“Master the system and find a way for it to work for you.” How did this advice help this determined, focused leader take her career to the next level? How do 30 years of experience with one organization provide you a unique perspective when advocating for the minority voices of the organization or community at large? Check out my Eisenhower Fellowship journey blog to see…. (link to blog in comment section)
May 7, 2019
Sadhana Smiles, CEO of Harcourts Group
We started our conversation with a question. Is diversity about gender balance? Not according to Sadhana. she believes we need to change our language around this issue. Inclusion is about representing more than one national origin, color, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation. Diversity is about people who come in different packages – ethnicity, ability and sexuality. We need to ask the hard questions of leaders and have them make brave decisions, calling out the conscious and unconscious biases that exist. Through her firm and fair communication style she implores leaders to cut through the noise and act. She says that doing nothing is a CHOICE! She shared her belief that an organization will never outgrow their leadership and too many leaders are playing it safe. Business leaders need to ensure their organizations reflect the communities and clients they serve. The current lack of cultural diversity in many organizations in Australia highlights the need for organizations to implement targets to reduce the gaps, according to Sadhana.
Sadhana is a thought leader, industry commentator, corporate activist and a contemporary feminist. Sadhana has been quoted as saying “I am a colored woman playing in a male dominated industry, earning my seat at the table through my results. Numbers never lie.” Throughout our conversation she reiterated the importance of mastering your skills around balance sheets, profit & loss statements and which levers to pull in different business climates.
She is a leader that is clear, determined and focused. Thank you, Sadhana, for the thought provoking discussion.
Sadhana Smiles Book Recommendation;
- The Invisible Entrepreneur by Louise Woodbury; You can transform your small to medium-sized business into a lucrative organization, without your day-to-day input. In short, you can be invisible.
- The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson; There are only so many things we can give a f**k about, Manson says, so we need to figure out which ones really matter. A much-needed grab-you-by-the-shoulders-and-look-you-in-the-eye moment of real-talk, filled with entertaining stories and profane, ruthless humor,
- The Naked CEO: The Truth You Need to Build a Big Life by Alex Malley; Gain insights from a successful CEO who’s lived a big life. Be inspired by his unabashed real-life stories. Learn how to dream big and have the courage to pursue your passions and be willing to fail in that quest. Take the practical tips and apply them to your own career.
Carmel Mortell, Victorian Chairman, KPMG
Carmel is a senior partner at KPMG and the Victorian Chairman. She joined KPMG in 1989 and has gained significant experience, which offers a unique perspective into both her industry and her role to advocate for minority voices in her organization and community.
When I asked Carmel about the progress that has been made in Australia on gender equity, she pointed to the strategy and actions of these three organizations:
The 30% Club – aims to develop a diverse pool of talent for all businesses through the efforts of its Chair and CEO members, who are committed to better gender balance at all levels of their organizations.
Women Corporate Directors – allows women leaders to connect with peers and advance visionary corporate governance. It also seeks to inspire and educate board leaders, training women for board service, providing board opportunities, and facilitating introductions to nominating committee chairs around the world.
Male Champions of Change – works with influential leaders to redefine men’s role in acting on gender inequality. It activates peer groups of influential male leaders, supports them to step up beside women, and drives the adoption of actions across private sector and government.
Carmel shared how each group plays to its strengths to move the conversation and actions for inclusion and diversity forward. She also discussed the importance of using your voice through meaningful versus emotional conversation on the business case for inclusion and diversity. It’s also important to encourage others to use their voices. You don’t want to always be the “squeaky wheel”.
As Carmel reflected on her career she talked about the importance of mentorship and sponsorship. She also shared growth comes during adversity so don’t shy away from the “tough” assignments.
Interested in knowing what “key” I found to unlock greater diversity? Or what having girls and their parents dress up in superhero costumes has to do with exploring the exciting world of STEM? Check out my Eisenhower Fellowship journey blog to see….(link to blog in comment section)
Thursday, May 2, 2019
Rachel Watson, Interim Chief Executive Officer at Pacific Hydro & Kathy Bremner, General Manager at Pacific Hydro
As Madeleine Albright famously said, “There is a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.”
