The Australian Executive

Every year hundreds of dynamic Australian women gather together for a truly powerful and life-affirming experience. The Australian Executive Women’s Leadership Symposium provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect with peers and explore leadership, life and career.

Through participation in the two-day program, women from all sectors and industries are exposed to state-of-the-art leadership thinking, delivered first-hand by Australia’s most inspirational leaders, facilitators and academics.

Hundreds of organisations also use their participation in the Symposium to develop their leadership capability, enhance effective internal leadership programs and build long-term, sustainable, leadership pipelines.

Brisbane 1st - 2nd May, Hilton Brisbane

Supporting Leadership Equality and Excellence

The Australian Executive

2013

Celebrating 10 years of

Women & Leadership Australia

Thoroughly enjoyed the

Symposium – it was an

excellent event. Loads of great

networking opportunities and the

speakers were the most inspirational

I think I have come across in around

20 years of attending leadership

conferences

Regional

Attendee Grant

The Symposium is an opportunity to reflect on your own leadership aspirations with like-minded women. Symposium attendees cite the validation and affirmation of other women as a key benefit of the program.

The Symposium represents an unparalleled opportunity to benefit from first hand advice from Australia’s brightest leadership talent. Drawing on the collective experiences of over 60 guest speakers the Symposium provides a unique platform for exploring leadership best practice from a local, national and international perspective.

The Symposium creates a platform to engage with new ideas, tap into different perspectives and identify the next important step on your leadership journey.

The Symposium has been embraced by leading Australian

organisations as an important annual experience for both aspiring and established female managers. Additionally the events have become powerful business development and networking opportunities for the Australian business community.

Thank you for this experience.

It was really good for me to

meet and mix with leaders outside of

my own industry. I feel re-invigorated,

and (possibly more importantly) have

reminded myself that I love my job, and

enjoy the challenges it offers me

Susi Muddiman,

Tweed River Art Gallery

What is the Australian

Executive Women’s

Leadership Symposium?

Celebrating 10 years of

Women & Leadership Australia

Inspirational leaders involved in the Symposium over the last seven years

Over 400 high profile guest speakers and 6,500 attendees all committed

to supporting the advancement of women in all industries and sectors

The quality of the annual speaker line-up reflects the Symposium’s deep roots within the heart of the Australian business community. Through powerful connections to women in all areas of Australian life, WLA maintains an enviable position at the forefront of the wider women and leadership debate.

Symposium speakers are thought leaders in their respective fields. They represent individuals who have successfully navigated difficult and challenging journeys. Diverse in their achievements, Symposium speakers are recognised for their vision, their leadership and their capacity to make a difference. By sharing their skills and knowledge they encourage other women to uncover and leverage their individual strengths and talents.

Loved it, so inspiring, I have

fire in my belly! The best part

was the fact that there was something

for everyone. So many sectors were

covered during the presentations &

importantly too –there was a wide

representation in the audience. Thank

you so much

Liz Carey,

Golder Associates

Celebrating 10 years of WLA

Showcasing Australia’s

most respected leadership

experts, leadership trainers

and guest presenters

Key Contact

Sally Womersley

Symposium Program Manager 1300 138 037 [email protected]

2013 National Dates

Who will be presenting

at the 2013 Queensland

Symposium?

Rosemary Vilgan

Chief Executive Officer, QSuper & QSuper Limited

Jane Johnson

Former CEO, Lifeline Top End

Alison Thomas

Commander & Regional Manager DSC (QLD), Royal Australia Navy

Dr Lyn Bishop

Principal/CEO, Sheldon College

Jonty Bush

2009 Young Australian of the Year & Anti-Violence Campaigner

Suzi Finkelstein

Executive Convenor,

Women & Leadership Australia

Narelle Wilson

Senior Faciliatator & Coach, Women & Leadership Australia

Launa Inmann

Terry Fitzsimmons

Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, University of Queensland Business School

Radmila Desic

National Director & National Vice President, National Association of Women in Construction

Catherine Fox

Deputy Editor AFR Boss Magazine & Corporate Woman Columnist (pictured above)

Jude Munro AO

Board Chairperson Queensland Urban Utilities & Owner Jude Munro & Associates

Polly Parker

Associate Professor in HRM/Leadership & MBA Director, University of Queensland

9:00 - 9:20 Symposium Welcome & Ice Breaker Activity

The opening session will outline the aims and objectives of the program, assist participants in getting to know each other and set the tone for two unforgettable days.

9:20 - 10.00 Keynote Presentation

Breathing new life into a battling brand and restoring the faith

Launa Inmann

Chief Executive Officer, Billabong (Invited)

Launa Inman was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Billabong in May 2012. Ms Inman has 32 years of experience in the retail sector and was the managing director of Target Australia, the country’s largest retailer of apparel, from 2005 to 2011. During her presentation, Launa will discuss the challenges she has overcome in driving the the iconic surfwear brand forwards.

10:00 - 10:40 Keynote Presentation

Why are there so few women CEOs in Australia?

