Sydney, Australia – Vanessa Kiuna, daughter of Lady Bishop Kathy Kiuna, has shared how a difficult season abroad ultimately paved the way for a major career breakthrough built on honesty and integrity.
Speaking in an interview on her mother’s YouTube channel on Saturday, January 24, 2026, Vanessa recounted the challenges she faced as a young mother balancing studies, family responsibilities, and career aspirations after relocating to Australia.
A Difficult Season
Vanessa described how she was raising a baby while her husband struggled with taxing night shifts, making the period especially tough. Despite the hardships, she completed her degree and, on the same day, applied for both an unpaid internship and a well-paying government job.
“It was truly a hard time. However, things slowly began to change. I completed my degree, and on the same day, I applied for both an internship and a job,” she said.
Guided by Her Mother’s Advice
Vanessa revealed that her mother had advised her to take the first opportunity that came her way, even if it did not offer financial compensation.
“I also remember my mum giving me a word and telling me, ‘Vanessa, the first job you will get may not pay much, but take it,’” she recalled.
During her internship interview, Vanessa chose to be transparent, informing the panel that she was also pursuing a paid role and might need to prioritize financial stability. The panel responded positively, asking her to update them the following day.
A Fresh Twist
Later that day, Vanessa attended the government job interview, where she performed strongly and was assured the position was hers. Yet, days passed without communication, leaving her uncertain.
She eventually confirmed her readiness to begin the unpaid internship. Shortly after, the job panel contacted her, apologizing for the delay and offering her a higher-level contract than she had initially qualified for. Despite the improved offer, Vanessa respectfully declined, citing her commitment to the internship.
Integrity Pays Off
Within weeks of starting the internship, Vanessa received another unexpected call. Fearing bad news, she was instead offered an even higher-level government contract.
“At first, I thought I had lost my job. Instead, they offered me a Level Four contract,” she shared.
Reflecting on the journey, Vanessa emphasized that her decision to act with integrity, rather than chasing immediate financial reward, opened doors she had not anticipated.
“All of this happened because of integrity. Some people would have immediately chosen the paying job, but the internship ended up paying off for me,” she said.
Conclusion
Vanessa’s story is a powerful reminder that integrity and honesty can shape career paths in unexpected ways. Her experience demonstrates that while financial stability is important, staying true to one’s values can ultimately lead to greater opportunities and long-term success.
