Lessons from IGNITE - The Panel

As soon as these powerhouse women stepped on the stage for the panel section of our IGNITE | Women in Leadership conference we knew we were in for an exceptional chat.??

Each of the four panelists at IGNITE were chosen for the unique gifts they would bring to our community. Whilst their experiences and professions were highly diverse, they had a few things in common.

The first was that each of them have experienced the challenges and triumphs that life has to offer and through these times they learnt the importance of backing themselves and believing in their goals in life.

Secondly they embraced vulnerability and showed true courage to share their own stories with everyone in the room.

We loved every minute hearing from our panel and as a team we sat down to discuss our key takeaways from the session and wanted to share them as we trust they will be of value to you!

Carly Box - Founder of The Barracks Gym and Former Australian Army.??

Carly describes herself as: Determined, Caring, Influential.

Carly was the first female to enlist into a combat corp and served as a Drone Operator in the Royal Australian Artillery Corp.? After leaving the Army, Carly and her partner founded The Barracks Gym where they coached Military and Police applicants for service by developing a strong mindset to ensure they have fulfilling and long lasting careers

• Do what you want, don't be afraid to follow your own path.?
• It’s OK to be proud of yourself, hold your head high.
• Stop over-apologising!
• Trust in your own ability.
• Know your currency - know what sets you apart from the rest.
• Prove them wrong! Be the best and they can’t ignore you!

Fleur Madden - Founder and CEO of Freelancing Gems .??

Fleur describes herself as: Strong, Resilient and Generous

Fleur started her first business at 23 and along her journey she has acquired other businesses, founded an online beauty company and sat on an international board among other accomplishments.

She is now the CEO of Freelancing Gems, Australia’s first digital jobs platform dedicated to female freelancers, consultants, side-hustlers and small business owners. She is unapologetic about her mission to help women find more meaningful work and get paid what they are worth.

• You can have many careers.? Don't feel you need to be stuck, keep growing yourself and your journey
• You can’t be what you can’t see. Fleur is determined to show that it can be done!
• It is OK to be equally ambitious in your career and be a Mum. The two can co-exist
• Give yourself permission to be you and be unapologetic about who you are. Believe in yourself and stand in your own power!
• Her favourite saying driving her at Freelancing Gems is “Don’t Play Small.”

Dr Peta Wright - Dr of Gynecology and Obstetrics and Founder of Vera Wellness .??

Peta describes herself as brave, loving and a change-maker when she’s being kind to herself or a scatty, impractical dreamer when she’s not.

Vera Women’s Wellness is a place Peta created so that every woman can achieve her best health and she aims to heal, to restore and to empower women.??

• Make time for yourself and practice what you preach - Peta shared a time when she was pushing herself so hard to ensure her patients received the very best care and encouraged them to find balance and make their wellness a priority but then realised that she wasn't doing the same for herself.????
• Peta shared a wonderful story about a children’s book called Stellarphant that she recently read to her son. Stella wants to be an astronaut. There is only one problem: Stella is an elephant.? Every time she applies to Space Command, they come up with a new reason why she can’t join. But where there’s a will, there’s a way and Stella is determined to reach for the stars.? Peta reminded us that so often in our own lives we are the elephant, being told to fit into the mould that has previously existed. Why not create your own mould.
• Be clear on your purpose and your 'why' and back yourself to create your own reality!

Kate Cullen - General Manager, People & Culture Brisbane Broncos .??

Kate describes herself as Strategic, Feminine and Fun-Seeking.

Throughout Kate’s entire career she has worked in male dominated industries, engineering,? corporate real estate and law and now has the joy of working with one of our city's most beloved sporting teams The Brisbane Broncos. She encourages other women to see their potential today to lift the diversity of senior leadership structures of tomorrow

• Kate embraces her femininity as her superpower in her Leadership.
• Be authentic (you can be BOTH strong and kind).??
• Always let people know your career ambitions, sharing your vision with others will help you get there!
• Greatest advice from her mum - You can have everything, just not always at the same time!?
• Don't be afraid to support your leaders and see them and your colleagues as a partnership. How can you support them to be the best that they can be, their success IS YOUR SUCCESS!

Thank you to our amazing panel for being such an integral part of our conference. We encourage you to reach out and connect with our speakers if you wish to learn more!

Would you like to put your name on the waitlist to be notified as soon as we release our tickets for IGNITE 2023??? Sign up HERE