We shamelessly run a leadership awards program that excludes men from most categories, the NAB Women’s Agenda Leadership Awards.
There’s a good reason for this, and it’s not because men are any less talented or less deserving of recognition. It’s because women still don’t get anything like the levels of media attention or management positions that men do. As Georgie Dent said yesterday, the current story about women isn’t working and our objective is to tell a new one. We want to showcase female role models, uncover the achievements of unsung leaders, and raise the profile of ordinary women doing extraordinary things.
When you find yourself at a lunch where a number of women are invited on stage to either accept an award (we announced eight female winners yesterday), be inducted into our Hall of Fame (Congratulations Helen Conway) or to deliver the special address (as the former Prime Minister Julia Gillard did) you’re not only guaranteed to be a little overwhelmed by the level of talent in the room, but also by what they personally share about how they got ahead.
Collectively, whether in their winning speeches or addressing gender inequality that exists here and around the world, these women offered a number of key tips many women could take away.
- Acknowledge assumptions. “Somewhere, for all of us, women and men, in the back of our brains there are sexist stereotypes still whispering”, former Prime Minister Julia Gillard said. These are the assumptions that are made about men and women, about who does and deserve what.
- Make time for mentors. Many of the award winners noted having mentors who have helped throughout their careers. Mentor of the Year winner, Sharon Warburton, said confident women will “climb the ladder and smash the ceiling” and that mentors can provide the lift many women need. “Mentoring is about igniting talent,” she said.
- Earn sponsors. These are the people who will actively advocate for your progression in a particular organisation, industry or sector. Sponsors can not be asked, they must be earned, so look for opportunities where you can demonstrate your talent and get noticed.
- Forget popularity. “It’s ok not to be liked,” Agenda Setter winner Tracy Howe told the audience, urging women to stand up and not surrender to bullies.
- Do not accept the status quo. It’s the first step for addressing workplace gender inequalities, according to Helen Conway. “We cannot accept the situation as it is. We have to challenge it.”
- Keep moving. Every woman on stage had taken risks to get to where they are today — they have changed jobs and industries. They have changed careers and directions at some point. They have been appointed to major leadership positions without prior experience.
- Pursue your passion. Find employers, causes and jobs that align with your values and can allow you to pursue what you’re really passionate about.
- Be robust and resilient. This was specifically noted by Conway, but a tip every women on stage could relate to, having experienced and overcome different kinds of adversity and challenges along the way.
- Seize opportunities. They may not come around again. Accept promotions and positions beyond your experience, take risks that stretch your talents and capacity.
- And want to change the world? “Educate a girl. Girls are the ones most likely to be left behind,” said Gillard.