It’s officially summer, and we’re thrilled to have sat down with the wonderfully impressive Karina Soltyszewski, who many know as the Deputy Consul General of Australia in New York. Hailing from Canberra and with a wealth of experience in public service in her career so far, we also learned more about her transition to life in NYC. An avid supporter of our work at AWNY, we’re honored she took the time to share her story. Read on to get to know Karina.
Where did you grow up in Australia, and tell us about your journey into a career in public service?
I grew up in Canberra, the Nation’s Capital (some New Yorkers still ask me where it is!). That’s where I spent most of my life until moving to Singapore in 2010 for my first overseas posting with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
I graduated with a double degree in economics and accounting from the University of Canberra, with no real view of what I wanted as a career. I remember sitting with my sister and going, “What do I want to do?” and my sister said, “You like numbers, and you help dad with his bookwork, so why don’t you go into accounting.” And my response was, “Oh yeah! Makes sense.”
Not long after finishing university, I got a job in the public service. I started in the Department of Finance, and after almost five years there, I moved over to DFAT as a specialist accountant.
When I got into DFAT, I went into a finance unit. At the time, I had zero desire for a posting, which is unusual as that’s what most people are striving for immediately. After a few years, I noticed colleagues getting posted and saw first-hand how exciting it was for them, so that’s when I started thinking about it and what a great opportunity it could be for me.
I applied for several locations and was posted in Singapore in 2010. Lifestyle for me is really important, and I wanted to go somewhere where I felt safe and could have a similar lifestyle to what I had at home—with good coffee, shopping, gyms, etc.
My role in Singapore was First Secretary and Consul—a similar position to the one I am in now but not as Senior and on a smaller scale.
We all get the pangs of homesickness, but what do you miss most, and how do you try to stay connected while overseas?
Without a doubt, my family, friends, and fresh green air! I’m lucky to work with a lot of Australians, so I hear the accent all the time, and we often have supplies of all the Aussie treats from visitors at work, so don’t miss any food that much (a few blocks of Cadbury chocolate or red frogs wouldn’t go astray though!).
I speak to my family several times throughout the week and stay in touch with friends back home regularly also. Connection through social media and video calls makes all the difference.
Tell us a little more about your role in New York?
As the Deputy Consul General of Australia in New York, it’s hard to describe my role in a sentence, but the easiest way to define it is similar to a Chief Operating Officer with some extra responsibilities. My position oversees all the corporate functions at the Australian Consulate and Australian Permanent Mission to the UN (around 60 total staff)—property, people, finance, and every aspect of running the Consulate and Mission. In addition to that, I also am involved in our public diplomacy agenda in promoting Australia and Australia’s interests in the North Eastern States and back up to the Consul General.
With the change over of leadership in February this year, I was the acting Consul General for three months. While it was a very busy and intense time because the extended gap was unexpected and I was still juggling my day-to-day role—it was a tremendous experience and a wonderful opportunity. We have an excellent team at the Consulate, so I always knew I would be supported.
How would you describe your leadership style, and how has it evolved over time?
I would like to think I’m genuine in my leadership style; I have an open-door policy and am a big believer in talking to the people you work closely with a lot. I like to get to know the people I work with and give the opportunity for them to talk to me. Establishing good relationships and having open communication makes it easy when things aren’t working and resolving issues, but it also makes celebrating the wins even better. I’m also relatable and not afraid to do small or unglamorous things. I’ve had good bosses for most of my career, so I’ve been lucky and learned much from them. I have also seen some not-so-good leadership, so I know what I don’t want to be!
Do you have any major likes and dislikes about living in NYC?
I don’t have a ton of dislikes, but probably the most common complaints that everyone is annoyed by. It is smelly, the garbage (and garbage juices) on the streets, dog poo on the sidewalks, and rats!!!!! Walking to the gym early each morning, it’s rats galore, and I have literally had to jump over them—it’s a good warm-up, I guess!
On the other side, there is a lot to like. It is a dynamic city with endless things to do—not necessarily an easy place to live, but once you embrace all its craziness and put yourself out there, it is one of the best places in the world. I’ve met some amazing people from many different places and have done some great things since I moved, so I consider myself very fortunate to be here.
Do you have a favorite New York moment, and what’s felt like your biggest achievement since arriving?
It was a work moment but pretty special—when I hit the gavel at the New York Stock Exchange on Australia Day, a once in a lifetime, that’s for sure!
I also recently ran the Brooklyn half marathon. I never had the desire or wanted to run that distance before, but this city can change you!
Despite your busy work schedule, what do you enjoy outside the office?
I love the gym and have found an incredible spot called The Fort—here’s a plug for them! It’s unique, and the people are awesome. I do 6 sessions a week religiously.
Also, I love eating out and trying new restaurants and bars (hence why I also love/need the gym). And I love shopping; shoes, clothes, handbags, you name it!
Are you inspired by the fashion in New York City?
People can wear whatever they want, and no one will blink an eye. There’s more variety to be able to be a bit different. I always wear whatever I want—the brighter, the better! My favorite purchase is a coat I bought in Saks Off 5th. I walked around the store holding it for 20mins before buying it. Every time I wear it, people comment. It’s one of those lifetime pieces.
What’s your advice for those looking to try NYC?
I’ve been lucky in the way I’ve ended up in New York. The role brought me here. Then I was introduced to New York through my work.
It’s not as easy as people think. It is fast-paced and expensive, and I don’t always think people are prepared for the challenges. Finding accommodation is probably the biggest hurdle for most newcomers. My advice? Stick with it; you can make it happen if it is meant to be. I think it takes a good 12 or more months to feel like you belong in this city.
Have you found a close-knit community here of New Yorkers or ex-pats?
Very few people here are New Yorkers; most are foreigners in some way, whether from another country or city. There are also Australians everywhere—no matter where you go, you will hear the accent from a mile away! I have met a lot of Australians through work and then also through other activities; it is very comforting. It makes a huge difference to have those links.
Ok, time for the intel. What are some of your fave haunts in NYC?
It would be hard for me to pick one; there are so many awesome places, and I always like to try to find new places!
Although I would say a go-to is Bar Pisellino in the West Village. I recently tried Claudette near Greenwich Village for brunch, which was very good!
What will you miss when you leave?
Trader Joe’s, Eataly, my gym, Amazon, and getting anything delivered any day or night!
AWNY | Australian Women in New York 