Nazli Guler is a Conference Producer at the Sydney office of the Liquid Learning Group. With a background in journalism, Nazli produces content for senior leaders in various sectors and industries with the ambition to drive change and inspire potential leaders to initiate innovation.

On the Women in Energy and Resources Leadership Summit 2014 in Brisbane, she has the following to say: “In order to achieve adequate female representation in leadership roles, it is important for both genders to understand the importance and value of gender equality and how this drives organisational success,” Nazli Guler. “The Women in Energy and Resources Leadership Summit 2014 in Brisbane will bring together leaders to explore how to create new leadership and advancement opportunities for women.”

Research has proven that firms with a gender balanced leadership team outperform those on a number of performance measures than those firms that do not. A balanced structure is becoming the goal in various industries however progress is slow in making this a reality. According to the 2012 Australian Census of Women in Leadership, of the ASX (Australian Securities Exchange) 200 companies in energy, women make up only 8.5% of executive level management, and just 7.5% in the materials industry.

In June 2012 in Australia, it was recorded that women made up 18% of this varied sector. These statistic clearly show that a majority of organisations are not adequately addressing the issue of gender representation and equality in the senior leadership ranks. The Women in Energy and Resources Leadership Summit 2014 will advance the conversation on the key issues and encourage female leaders to transition into executive leadership, and provide insight into how organisations need to deal with the under-representation women in these industries.

Women in energy and resources developing leadership skills

Based on the aforementioned statistics, it is crucial for leaders aspiring for change to generate organisational support across all levels for the advancement of women. In traditionally male dominated industries, such as energy and resources, the issues are even more complex and challenging. In ore to ensure maximum relevance, the summit provides a unique industry context to the challenging issues women face in this environment, and covers key skills and advice for female leaders to achieve leadership success in a male dominated culture. It also highlights the importance of building support networks and sponsors to support you on your leadership journey.

Importance for both genders

In order to achieve adequate female representation in leadership roles it is important for both genders to understand the importance and value of gender equality. This must be embedded within the culture and driven from the very top of the organisation. The topical and inspirational UN speech by Emma Watson provides a relevant context to the objectives of the summit, and why men and women need to address these issues together for the benefit of the business, and the community. “We are struggling for a uniting word but the good news is that we have a uniting movement.”  

The Women in Energy and Resources Leadership Summit takes place in Brisbane from 21-23rd October 2014

For further details visit http://bit.ly/1miPdZ6 and follow the conversation on @WILMAnetwork and be sure to #WER1014