International Women's Day 2014

On Friday, I the most amazing opportunity of my life.  I debated, with 5 other incredible women, in the Australian Institute of Management's International Women's Day debate.  This event is THE event of the year for all of Brisbane's corporate and business women.  It is in its 18th year - a testament to the calibre of the event and the effort Christine and her team put into making it perfect.

This years topic was 'Women need to lean in or miss out'.  I was the third speaker on the negative team.  Pressure much!!

 

Sara Hatten-Masterson - Director of The Image Boutique, Cassandra Heilbronn - Lawyer, Sharon Schoenborn - Qld Director of Microsoft Australia

The focus of the negative team was this:

• Sharon focused on the stereotypes of women and the unconscious bias that women face in the workplace;
• Sara focused on authenticity and how leaning back, at a time you want, can take you to even further success; and
• I focused on the systemic and culture issues, and the reason why women are missing out is because of organisations and their lack of leaning in.

A few of my favourite quotes from my debate (when I get the video I will post it!):

• We need to be the change we want to see.
• Organisational change will start with Generation Y - the reason why Sheryl Sandberg can make it work, is not just because she is leaning in, it's because she has a Generation Y boss, who hasn't been brought up with unconscious bias, and sees women in the workplace as equals.
• We should help other women - if they need to get out to make it to their children's swimming carnival.  Don't use it to your advantage.  There is a special place in hell for women who don't help out other women!
• We can't just lean in, smiling relentlessly, acting like a school girl and expect a change.  We need to challenge the status quo and get organisations to lean in.

I finished with a toast.  A toast to:

• the women who will create a change;
• the women who already have a spot at the Boardroom table;
• the women who will have a spot at the Boardroom table; and
• the women who when we wake up in the morning, the devil shakes in his chair and says "crap she's up!".

I will never again have an opportunity like this in my life.  I am so lucky to have met some incredible women, most of all my fellow team mates - Sharon and Sara.  They are great role models and have inspired me to make a change.

On this International Women's Day, I want to leave you with this video from Dr Lois Frankel - another lady who I admire and inspire to be like.  This video keeps in with the 2014 Women's Day theme of INSPRING CHANGE.  Dr Frankel has recognised a number of brave women in history and motivated me to BE BRAVE!  I don't know what my life will bring, but I am ready to bring on the next chapter.