Leadership Through Humility: Reflecting on Julia Gillard at EnergyAustralia.

Growing up, sports were more than just games for me. I played hockey, but it was cricket that truly captured my heart. Not because it was the traditional choice for girls – quite the opposite – but because it was driven by pure passion and an undying desire to win, not just for ourselves, but for each other.

Those transformative years on the cricket pitch, battling gender norms and societal expectations helped instil in me values of leadership, humility, and the importance of collective effort.

Today, as the Chief Information Officer at EnergyAustralia, I carry these lessons with me. CIOs are no longer just technologists; they are strategic business leaders with the mandate to intertwine technology and business objectives to drive growth and innovation.

A successful digital transformation requires a team that can navigate diverse elements: aligning transformation with business goals, managing organisational change, implementing technology, bolstering cybersecurity, and fostering a culture of innovation.

Yet, amidst these responsibilities, the ethos of teamwork, valuing every contribution, and leading with humility remains paramount.

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Recently, I had the honour of co-hosting a conversation with the former Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard. The richness of her insights provided a fresh perspective on leadership, which deeply resonated with both my journey and my professional role at EnergyAustralia.

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Some of the important issues she raised include:

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Affirmation for Change

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Julia emphasised that every individual can initiate change. This resonates with my belief in the power of individual initiative at EnergyAustralia. Every team member, regardless of their designation, brings a unique perspective and can be a catalyst for innovation and growth.

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Female Representation in Politics and Corporate Boards

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Gillard's call for more female representation in politics mirrors the need for diversity in corporate leadership roles. At EnergyAustralia, we strive for a diverse leadership team, believing that varied perspectives lead to more holistic decision-making.

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Policies that Uplift Women

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Julia spoke about the need for policies that support women. In the corporate realm, this translates into fostering an inclusive work environment, providing equal growth opportunities, and ensuring a safe and supportive workspace for all.

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Strong Male Advocates

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The journey towards gender equality isn't solely a woman's battle. Gillard emphasised the indispensable role of strong male advocates in pushing the agenda of gender equality. This sentiment is mirrored in my experiences at EnergyAustralia.

Our male allies, be they colleagues, mentors, or team members, have played a crucial role in promoting diversity, equity and inclusivity in our workspace.

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Broadening Influence

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The essence of leadership is to influence beyond one's immediate role. At EnergyAustralia, as the CIO, I've always believed in having a vision that transcends the confines of IT. Whether it's advocating for clean energy solutions or championing digital transformation, it's about creating lasting impacts.

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Self-Worth and Identity

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One of the most profound takeaways from Gillard's talk was about self-worth. In a world that often categorises us by our professions or by societal roles, Gillard's emphasis on looking beyond such labels is both refreshing and necessary. Just as I've learned not to solely define myself by my role, all of us need to embrace our multifaceted identities.

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Our identity is an amalgamation of our experiences, passions, values, and dreams. While our professions play a significant part in shaping us, they are but one facet of our rich, complex selves. I've realised over the years that understanding this depth and breadth of one's identity fosters resilience.

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When challenges arise, as they inevitably do, this holistic sense of self-worth becomes an anchor. It reminds us that our value is not just tied to a job title or societal expectations but is rooted in our unique journey and the myriad roles we play - be it as leaders, mentors, learners, caregivers, dreamers, or trailblazers.

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Furthermore, embracing this expansive view of self-worth empowers us to pursue diverse interests, build authentic connections, and remain adaptable in the face of change.

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It encourages us to celebrate not just our achievements at work, but also our triumphs at home, our quiet moments of reflection, our acts of kindness, and our relentless spirit of inquiry. In essence, understanding and nurturing our self-worth is key to leading a fulfilled, balanced, and impactful life.

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Policy Creation that You May Not Deliver Yourself

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Julia Gillard touched upon a vital aspect of leadership – envisioning and creating policies or strategies that one might not personally see through to the end. This resonates deeply in the corporate sector. As the CIO of EnergyAustralia, there have been numerous instances where strategies I've initiated have been executed and completed by subsequent teams. Leadership is about laying the foundation and setting the direction, even if you aren't the one cutting the ribbon at the finish line.

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The Transformative Power of Conversations

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Conversations have an innate power that often goes unrecognised. They can challenge our beliefs, reshape our perspectives, and ignite a fire within us. A single, meaningful conversation can be the catalyst for monumental change, both on a personal and societal level.

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I was reminded of an interaction I had years ago with an insightful individual who pointed out that leadership wasn't just about titles but about influence and action.

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This seemingly simple observation resonated deeply with me, prompting a shift in my understanding of leadership. It made me realise that true leadership goes beyond official roles or designations. It's embedded in the everyday actions we take, the decisions we make, and the way we impact those around us.

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In my journey, both in the fields of sport and in the boardrooms at EnergyAustralia, I have been privy to countless conversations. Some were casual, some strategic, and others deeply personal. But the most transformative ones were those that challenged me, encouraged introspection, and spurred growth. Such dialogues have not only influenced my professional trajectory but also sculpted my personal evolution.?

The transformative power of conversations lies in their ability to bridge gaps, foster understanding, and catalyse change.

Embracing this power requires active listening, open-mindedness, and the courage to both challenge and be challenged.

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Leadership Rooted in Humility

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True leadership, whether on a cricket field, in the corridors of power, or a corporate boardroom, is underpinned by humility. At EnergyAustralia, our commitment to sustainable energy solutions and customer-centric services is a testament to this collective leadership approach where every voice and contribution is valued.

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Julia Gillard's enlightening perspectives served as a reminder that leadership is a journey that intertwines personal experiences with broader societal contexts.

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From my early cricketing days to my role as the CIO at EnergyAustralia, the essence remains unchanged: leadership is about humility, collaboration, and the unwavering belief that every contribution, however small, has the potential to effect monumental change.