Bravery, Confidence & Tribes - part 1

March 8th, 2019 marks the 108th International Women’s Day. For the past week I have been, to quote Dr Kirsten Ferguson’s hashtag, #celebratingwomen of all walks and life. From breakfast, lunch and dinner with my OnTalent colleagues, I have been challenged, inspired, motivated and held back tears through the presentations, discussions and stories. I have heard the stories of many amazing women from all walks and life AND from the many supportive men who are their allies, supporters and advocates for success.

Today also marks my mum, Paula Cochran's 80th birthday. She has lived through many highs, lows and celebrations and lived and seen the gender inequity in the workplace and community. I remember when she turned 50 thinking she had really found her voice, or maybe as a young adult I was only just beginning to hear her!

To celebrate International Women’s Day, we asked female leaders in the OnTalent network to ponder on

• What advice would you give to your younger self?
• What would you do differently in your career?
• What is the most exciting part of being a “Woman of Influence/ Leadership in 2019?"

Dr Kirsten Ferguson spoke this week at the Queensland Health, Aspiring Women Leaders’ Summit and she made a powerful comment in that,

“Every single woman is a role model to someone else...Don’t just put up the ladder for another woman, throw out the fishing net to support many to take the next step up.” 

Inspiring words for all women no matter what age, what stage of career they are at or the level of role they hold within the workforce or community. The theme of the conference was Powerful Conversations, Powerful Partnerships and with the start of our Showcasing Women Series hopefully we too can support this.

There were recurring themes from many of the women who responded to our questions.

Be Brave, Be Confident, Believe in Yourself.

Take more risk with regards to your career.

Be a lifelong learner and say yes to amazing opportunities that present, remember someone else believes in you.

So, to kick off the OnTalent celebration here is Part 1 of the responses from a few of the many amazing women in our extended network including my mum, Paula Cochran.

Paula Cochran (Mother to 4, Grandmother to 13, Nurse, Former Business Partner)

“Follow your dreams and stand up for what you believe in. I always wanted to be a nurse and travel and work around the world and I did. In the 1960’s it was not a path that was common for a woman however I did travel to the USA and UK and loved it. I’d tell younger women to be strong and keep your goal in mind and don’t be disappointed by the hiccups of life. Just keep striving for what you want to achieve.”

Louise Dudley – Chief Executive Officer – Queensland Urban Utilities

• What advice would you give your younger self?

“I would tell my younger self to focus more on networking with like-minded people. It’s something I do a lot of now and is a great way to share ideas and knowledge, raise your profile and increase your confidence. If you’re lucky, it may even present some life-changing opportunities.”

• What would you do differently in your career?

“We all need a little assistance to sharpen certain tools – whether it be public speaking, self-awareness or interpersonal skills – but it takes courage to acknowledge our shortcomings and to address them. Since being appointed CEO, I have undertaken a number of personal coaching sessions, which have undoubtedly increased my confidence and my effectiveness as a leader. If the clock was wound back, I’d seek out professional assistance earlier in my career. It’s never too early to work on self-improvement.”

• What is the most exciting part of being a “Woman of Influence/ Leadership in 2019?"

“Now, more than ever before, gender fairness is being openly discussed around the world, and that’s progress in itself. When an issue is given attention, people start thinking about it and making it a priority, and that’s when change occurs. As a woman in leadership, I’m doing all that I can to elicit positive change within my sphere of influence. At Queensland Urban Utilities, I will continue to build our inclusive workforce culture and ensure women are offered the opportunities they deserve.

While there's still a long way to go, change is underway and I'm excited to be part of the movement.”

Dr Mellissa Naidoo said at the Aspiring Women Leaders Summit, “Build your tribe but don’t be tribal”

Shirley Robertson - Senior Advisor (Asset Management) – QIC Global Infrastructure

• What advice would you give your younger self?

“To take more risks and to realise that you have a voice that needs to be heard. Not to have any regrets for what could have been but to be thankful for what is and the lessons your current situation provides so you are ready to go where you need to be next and when you get there to realise that the journey has just begun all over again.”

• What would you do differently in your career?

“To not be constrained by the thoughts of myself and to go where others feared I should not. To not be so traditional in my outlook and to take more responsibility for my gift in helping others grow so they in turn can “pass it forward” to others. From little seeds, flowers will bloom and before you know it, the delights of the garden are there to behold with lessons that must be shared with those who are starting on their discovery trail to aspiring leadership.”

• What is the most exciting part of being a “Woman of Influence/ Leadership in 2019”?

“Seeing the light shine in others and the joy they radiate when they realise they are in control of their own destiny and they have the power to make whatever choice is right for them at that time of their life regardless of the path it may take them and the bumps along the way they choose either to jump over or go around.”

We look forward to sharing the advice of many more over the coming weeks.#awlsummit #celebratingwomen #internationalwomensday #balanceforbetter

Fiona Cochran is the Head of Client Services at OnTalent. She supports organisations and individuals to connect with their purpose. OnTalent is a boutique people and organisational performance focused business that specialises in Executive Search & Recruitment, Career Development, Career Transition and Leadership Development throughout Australia.

Connect with Fiona Cochran to discuss how she can help you and your organisation to connect people with purpose in 2019. +61 7 3305 5800