The soaring sails of Sydney Opera house were the perfect location to house the shine, brilliance and talent of 23 young women for the six-day 2014 Girls20 summit.
Girls20 is a foundation that provides opportunity for young women from different countries and cultures to develop and bloom into something extraordinary. They are given skills and opportunities to develop in their career choices so that they can implement change within areas of struggle within their countries.
The experience was inspiring, motivating and encouraging. Highlights included several panels that discussed the various issues facing young women who want to succeed.
The rise & relevance of entrepreneurism – Girls20 Summit
With panel members consisting of women that have made names for themselves through entrepreneurialism, this was a must on the schedule. Jan Owen Am (CEO of the Foundation for Young Australians) led the panel, acting as the moderator for Olivia Loadwick (Executive Director of Pottinger), Jodie Sizer (Principal Owner, PCW) and Alexandra Iljadica (founding director of the Youth Food Movement). It was clear early on that these women had a lot to share, and no topic was off limits for them.
They managed to cover a lot in the one-hour panel, but the main things taken away from it revolved around what it is that makes you succeed as an entrepreneur. Each woman shared their own struggles of starting out in the business world, and each believed that it was resilience and faith in themselves, which kept them going, and made them the eventual successes they are today.
A piece of advice that was very interesting came from Alexandra Iljadica, who said that when she first created her non-profit organisation, she needed someone to tell her what she was doing was alright and so she believed that sometimes, its okay to ask for permission, to have some reassurance.
Natalie’s Favourite quote: “You need to have an absolute determination and fierceness to ask more of the world than is currently on offer.” – Jodie Sizer
Lauren’s Favourite quote: “Have the Freedom to dream” – Jodie Sizer
Mental health and productivity
Panel two discussed the problems surrounding mental health and what is being done to improve it. The members of the panel included members such as Jonathan Nicholas (CEO at ReachOut.com) and Sue Matthews (CEO, The Royal Women’s Hospital). They were all there passionate to discuss why mental health is important, and why a government focus upon such an issue is a key contributor towards unemployment rates, suicide attempts and poor life quality of citizens.
The panel strongly focused upon ‘stigma’. It was a reoccurring motif. They overall message was that we as a society should be working to change the stigma of mental health, which effects many children, women and men.
Different cultures showed to experience varying degrees. For example the delegate from Japan revealed that in her culture many men suffered from depression with the heavy expectation that men obligated to provide. This cultural theme leads to many suicides because of the pressure.
A delegate from Egypt discussed that her experience included influence of violence with the possibility of being shot just by standing on someone’s foot accidently. The panel didn’t fail in displaying just how important the attention of governments is needed on this issue. A good mental health leads to a productive society and agenda.
Lauren’s Favourite Quote: “Look after your own mental health in order to look after others” – Dr Chantharavady Choulamany
Natalie’s Favourite Quote: “One of the great things about being young is that you’re not bound by history.” – Jonathan Nicholas.
Engaging men: male champions of change
It was absolutely incredible to see women and men working together, because it proved that when they do, the results are infinitely better. Julie McKay (Executive Director at UN Women Australia) served as the moderator for this panel, and was joined by Elizabeth Broderick (Sex Discrimination Commissioner), Army Chief Lieutenant General David Morrison, David Thodey (CEO of Telstra) and Simon Rothery (CEO of Goldman Sachs).
A question that arose more than once in some form from both the delegates and other members of the audience was, ‘Why have the men on stage made gender equality a priority in their line of business?’ The answer? Because a gender diverse workforce, means better results and that is what business is about, achieving the best results for its customers, and not only that, but it’s the right thing to do.
Natalie’s Favourite Quote: “How much talent are we giving up if you can only serve if you’re white, Anglo-Saxon and male? We’ve squandered talent… and we’re not going to do it anymore. We can’t do it.” – Lt. General David Morrison
Lauren’s Favourite Quote: “If gender equality is my birth right, why would I accept anything else?” – Commissioner Broderick
Power panel – Girls20 summit
The panel for girls20 summit had many ‘aha’ moments. With Carrie Kirkman, Wendy Simpson, Sam Moyston and Sally Macindoe as panelists, the inspiration within the room was palpable. This panel focused upon the important of feminism, the power females have and how to embrace that power.
The strong message of the girls20 summit was self-belief. The importance of distinguishing self-belief can lead to having maximum power in any situation within the business world. Each woman had a story where self-belief got her through times of struggle. Divorce, children, job promotions or offers and other circumstances lead them to show resilience.
For Sally Macindoe, an opportunity to work on the board for AFL rose. She was reluctant because of her limited knowledge about the game and also the factor that it was male dominated. She felt that she would be found out if she were to take the job. She was suffering from ‘Imposter syndrome’. After advice, Sally took the job and became the first female commissioner for the AFL demonstrating self-belief and power.
Lauren’s Favourite Quote: “It’s like they’re worried that they’re going to get mediocre women. Well good, they can join mediocre men.” – Deanne Weir
Natalie’s Favourite Quote: “I’m really tired of women being regarded as a problem to be solved. Stop thinking of us as the problem to be solved and start thinking of us as part of the solution.” – Sam Moysten
Overall
The Girls20 Summit showed us that no matter where you come from, if you have the right idea and the right attitude, you could make your dream a reality; it doesn’t have to stay in your mind as something you consider ‘impossible’. More importantly, the panelists also showed us that being a woman in business isn’t a bad thing or a disadvantage. And it is up to us as women, to make the rest of the world see that.
