Biography

After a flutter with the idea of a career in classical ballet – inspired by her teacher, the legendary Dame Margaret Scott, Founding Director of the Aust Ballet School – Val went on to Melbourne University, majoring in Political Science and History. She became a qualitative research specialist, employed by major companies, governments, political parties and many other organisations.

She later did an MA in political sociology and a PhD in social psychology, both at The University of Melbourne. The latter led to her first book: The Secret Life of Money: exposing the private parts of personal money. In collaboration with her PhD supervisor, Prof Amanda Sinclair, she co-wrote two other books: The Culture-Inclusive Classroom and New Faces of Leadership. Val also researched and wrote two major works for the Melbourne Business School Case Study Library.

For a short, but enjoyable, time she administered the Architects in Schools Program, run then by the RAIA. She was a volunteer reader for 3RPH (radio for the print handicapped) and served on the Boards of two leading schools.

Val also worked in television research and production at ABC TV Open Learning, and a respected interview series on SBS TV, Speaking for Myself , whilst continuing her work as a qualitative research consultant.

In a major career detour, Val and her close friend Sue McFall, launched a business called M O T I Clothing Company. They commissioned handwoven cottons in India, designed a range of limited edition clothing, manufactured mostly in Delhi, extending into bedding and accessories. This business enabled two decades of adventures in India, cementing a connection with the country where Val’s mother, Pearl, was born. Moti is the Hindi word for pearl.

Val is married to John Cunningham Wilson and has 3 children and 3 grandchildren.