Terry Fitzsimmons

Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, University of Queensland Business School

Terry Fitzsimmons is a management consultant who has worked with many of Australia’s largest firms. He is an international speaker and lecturer in the areas of gender equity and inclusion, leadership and business strategy. As a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow with the University of Queensland Business School, Mr Fitzsimmons recently completed a PhD Thesis titled ‘Navigating CEO appointments: Do Australia's top male and female CEOs differ in how they made it to the top?’ In his eye opening presentation, Mr Fitzsimmons will explore the challenges encountered by women rising through organisational hierarchies and how these may not entirely be explained by existing theories, which claim that inequality stems from social stereotypes and culture.

10:40 - 11:05 Morning Tea Break 11:05 - 12:35 Panel Discussion

Mentoring & sponsorship

Radmila Desic

National Director & National Vice President, National Association of Women in Construction

Jude Munro AO

Board Chairperson Queensland Urban Utilities & Owner Jude Munro & Associates

Polly Parker

Associate Professor in HRM/Leadership & MBA Director, University of Queensland (invited)

During this session the expert panel will explore the concept of mentoring, how to find mentors or mentees, ground rules for the relationship, how to mentor effectively and how to get results.

12:35 - 1:35 Lunch

1:35 - 2:35 Development Session

Leadership Presence

Narelle Wilson

Senior Facilitator & Coach, Women & Leadership Australia

During this session, participants will be introduced to strategies that can be employed to develop their leadership presence. Through a focus on leadership presence at an interpersonal, team and organisational level, the session will also explore possible implications on colleagues both up and down the reporting lines.

2:35 - 3:15 Keynote Presentation

Busting the seven myths about women and work and why it matters more than ever

Catherine Fox

Deputy Editor AFR Boss Magazine & Corporate Woman Columnist

Women have come a long way in the corporate world but, to put it bluntly, men still rule. Armed with statistics, research and a sharp eye for what’s really going on, Catherine Fox demolishes seven big myths about women and work. Taken from her recent book - Seven myths about women and work, this presentation by one of Australia’s leading commentators on gender equity is not to be missed.

3:15 - 3:30 Afternoon Tea 3:30 - 4:10 Keynote Presentation

An inspirational leadership journey

Rosemary Vilgan

Chief Executive Officer, QSuper & QSuper Limited

At the age of 33, Rosemary Vilgan secured the prestigious job of running QSuper. As chief executive officer, Rosemary has taken the super fund on a 10-year growth path to become the nation's fourth-largest. Rosemary is also the Queensland Government Superannuation Officer. During her presentation Rosemary will explore the amazing journey that led her to leading one of Australia’s largest super funds and discuss her own thoughts about leadership.

4:10 - 4:30 Day 1 review session and close

During this session the facilitator will review the main points raised throughout the day and focus on key outcomes to take away.

Agenda – Day One

Agenda – Day Two

9:00 - 9:10 Opening Comments

During this session the event facilitator will outline the aims for day two and raise a number of points for discussion.

9.10 - 10:30 World Café Session

What have we learnt and how can we use it?

Suzi Finkelstein

Executive Convenor, Women & Leadership Australia

During this interactive session, participants will split into smaller project groups to identify and explore some of the key themes raised so far. The World Café format allows for a deep dive into a number of topical issues and culminates in the generation of practical strategies and outcomes informed by participant input.

10:30 - 10:50 Morning Tea Break 10:50 - 12:30 Ask the Experts

Resilience strategies for me, my team and my organisation

Jane Johnson

Alison Thomas

Commander & Regional Manager DSC (QLD), Royal Australia Navy

For many workplaces, ‘change’ has become a constant. Learning how to roll with the punches and take care of yourself through challenging times is now a critical leadership skill. Panellists will provide first hand advice and innovative tips on how to develop personal resilience and ways to support your team.

12:30 - 1:30 Lunch

1:30 - 2:10 Keynote Presentation

Inspirational insights from Australia’s leading female entrepreneurs

Dr Lyn Bishop

Dr Lyn Bishop is the founder and Principal of Sheldon College, an independent, co-educational, non-denominational College in the Redland City Council. Despite widespread opposition and knockbacks from other schools, banks and big business, Lyn opened Sheldon College in 1997 with an initial intake of 110 students and 6 teachers. Over the last 15 years, The College has grown to more than 1500 students and is now acknowledged as one of the most outstanding schools in the country, boasting significant achievements in the academic, sporting and cultural arenas. The setting up of Sheldon College is an incredible story of determination and achievement. During her presentation Dr Bishop will discuss the entrepreneurial approach that made it happen.

2:10 - 2:50 Keynote Presentation

Courageous women

Jonty Bush

2009 Young Australian of the Year & Anti-Violence Campaigner

Jonty Bush has become a powerful Australian symbol of

inspirational courage in the face of extreme adversity. In the space of a few years she lost two of her closest family members in separate and unrelated crimes and had to take over the task of raising her younger brother. Instead of succumbing to grief and anger, she took up the challenge to change things for the better and in the process changed herself. During a powerful presentation, Jonty will discuss her own uniquely courageous journey and her ongoing work as an anti-violence campaigner.

