I met a big sister for coffee this week. And just like a much wiser, experienced older sibling Wendy McCarthy told it to me straight. A founding member of The Women’s Electoral Lobby and one of the original six members of Chief Executive Women, she is passionate about the issues affecting women today.
Wendy talked extensively about the childcare challenges facing parents who work full-time and part-time, and the important part that this issue could play in next year’s Federal election. She was able to provide examples of distressed and desperate mothers facing childcare waiting lists in the hundreds.
“It’s how you frame the argument,” Wendy said. “Ask whether it’s every child’s right to childcare, not how much it should cost. If we believe it’s a right then of course the government has to help. There’s no other way.”
Wendy is a great big sister. She is supportive of the next generation of women coming through the ranks and wants to be involved in assisting more women to reach the top. She believes that accessing childcare is part of the puzzle that we need to solve is we are to help more women reach their potential. Wendy already mentors countless women and men through the company that she founded and her daughter Sophie now runs, McCarthy Mentoring. But she is also open to offering a quick word of advice over coffee and asks as many questions as she answers.
She admits that not all big sisters want to help, but says there are enough who do. Wendy has many business associates and friends who are of her daughter’s generation. I actually met Wendy via an introduction from Romilly Madew, CEO of The Green Building Council of Australia. Wendy and Romilly had spent the afternoon shopping at a Carla Zampatti store in the city (courtesy of a raffle prize they jointly won at the recent CEW annual dinner) when the two got talking about Women’s Agenda. (Incidentally, Carla Zampatti was also one of the original CEW six.) It was clear to Romilly that Wendy was an enthusiastic reader of this site, so she connected us.
That’s the thing about women. We love to connect, share and introduce. It’s how we do business. Women mentoring women to achieve can be powerful. In my experience a female mentor will be concerned with the whole person, not just the business woman. If you have children, be proud and factor them in to your career decisions. As Wendy McCarthy will tell you, the fact that she was a career-minded mother was seen as a positive in her involvement with The Women’s Electoral Lobby 40 years ago.
Every time I meet with a big sister of business I rarely walk away without inspiration. The myth that women don’t want to help each other succeed is largely just that.
Over the years I have had cause to meet some extraordinary women. With only one exception, I have always found that the big sisters in business have been willing to offer their time and guidance. In the past I have been fortunate to receive advice from the most exceptional women, including Lucy Turnbull, Ita Buttrose, Patty Akopiantz and Gillian Franklin. In recent times I have been able to add Elizabeth Proust, Dr Judith MacCormick and now Wendy McCarthy to that list. They should all be nominated for the Women’s Agenda Leadership Awards Mentor of The Year category.
If you haven’t found yourself a big sister yet then it may be time you put your hand up. I can assure you that the courage it takes to make the initial introduction will be worth it.
Do you have a business woman in your life that has helped you progress your career and networks?