Monday, April 15, 2019
Morning Run – Law Courts, Botanical Gardens and The Domain
What better way to spend my morning than with a refreshing run in Sydney through the Law Courts, the Botanical Gardens and the Domain. The run was filled with amazing scenery and a lot of fellow runners to offer a little motivation. Thanks to the news crew for allowing me to “play” in front of the Law Courts #TheBeat!
Diane Smith-Gander
Diane Smith-Gander is one of Most Powerful Women in Business and a leading figure pushing for more women in leadership. Diane has made bold career moves over the course of her career that catapulted her to the top. As a result, she is a vocal advocate for gender equality and greater representation at the highest levels. In my discussion with Diane we discussed goals. Diane feels the gender equality goal in Australia should be 50/50. She shared the criticality of removing the barriers to women’s progression and ensuring equal opportunity for running a P&L, managing a budget, and setting a strategic vision — all critical prerequisites to reaching the top. In reflecting on the impact of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, Diane explained that the pressure coming from ASX reporting is clearly linked to the growth of the number of women on Boards. She also shared her perspective of how the first Director for Workplace Gender Equality Agency established the agency to be “bullet proof,” meaning it can’t be dissolved at the whim of the Prime Minister.
Diane Smith-Gander’s Book Recommendation: Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, a children’s book packed with 100 bedtime stories about the life of 100 extraordinary women from the past and the present, illustrated by 60 female artists from all over the world.
Round Table at Lebanese Muslim Association “LMA”
Having the opportunity to have a conversation with five dynamic women from varied walks of life was an incredible occasion. As I entered the building and our small conference, the warmth and sincere desire to dialogue about the future of women and our role to change the paradigm was profound.
Although our backgrounds on paper look completely different, I felt a common spirit with these Iranian and Lebanese women. As we discussed the plights of our communities, stereotypes of our cultures and the future we want to build for young girls and women in our communities, I was inspired to shatter the glass ceiling once and for all!
It was amazing that these young women had such clarity of purpose. When I inquired about what shaped them, each woman spoke about her family structure, upbringing and the pressure and/or trauma she experienced.
One of their many initiatives run by the LMA that impressed me was a project called GoActive. It is a health and fitness initiative for young women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds living in disadvantaged areas across Western and South Western Sydney. Yash Kammoun is the project lead for this initiative and she is passionate about the power of sport to enhance the capacity of individuals and communities. If she could have her way, Serena Williams would be the keynote speaker at the 2021 SHE Summit! If any of you have a relationship, connection or hook-up with Serena and/or her team, help Yash reach her dream!
I know one thing for sure after my conversation with these ladies: They are going to change the world and I will be rooting for them along the way!
Book Recommendation
- The Courage to Be Disliked – by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga
2. The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brené Brown
3. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
4. Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brené Brown
5. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson
Sarajeni Hammond EF Journey 