One of the keys to unlocking greater diversity is the power of women supporting one another. Women face cultural and systemic hurdles that make it challenging to advance, such as conscious and unconscious bias. One proven method to overcome these hurdles is to form close connections with other women, who can share experiences from women’s perspective. Rachel Watson, Interim Chief Executive Officer at Pacific Hydro & Kathy Bremner, General Manager at Pacific Hydro, have proven there is Power in the Pack! They shared their unique perspectives from years of professional relationships in which they supported each other in finding their voices and “making the ask” for roles they wanted. They have also built a strong circle of trust and found ways to amplify each other’s voices. When you help another woman rise, we all shine!
Rachel also shared the importance of stopping thoughts of impostor syndrome (a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts his or her accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a “fraud.”) If these thoughts are not blocked, they become a self-fulling prophesy. Kathy discussed the importance of not taking ourselves so seriously. As Brené Brown explains in her book Daring Greatly, seeking approval disconnects us from our desires. Women are expected to be naturally perfect. Men live under the pressure of not being perceived as weak. The author captures the need for worthiness in the sequence “pleasing, performing, and perfecting.” External expectations are a moving target; when we try and please everyone, we end pleasing no one (including ourselves). So have FUN!
Rachel Watson & Kathy Bremner book recommendations:
- The First 90 Days: Critical Success Strategies for New Leaders at All Levels by Michael D. Watkins; Named one of 100 Leadership & Success Books to Read
- Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton; A novel of love, crime, magic, fate and coming of age, set in Brisbane’s violent working class suburban fringe
Valeria Ignatieva, CEO and CO-FOUNDER of WORK180
Every woman on the planet deserves transparency in the workplace and WORK180 is a global jobs network that operates at the forefront of a new workplace revolution. As an advocate for working women, WORK180 provides job applicants with a transparent directory of endorsed employers who support diversity, inclusion and equality. They share information around pay equity, flexible working, paid parental leave, equal opportunities and a range of other important criteria. What I loved about my conversation with Valeria is her sincerity of her passion around helping women pursue rewarding careers and enabling women to find employers who will value and support them. They aren’t interested in “naming and shaming.” Rather, WORK180 is focused amplifying an international jobs network that connects employers with talented women. They are innovative and their approach is driving change in the corporate landscape! It’s supporting leaders in the corporate landscape to lead loudly around the topics of diversity, inclusion and equality!
Another wonderfuland innovativeevent that Valeria and I discussed was SuperDaughter Day. It’s an annual event hosted by WORK180. Since 2016, more than 3,000 girls ages 5-12 years old became superheroes along with the parents, exploring the exciting world of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math). The girls also met some amazing female role models in tech! This event is held on National or International Daughters Day. I am so in love with this event, I want to be personally involved in taking this event global. Does your organization want to support SuperDaughter Day 2020? Please reach out to hello@work180.co.
Valeria Ignatieva Book Recommendations:
- The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers by Ben Horowitz – Ben Horowitz, cofounder of Andreessen Horowitz and one of Silicon Valley’s most respected and experienced entrepreneurs, offers essential advice on building and running a startup—practical wisdom for managing the toughest problems business school doesn’t cover, based on his popular Ben’s Blog.
- Stop Fixing Women: Why Building Fairer Workplaces is Everybody’s Business by Catherine Fox – Her book is an important tool for male leaders who say they want to make a difference. She throws down the gauntlet, showing how business, defense, public service and community leaders might do so, rather than just talk about it.
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Adam Fennessy, EY Partner – Advisory, Government & Public Sector
Adam is a partner in EY’s Advisory Practice, with a focus on government and strategy. This follows a 20-year career at the state and federal government levels, including more than four years as Secretary of the Victorian Government’s Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
He is a member of the inaugural Victorian Male Champions of Change group and drove improvements in gender equity across the Victorian government. Adam credits Kate Jenkins, the Victorian Human Rights Commissioner and Convener of the Victorian based Male Champions of Change, with setting a tone of eliminating everyday sexism and recruiting major employers to commit to doing the same. Kate was also instrumental in convincing 100+ leaders of some of Australia’s largest employers and most influential organizations to take practical steps to identify and eliminate sexist practices in the workplace. Kate is the Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner, as well as a company director, lawyer, social innovator and educator. You can follow Kate’s work on twitter @Kate_Jenkins.
