TIS 131 450Over the past four decades, the energy industry has transformed almost beyond recognition and Kathy Mirzaian has experienced moments of that change firsthand.
Careers
From first day to decades of service: 40 years of change, people and progress with Kathy Mirzaian
26 April 2026
From manual typewriters and telex machines to renewable energy projects and digital workplaces, Kathy’s 40 year journey at Transgrid reflects not only the evolution of technology, but the enduring importance of people, knowledge and connection in keeping the system moving forward.
When Kathy Mirzaian walked into Hyde Park Tower on her very first day, she was filled with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. “I entered this massive building and didn’t know which lifts to take,” Kathy recalls.
“I felt overwhelmed but also so excited to be part of this grand organisation.”
Forty years later, Kathy’s journey tells the story of not just a remarkable career, but of an organisation and an industry transformed.
A Career That Grew with the Organisation
Kathy’s career evolution mirrors the transformation of workplace roles across four decades.
“I started as a Stenographer,” she explains, “then moved through Secretary, Receptionist, Administrative Officer, PA, EA, Training Coordinator, and now I’m a Workplace Services Team Leader.”
Each role brought new responsibilities, new skills, and a deeper connection to the organisation.
For Kathy, the motivation has always been the people and looking after them well. “I’ve built so many human connections. I know who to connect to when there’s an issue,” she says.
“That knowledge has made me something of an oracle, people come to me for answers. And that brings me joy.”
She credits her longevity to the people around her.
“Without the support of mentors, friends, and colleagues, it would have been impossible to stand tall today and walk away with my head held high. I joined this organisation because it felt like home, a home away from home. My second family.”
Four Decades of Change
Kathy has witnessed extraordinary shifts in both workplace life and the energy industry itself.
“From manual typewriters to computers. The extinction of telex and fax machines. From line workers climbing towers to drones identifying faults. From being paged and finding phone booths to Teams and mobile phones.”
And the system itself has evolved just as dramatically:
“From power stations to wind farms, and now renewables like the Wallgrove Grid Battery."
Advice for the next generation
Kathy's one piece of advice is to become a team player, her main takeaway that she's learnt from her career: “Remember you’re part of a team. Achievements are greater when many minds work together. Share your knowledge and guide your colleagues, it brings unity and joy.”
Looking ahead
Even after 40 years, Kathy’s excitement for what’s next is undimmed.
“The renewable energy programs excite me the most. It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come, and how we’ve evolved for the better.”
Kathy’s 40-year journey is a reminder that while technology, systems, and industries evolve, it’s people, their knowledge, care, and commitment, who make progress possible.
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