In this episode of Building Doors, host Lauren Karan sits down with Elia Hill, a master connector whose career has spanned tennis coaching, charity work, and strategic advisory roles across sport, business, and government. Elia shares how the lessons she learned on the tennis court, resilience, accountability, and showing up, became the foundation for a career built on making meaningful connections and finding solutions where others see obstacles.
From her early days coaching abroad to now working with executives, politicians, and charity leaders, Elia reveals how her instinct to "find a way" has opened doors she never expected. She discusses the value of asking for help (even as a 14-year-old walking into the principal's office to find her lost hat), why she's comfortable with "no for now," and how her work with the Children's Hospital and Gallipoli Medical Research unlocked a deeper sense of purpose that has made her a better leader, mother, and human being.
Lauren and Elia explore the art of networking authentically, how to nourish relationships over time, connect dots that others don't see, and turn a "cold room" into a warm opportunity. They also dive into Elia's approach to problem-solving: understanding what people need, offering solutions before asking for anything, and always delivering more than expected.
The conversation wraps with Elia reflecting on legacy. For her, it's simple but profound: "She gave." Whether it's her time, energy, or network, Elia hopes to leave a mark of generosity and impact on her family, her community, and the charities she champions.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Sport as a Foundation for Life and Career:
● How tennis taught Elia to show up, be grateful, and take ownership
● Why the resilience built on the court prepared her for the boardroom
● The lesson of finding a way to win, even when it's ugly
From Coaching to Connecting:
● How coaching tennis taught her to solve problems for clients
● The shift from offering help to offering solutions
● Using the same skills to connect charities, businesses, and sporting organisations
The Art of Asking and the Power of "No for Now":
● Why she walked into the principal's office at 14 to find her lost hat, and how that mindset stuck
● How she gets into rooms with CEOs, ministers, and mayors: just ask
● Why "no" isn't final; it's just "no for now"
Authentic Networking and Nourishing Relationships:
● Why relationships aren't transactional; they're forever
● How she uses a "catalog of bits" to keep conversations flowing
● The bowerbird approach: collect people, nourish them, and give back
Finding Purpose Through Charity:
● How the Children's Hospital wishing tree changed her perspective
● Why gratitude unlocks kindness and resilience
● Creating events where people can give because they want to, but don't always know how
Connecting Dots Others Can't See:
● Bringing sport and airport together for the 2032 Brisbane Games
● Seeing opportunities where others see gaps
● The value of a cold room and an empty cupboard: getting inventive
Legacy, Family, and What Really Matters:
● Why legacy is simple: "She gave."
● Why Elia wants her legacy to be that she gave her time, energy, and resources
● Her goals for making charitable events sustainable enough to continue without her
● Why she wants her children to grow up understanding the generosity they have to give.
Key Quotes from Elia Hill:
● "I'll always find a way. If the door's shut, I'll go through the window. If the window's shut, I'll find a crack somewhere else."
● "Everyone is there to help. That's the role they play. So I ask."
● "No for now; it's okay. It just means I need to come back stronger."
● "I want people to say she gave. Whether it was her time, her energy, she gave back."
● "How lucky am I to have the problems I've got?"
● "People want to give; they just don't know where."
About Our Guest:
Elia Hill is a master connector, strategist, and purpose-driven professional with deep roots in sport and charity. She works across tennis, local government, and industry engagement, while also serving as an ambassador for St. Vinnie's CEO Sleepout and a passionate supporter of the Children's Hospital and Gallipoli Medical Research. Known for her tenacity, warmth, and ability to see connections where others don't, Elia is a sought-after networker, moderator, and event host.
About Your Host:
Lauren Karan, founder of Karan & Co. and host of Building Doors, is dedicated to helping professionals unlock their potential. Through insightful interviews and real-life stories, Lauren empowers listeners to create opportunities and thrive in their careers.
How You Can Support the Podcast:
● Subscribe and leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
● Share this episode with anyone interested in construction leadership, retention, team culture, and building a more inclusive industry
● Connect with Elia Hill on LinkedIn.
Stay Connected:
● Follow Lauren and the Building Doors podcast on LinkedIn.
● Subscribe to the Building Doors newsletter for exclusive content.
Let’s Connect:
● Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email us at [email protected].
Thank you for listening! It’s time to stop waiting and start building.