Additionally, Adam was one of the first senior executive men in the Victorian Public Service to take time off work and shift to a part-time schedule to look after his children. He explained that he had to negotiate that under a fair bit of pushback. The view of society at that time was, “Why doesn’t your wife worry about that?” But he advocated for the arrangement, and now (following his own experience working flexibly to be more active in his role as a father)) Adam successfully implemented all-roles flex practice at DELWP.
When I asked Adam how he navigated the pushback and cultural change, he shared the importance of pragmatic actions that disrupt old patterns, storytelling and having your actions match your rhetoric. An example of this pragmatic approach was in talent acquisition, where he insisted on gender equal selection panels and a gender equal candidate shortlist. Adam feels his work has been shaped through generational influences, with his mother as a role model and two sisters. His experience has been that diversity in all forms leads to higher performance, and this is supported by significant research.
It’s not breaking news that more diverse representation in senior management leads to greater profits. Those realities came to light in a 2015 report from McKinsey & Company, and in another, a year later, from the Peterson Institute for International Economics. Another report from McKinsey, titled “Delivering Through Diversity,” released last year, shows that gender diversity in management positions actually increases profitability more than previously thought. In the firm’s previous analysis, companies in the top 25th percentile for executive team gender diversity were 15% more likely to experience above-average profits. The latest data shows that likelihood has grown to 21%.
One final insight Adam shared about gender equality is that for men to take a serious role is important because then it becomes not a women’s issue but just something we’re all going to work on!
Adam Fennessy Book Recommendation: On the Road, by Jack Kerouac chronicles the road trips of two friends, Sal and Dean (based on the author and Neal Cassady, respectively), their experiences and friendships, their struggles to find money and transportation, their drugged and drunken binges, and the tender and ecstatic feelings they have for humanity.
Rosheen Garnon, Non Executive Director
Rosheen is currently a Non Executive Director in Australia, which is a independent director or external director is a member of the board of directors of a company or organization, but not a member of the executive management team. She previously held the position of Managing Partner for KPMG, operating in 128 countries with 2,500 staff and 800 global clients across all industries and sectors. She a member of Chief Executive Women and has more than 20 years of management experience with P&L responsibility.
During a conversation over coffee Rosheen and I discussed progress on gender equality in leadership roles in Australian business and the importance of strong mentors and sponsors.
When I asked Rosheen about the success in gender equality in senior leadership positions across Australia, she pointed to the 30% Club, which aims to develop a diverse pool of talent for all businesses. In addition, she points to Male Champions of Change, which comprises influential leaders committed to redefining men’s role in gender inequality and driving the adoption of actions across private sector and government. Rosheen also includes Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations -ASX as part of the equation for the success.
We also discussed the role international assignments play in building your skill sets in markets that are not likely to be your home market. Skills and global-mindset attitudes and behaviors are acquired through international assignments and global projects, she said. Rosheen spent six years in London and shared her experience of the assignment being an opportunity for personal growth and professional development. What advice would Rosheen give to others based on her experience? “Be open to different experiences, listen and demonstrate humility. Listening is very important, and be humble and respectful of your new environment.” I am starting a three-year international assignment in Germany and I will be taking all of this advice to heart!
As I reflect on my coffee and conversation with Rosheen, the phrase “Let’s meet for coffee” is often synonymous with having a conversation. Think of all the amazing ideas and understandings that have come from a conversation over coffee. Having coffee with someone is so simple, yet has endless potential. I invite you today to “grab coffee” with someone. You never know where the conversation will take you.
Rosheen Garnon Book Recommendation; Pereira Maintains by Antonio Tabucchi, a novel about a newspaper editor in 1930s Portugal and a passionate warning against political complacency. It has been described as having a gravity and moral seriousness that leave most fiction in the shade. Tabucchi shows a mastery of exposition that makes this book a compelling political thriller that is also, with no ambiguity in the world, a remarkable work of art.
