At Ventia, we know that gender equality is one of the means to a more diverse and inclusive workplace. This creates a wider talent pool that increases innovation and enhances performance, while reducing turnover.  

While we’ve seen some progress in recent years, women still face deep and broad-ranging gender inequality.

Providing opportunities for the women at Ventia to learn and grow their careers is one way we’re working to address the imbalance and our Ventia Academy is helping make that happen. 

Eight of our female leaders went along to the first Melbourne based Women in Leadership Summit, run by the Leadership Institute.

The event was tailored for both emerging and established leaders with a great mix of keynote sessions, panel discussions and interactive Q&A with lots of opportunities to network. 

Here are some of the key takeaways from our attendees:

Mirabel Ji – Senior Finance Manager  

Mirabel says that when it comes to leading transformational projects, we need to be crystal clear of the WHY, build a coalition and lean on people to achieve together.

When it comes to the relationship between work and personal lives, “The message I got was to ‘enrich your well’, the happier life we lead outside of work, the more productive we become at work,” she says. 

Mirabel also picked up some thought-provoking suggestions on career advancement - always do a little more than asked to, look for business problems and help solve them - you may craft your own very next dream job! And you MUST show up.

Lisa Kelly – Innovation Coordinator  

Lisa says one of her key takeaways was what got you where you are won’t get you to the next level. She also noted that no one is more or less lucky – but lucky people spot opportunities and hold them. 

And her final takeaway was the importance of driving your own success. “Mentors, sponsors and people connections will be key - but ultimately it’s up to you,” she says.

 

Stefanie Oakes – EGM Strategy & Commercial

Like Mirabel, Stef noted the advice around attaining work-life balance.

“Essentially, ‘Get a Life’, because it makes you better at your job,” Stef says. “Get the support you need, even if you have to pay for it, it will pay off.”

Stef also found the advice that INP ‘It’s Not Personal’ was important. We need to recognise what triggers us and that it’s about the business, not about you as an individual. 

Her final takeaway came from commentator and tennis pro Jelena Dokic. “Be kind, you never know what people are going through, show people support as it can change their lives.”

Astra Baker – ECM Camp 29 Housekeeper 

Astra says she picked up a great tip from CEO of ARE Media Jane Huxley, who emphasised not to take things personally within your job role. 

She also appreciated actress Pia Miranda’s insight that the worst parts of you can become your greatest assets. 

Other key takeaways for Astra were that change requires perseverance, and that you should learn from others as well as leaning on them. 

Sarah Poon – Senior Legal Counsel

Sarah’s number one takeaway was that career growth requires more than just hard work, it also requires us to find our voice and let our managers / employers know what our objectives are. People are not mind readers.

She also appreciated the advice not to be afraid to ask for help. 

There will always be someone, somewhere who has done what you are seeking to do, and it will surprise you how willing people are to help and impart their knowledge and learnings

And her final takeaway - remember to be kind to others and yourself. “When someone offers you help, it doesn’t necessarily mean they want something in return, but if their assistance helped you, remember that, and remember to, and be available to offer that to someone else,” Sarah says.

 

Dimity Agland – Business Development Manager

Dimity’s first takeaway was a reminder that your employer brought you into your role for a reason, for you to be yourself. Perfection does not exist, nor is it sustainable!

 She also learned a couple of things about the impact you can have on the world. 

“From a personal perspective, tell your story as it may help others. I can’t change the world, but I can change someone’s world,” Dimity explains. “And in business, if you want to implement change, then make it simple and hold firm with it. Invite rather than influence.”

Michelle O’Neil – General Manager People & Capability

As a senior People & Capability leader, Michelle has had the privilege of hearing from many senior leaders during her career. But she says this summit was an amazing opportunity to network with other female leaders from different industries. She also picked up a few tips. 

Firstly, that all decisions about your career occur when you are NOT in the room so find your sponsors and mentors and ‘show up’ for the role you want. 

She also got the message about the power of authenticity. 

Recognise and empower your uniqueness, be authentic and show up just as you are

And an important tip for those of us who don’t always connect the two elements of fitness - get physically and mentally fit as wellbeing directly connects to performance. 

Tracy Reynolds – Project Director Defence Base Services SA/VIC/TAS

Tracy also resonated with the message of being authentic to yourself. “Say YES to every new opportunity, know your core skills and remember you were hired for you not for you to behave like someone else you think your employer wants you to be.”

She also took away the importance of surrounding yourself and others with people who can support your journey.

Sponsorship, mentorship, coaching are the key ingredients in driving your career and supporting the careers of others

It’ll be great to see how these female leaders bring what they’ve learned back into the workplace to improve performance, build relationships with others and help Ventia continue to redefine service excellence.