and road safety industry?
My entry into the traffic management and road safety industry was unexpected. After a bad day at a previous job, I found an online advert for an Operations Manager at Altus Traffic. Despite not having experience in some of the role requirements, I believed in my ability to learn and grow. Eleven and a half years later, I’m still at Altus, having achieved significant personal growth in a challenging and dynamic environment. Being a leader in a high-risk industry, I value being part of a team that genuinely cares about safety, development, engagement, and growth.
What advice would you give to people entering our industry?
Reflecting on my own journey, I have been a leader in the predominately male blue-collar workforce for +30 years so it would be fair to consider myself a pioneer and have certainly been a victim of the old stereotyping that used to exist around women's management style. I would advise my 25-year-old self and young women entering our industry, to be your natural selves and not conform to others' expectations. Be curious, trust your gut and don’t be afraid to take on new challenges. Don't let what you don't know hold you back, instead make it your mission to undertake personal development.
Who are the women in the industry that you admire and why?
When I joined Altus, I was the only female Senior Management team member. Now, 11 years later, I am one of many women in our team. Watching these women come into a predominantly male industry, embrace the challenges, and grow within our business has been truly inspirational. Altus has some amazing women who are kicking goals every day with their passion and uniqueness. They have been and continue to be significant influencers in the continued success of Altus Traffic.
Traffic Management is high-risk, with many layers of compliance and regulations coupled with productivity pressures. We have some incredible women in the team who I more than admire when I see what they do every day to get shit done.
Outside of work, what are your passions or hobbies?
This question made me chuckle because my answer is very different from what it would have been 10 years ago. At this phase in my life, my biggest passion is for the best job in the world: being a Nanny. I have eight grandchildren, and watching the world through their eyes as they grow up just melts my heart.
I also love to travel and have a soft spot for Bali and the Balinese people. My husband and I support a family in Bali, and recently we raised money to help elderly women in remote villages who have significant health issues and no means to support themselves.
I know I earned it, but I never take what I have achieved for granted. I consider myself very fortunate and believe in paying it forward, so I support a variety of charities. I also like to create and have recently taken up crocheting, which I enjoy. I'm currently working through orders from my grandchildren.
Katy Fluhler
HR Administrator - TMNZ
What inspired you to pursue a career in the traffic management and road safety industry?Honestly? I never sat down one day and said, “You know what? I’m going to build a career in traffic management!” It’s one of those industries that you kind of stumble into, but once you’re in, you see how much of an impact it has on everyday life. Roads, infrastructure, safety—these things affect every single person, and being part of an industry that keeps people safe and keeps things moving is pretty rewarding. For me, it was a mix of timing, opportunity, and a desire to work in an environment that’s fast-paced, dynamic, and where no two days are the same. But, funnily enough, this isn’t my first time in the traffic management world. Back in my Uni days, I worked as a part time traffic controller, so I was already familiar with the industry, the challenges, and the kind of work that goes on behind the scenes. It gave me an appreciation for how important traffic management is—and now, years later, I’ve come full circle, It’s funny how things work out!
What advice would you give people entering our industry?
First off—welcome! You’re stepping into an industry that is constantly growing, evolving, and full of opportunities. Traffic management and road safety might not always be the first career path that comes to mind, but there’s so much room to grow here, whether you’re on the ground or working behind the scenes. My biggest piece of advice? Back yourself. This industry can be challenging, and at times, it can feel like you need to prove yourself a little more, but don’t let that stop you. Speak up, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to take up space. There’s no reason why women can’t thrive in traffic management, whether it’s out on-site, in leadership, or in operational roles. Also, learn from the people around you. There are some absolute powerhouses in this industry—men and women—who have been doing this for years. Soak up that knowledge, build your network, and don’t be afraid to put your hand up for new opportunities. You never know where it could lead.
Who are the women in the industry that you admire and why?
When I was working in traffic control during my Uni days, I had the privilege of working alongside some incredibly strong women—women who showed up every day, took no nonsense, and absolutely owned their space in an industry that was (and still is) very male-dominated. What’s even more inspiring is that many of them are still in the industry a decade later, continuing to pave the way and proving that traffic management is just as much for women as it is for men. They really instilled in me the belief that if there’s a will, there’s a way. Their determination and work ethic made me realise that there are no limits to what women can achieve in this field. They’ve shown that there’s no single path in this industry—if you’re willing to work hard and put yourself out there, you can go as far as you want. It takes grit, resilience, and a whole lot of hard work to carve out a space in a male-dominated industry, and the ones who have done it with confidence and no-nonsense attitude? That’s inspiring.
Outside of work, what are your passions or hobbies?
I’ve always been someone who’s up for trying new things—whether it’s travelling, picking up a random new hobby, or saying yes to something spontaneous. Fitness is a big part of my life, and I like to stay active—my dog definitely keeps me accountable for that too! And of course, there’s travel—I never shy away from the next adventure.
As we celebrate Wendy and Katy, we also pay homage to all the amazing women who have worked and continue to work at Altus Group. Their contributions, whether on the ground or behind the scenes, have been instrumental in shaping our success. These women bring passion, innovation, and a unique perspective to our industry, proving that there are no limits to what can be achieved. On this International Womens’ Day, we celebrate their achievements and look forward to watching their impact and influence continue to grow and shape our industry.