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Why Sandra Sully waited a decade before talking about workplace bullying.

In her decades-long career as a journalist, Sandra Sully has covered everything from sport to the September 11 attacks in New York. She was also the first woman to ever co-host the Melbourne Cup carnival for a major Australian television network.

But for more 10 of her 26 years at Channel Ten, the accomplished presenter, who is currently the face of Ten Eyewitness News Sydney, chose to stay silent about bullying going on behind the scenes.

In 2013 she shared her story with Cleo and admitted to keeping her personal struggles under wraps for fear of being disbelieved.

If the same situation happened today, she might handle things a little differently.

“My best advice to avoid bullying is to diarise events, be courageous and speak up,” the 51-year-old told Beauticate in a recent interview.

A photo posted by Sandra Sully (@shortblack_) on

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“As a rule, don’t engage in office politics, they’re toxic, as well as a distraction and a waste of time. The main game should be about learning and being the best that you can be in the world that you are in.”

Part of the reason Sully didn’t call her bully out was her love for her job.

“I needed to sort it first and let the drama die down. I really wanted to stay at Ten, and I knew I could work through it,” she said.

“I chose to stay despite what was happening, because I saw more positives than negatives. Once it switches, then you should leave.”

Another big day for Australia – 5th leader in 5 years. #Ten #TenNews

A photo posted by Sandra Sully (@shortblack_) on

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She also said timing was key when it comes to standing up for yourself.

“You’ve got to call out bad behaviour, from men and from women, straight away, [to their face] and preferably in front of peers,” she told the online beauty publication.

“Choose your timing and just say that it’s inappropriate. I think it’s about how you conduct yourself. The values you believe in, and your integrity. I’m not perfect and I make mistakes, but I’m really happy.”

We can all agree Sully is the undisputed queen of Channel Ten…

This one is for you @rosiewaterland ???? Queen @sandra_sully is in the building ???????? @mamamiaaus @shortblack_

A photo posted by TEN Insider (@ten_insider) on

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Sully married banking executive Symon Brewis-Weston in 2011 and became the stepmother to his adopted daughter Mia.

And while work is important to her, she is constantly seeking other “authentic” challenges.

At present she writes articles, does interviews, charity work and sits on the board of Hockey Australia and the Walkley Advisory Board as well as publishing her own digital newspaper “ShortBlack” once a day.

“I’m really loving what I’m doing but don’t feel defined by it. It’s not all I want to do but right now, it’s my main job and I’ll do it as long as I can.”