My first encounter with Australia’s highest paid female executive didn’t go very well. In fact, I actually tripped her over.

In 2008, I was working at a stockbroking company as an administrative assistant. I was often told off when cold beers weren’t in the fridge at 5pm on a Friday, or when the milk was past its use-by date.

On that particular evening, my greatest transgression was leaving empty milk crates next to the elevators in the chic reception area.

Little did I know we were getting a visit from one of Australia’s most powerful women.  How was I to know she wouldn’t watch where she was going?

The next morning I was hauled into my boss’ office.

“Why did you leave those milk crates next to the elevator?” my boss boomed.

“Uhhh, sorry … I … sorry,” I said.

“Do you know that Gail Kelly was in here and tripped over them?!” he asked, his face a shade of beetroot.

“Gail who?”

“The CEO of Westpac!”

• Westpac CEO Gail Kelly to step down

I was told later she wasn’t at all troubled by the milk crate incident, but I think my poor bosses were pretty embarrassed.

Six years later, after an eye-opening university education in journalism and international relations, I not only know who Gail Kelly is, I count her among my heroes.

On Thursday morning, it was announced Ms Kelly would be stepping down after seven successful years as the CEO of Westpac.

She was the first female chief executive of an Australian bank, and during her time at Westpac, doubled the company’s market value from $50 billion to $104 billion.

Gail, if you’re reading this, I’m sorry for leaving that milk crate by the elevator, and I’m sorry for not knowing who you were.

Thank you for breaking glass ceilings for the next generation of Australian women, and thank you for being a leader in a man’s world.