I have just heard someone recount a story that the CEO of his organization stated (only weeks ago) “Forget culture – we’ve got a project to build in a hurry”. Could this be true that there are still leaders who believe that culture is a ‘nice to have’? This organization does not have female representation in senior roles. People do have a choice about where they work; they also have a choice about how they give their discretionary effort. A…
‘Real women’ don’t need quotas? was the topic debated last week in Canberra at the AIM great debate event at the National Convention Centre. I was given the task of debating for the affirmative. Which meant that I was debating against having quotas. I’m not sure of the number but there seemed to be about 1000 people in the room. And they voted a resounding ‘Yes we do need quota’s’. I think however that the audience was not really simply…
I remembering hearing once “if you win the rat race – you are still a rat”. Not sure why that pops to mind as begin to explore the process of becoming a director on a publicly listed company. “If you can’t beat them join them” might be more apt. I have discovered some interesting things already on the journey to holding another directorship. The women I know who hold paid board roles – have unanimously encouraged me to join their…
I had the privilege of meeting Professor Fiona Wood (Australian of the year 2005). She shared with the 800 women at the Business Chicks event Melbourne (and the following day in Sydney) her journey, persistence and passions. She is fundamentally curious person with a passion for learning that is addictive. As a child growing up in Yorkshire, she heard her father say when she was just a small girl – ‘Who are we not to dream’ – even though he…
Ms Gillard, would you say no to a minimum 5.1% rise in annual GDP? As our first female prime minister, Julia Gillard, is in a unique position to champion affirmative action. Following comments this week by Australia’s Governor General, urging change – saying quotas could shift the ‘old boys club’. Ms Bryce said: ”I think there’s a very clear recognition and understanding that the progress of women in business at the very highest decision-making levels is too slow.” Ms Bryce,…
Applauding diversity not fearing it A young woman I know (30 – age is a relative thing) works within the financial markets. She works long hours, with little recognition or even contact with her manager. At annual review time her manager was very tough. He even went as far as to say: ‘the way you approach work is just different to the others.’ Interestingly, all her peers are men. Of course she approaches work differently – she is a woman….
It makes financial sense. After a week of soaking up the TED 2011 conversation in the US – I’m back at the office all fired up for International Women’s Day wondering why there are not more women on boards. Previously I’ve written about the concept of legislation to have 50 per cent of board roles filled by women by 2020 and also the gender imbalance when it comes to equal pay. Of course, affirmative action has its detractors. A legitimate…
Education is at the source of growth (not just for the individual but also for economies) and, in Australia, the majority of our university graduates are women. We’re number one on the planet in terms of educating women in tertiary institutions – yet the participation rate of those women in leadership roles is dire. So we’re spending the money on education but we’re not getting the return out of our highly educated people. I’ve written before about the economic argument…
What a week of experiences this has been. Monday I watched racehorses at David Hayes stables at Flemington – work out on a treadmill. Tuesday I had breakfast with past Melbourne Cup champions, Rogan Josh and Brew in the mounting yard at Flemington and I held the 18 carrot gold Melbourne cup (with white gloves on). Later in the afternoon I met and held a bunch of reptiles, quite the experience. Wednesday I’d lost my voice – so for our…
One of my colleagues asked me ‘People are saying that there will be a plethora of sexual harassment claims now that the Mark McInnes/David Jones case has been settled – especially given the Christmas season is upon us; what do you think?’ I responded: the case and the embarrassment caused to an iconic Australian retailer is the biggest wake up call to any leadership team. This type of behavior is not going to be tolerated. Leadership teams simply cannot afford…
Imagine running a business based on fun - that's what I decided to try when I left a very serious corporate career in marketing to set up RedBalloon...
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