2:50 - 3:00 Symposium Review and close

Suzi Finkelstein

Suzi will bring the Symposium to a close by reviewing the two-day program. During this concluding session Suzi will expand on the key outcomes and challenge the audience to build this learning into their own leadership journey.

Further Information

In conjunction with the Symposiums, Women and Leadership Australia supports outstanding organisations in becoming Symposium Employers of Choice. The Symposium Employer of Choice Program enables employers to demonstrate a strong commitment both internally and externally to their female leaders. Benefits of the program include:

National recognition and branding Customised leadership development Symposium attendance

Gender diversity strategy and advice

To find out more about becoming a Symposium Employer of Choice, please call WLA on 1300 138 037 or email [email protected].

2013 Employer of Choice Partners

Celebrating 10 years of Women & Leadership Australia

In 2013 Women & Leadership Australia (WLA) celebrates its tenth anniversary. Since its inaugural forum in 2003, over 40,000 women have participated, making Women & Leadership Australia the largest female leadership initiative in Australian history.

Encompassing a range of professional development programs, advisory services, networking opportunities, and ongoing research, the WLA initiative has become a highly regarded national symbol of excellence and achievement.

WLA remains committed to its long term goal of supporting the increased presence of women in business and community leadership roles nationwide. WLA looks forward to partnering with many more women and their organisations in the years to come.

For the past 10 years WLA has been a proactive and committed supporter of the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Australia’s leading community-funded organisation raising money for research into the

prevention, detection and treatment of breast cancer.

Dynamic Investment Solutions

Dynamic Investment Solutions Dynamic Investment Solutions

Key Contact

Sally Womersley

Symposium Program Manager 1300 138 037

[email protected]

Women in Regional Australia Grant Application

Brisbane 1st - 2nd May, Hilton Brisbane

The Australian Executive Women’s Leadership Symposium

Delegate Details

Eligibility (please tick )

My primary occupation is in regional

Australia ... YES NO

About the Grant

A fund has been established to provide grants to women from regional Australia for attendance at the Australian Executive Women’s Leadership Symposium. The fund has been established by the Workplace Training Advisory of Australia and recognises a dearth in the representation of regional women at previous Symposiums.

A maximum of 20 grants of $1,300 will be awarded in each of the host States and Territories. Grant recipients will pay $995 (standard fee is $2,295).

The grants program reflects a long-term commitment to the advancement of female leadership across all key sectors and industries.

About the Women’s Leadership Symposium

The Australian Women’s Leadership Symposium will be held in key locations throughout the country - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth. The Symposium will provide a unique opportunity for Australian women to participate in an interactive program delivered by Women and Leadership Australia (WLA) and Australia’s highest achieving women.

As the most highly attended women’s leadership event in Australia, the Australian Women’s Leadership Symposium has become synonymous with excellence and achievement. Building on the unparalleled success of previous years, the 2013 program has been developed with input from leading Australian and international organisations.

The Symposium represents a unique opportunity to interact with some of Australia’s most respected female leaders. Additionally, this important event offers employers a fantastic opportunity to research contemporary policies and practices related to gender diversity.

Eligibility

To be eligible, your primary occupation must be in regional Australia.

To check your eligibility for a subsidy, or if there are still subsidies available in your state, please call Nick Williams on 1300 138 037 or email [email protected]

IMPORTANT

As there are limited grants available in each State/ Territory, submission of this Grant Application does not guarantee that you will be awarded a Grant. Successful applicants will receive an invoice for $995 within 3 working days.

Manager Endorsement

Manager’s name:

Manager signature:

By providing this endorsement, I agree to support the above-mentioned candidate’s application by ensuring that they are able to attend the Symposium on the advertised dates.

Further Information

For further information, please contact Nick Williams at the Workplace Training Advisory of Australia, on phone: 1300 138 037 or email: nwilliams@ wtaa.edu.au

Important

Submission of this application form indicates to WTAA that you have received prior approval to attend the Women’s

Leadership Symposium from your employer.

Payment in full must be made prior to event. Submission of this registration form indicates your intent to make full payment.

Cancellation Policy – A substitution delegate is always welcome with written notification. Cancellations received up to 6 weeks prior to the event will incur a 50% withdrawal fee. For cancellations received within 6 weeks of the event no refund will be issued. Every effort will be made to contact each attendee should an event be rescheduled or cancelled by WTAA for any reason. If an event is rescheduled or not held for any reason, WTAA’s liability is limited to the event fee only. Indemnity - WTAA reserves the right to change the venue and/or speakers of any event due to circumstances beyond its control. In the event of changes to venue or speakers, or cancellation of the event, WTAA is indemnified against any or all costs, damages, expenses, including legal fees, which are incurred by the attendee/s. In the case of venue change, all reasonable efforts will be made to inform attendees. I understand that by registering myself and/or others as attendees at this event, photos or video may be taken of this event, which may be used for marketing purposes.