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 Recommendations
1. 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
Thursday, April 11, 2019
Bye-Bye, Jet Lag! Hello, Hyde Park
It was a good decision to bring workout clothes because Hyde Park was built for brisk morning run! Breezy and shaded, with wide boulevards – it’s a runner’s dream. Hyde Park is Australia’s oldest park. It’s also one of the most well-known with 16.2-hectare urban park located in the central business district of Sydney. One of the most serene and cleanest park I have ever visited.
Amna Karra-Hassan, Founder and President of the Auburn Giants Australian Football Club
SHE Summit Report Launch
Amna is an activist and advocate for diversity, inclusion and gender parity. She uses her voice to advocate, increase opportunities and representation. She invited me to attend the SHE Summit Report Launch. SHE Summit report turned anecdotal knowledge into an evidence-based body of work to support women of culturally, linguistically diverse and minority backgrounds in sport, health and education. It was an honor to hear from amazing speakers such as Lynne Anderson, CEO for Paralympics Australia and Chair for Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs Rugby league club. Lynne has seen the pain of exclusion and is passionate about the power of sports to break down barriers. The next speaker was Yash Kammoun, project officer at ‘GoActive’. Yashar is driven to promote physical and social well-being programs,
provide social and emotional learning to youth and ultimately provide an opportunity to all women to lead healthier lives, primarily through participation in sporting and health programs. In the audience attending and supporting this event were Merrilee Barnes, Director Culture and Leadership and Najat Khoury, Human Resources at New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) (pictured below). Najat is has smashed many Australian powerlifting records and Represented Australia at the World Championships in Finland placing 6th, currently holding the biggest back squat (215) and deadlift (205.5) for a female in PA., Ranked 1st in her weight division, and listed 5th in the top female lifters list in Australia across all Powerlifting Federations.
#allgirlscan
do what they dream of
#allgirlscan play sport.
#allgirlscan be active
#allgirlscan do whatever they put their mind to
(Pictured above Najat Khoury, Amna Karra-Hassan, Sarajeni Hammond, Yash Kammoun and Lynne Anderson)
Jennifer McAllister, Senator for New South Wales
Senator Jenny McAllister is an Australian Labor Party Senator for the state of New South Wales and the Shadow Assistant Minister for Families and Communities.
Senator McAllister and I discussed Gender Equity and the importance of addressing the gap between women and men’s pay. The implications of this pay gap are far reaching, because over a working lifetime there are a huge range of policy issues which have an impact on women’s retirement. Additionally, women, on average, live longer, retire younger than men which reinforces the need to develop a roadmap of concrete recommendations for legislators, leaders, and individuals that should promote gender equity to achieve gender equality.
Vanessa Paterson, Advice & Reporting Executive at Workplace Gender Equality Agency
Workplace Gender Equality Agency is a statutory agency created by the Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012. The Agency is charged with promoting and improving gender equality in Australian workplaces. Insights from five years of data demonstrate clear evidence that employer action has delivered real results. There were increases in the number of employers analyzing their remuneration data for pay gaps and embracing policies or strategies
to improve gender equality in areas such as succession planning, talent identification, retention, promotions and linking manager KPIs to gender equality outcomes. The strong pipeline of women into management has
strengthened and over seven in ten employers now have either a policy or strategy in place to support gender equality or promote flexible work. A few key take ways from my time with Vanessa:
- Data Tells a story and deepen the understanding of trends
- Accountability is key to ensure inclusion and gender equity becomes a “lived” experience in organizations
- Normalizing flexibility is critical to improving representation and workforce composition
The biggest questions I am left pondering is are stronger reporting requirements needed in the United States to deliver compelling change? We know the transition point from key management positions to CEO has the highest drop off (59 percent) in women’s representation of any in the pipeline. 2018’s Fortune 500 companies have just 24 female CEOs (4.8%). Which reflects the departures of six high-profile women CEOs in 2018.
Sarajeni Hammond EF Journey 