Throughout a career there are defining moments, ignition points that spark innovation and inspiration and propel us on the path towards leadership. But how do you recognise them? How can you create them? And do you prepare to take the next step? We have invited these inspirational senior executive women to share their own leadership journeys, and reflect on those sometimes tiny, sometimes unexpected turning points that can become our career, and life, #definingmoments

Elizabeth Tydd

CEO and Information Commissioner, Information and Privacy Commission NSW

Informing your success – Defining moments of a leadership journey through the Public Sector

Women aspiring to achieve excellence in the Public Sector require dedication, passion and a firm resolve. To be an effective leader in any walk of life depends on the ability to master new information quickly, overcome challenges and to demonstrate talent. Elizabeth has built her success on achieving results, exceeding expectations and leading with integrity. In this session, Elizabeth will be speaking at the Public Sector Women in Leadership NSW Summit 2015 to share her journey and perspective on effective Public Sector leadership, highlighting what is required for career advancement. She will also reflect on the aspects of leadership that have defined her success and what drives her to continually improve.

Wing Commander Kaarin Kooij

Commanding Officer Headquarters Air Command RAAF Glenbrook, Royal Australian Air Force

Defining moments in military past – Influencing change for the future

By looking back on the defining moments of gender equality for the Royal Australian Air Force, it is possible to see how it is impacting the
leaders of the future. Wing Commander Kaarin Kooij will be speaking at the Public Sector Women in Leadership NSW Summit 2015 to reflect on the culture of equality and women’s leadership within the RAAF.

Caroline Walsh

Executive Director, WorkCover NSW

Define your leadership style – Play to your strengths

Advancing through the leadership hierarchy requires intelligence, dedication and the ability to adapt while staying true to your ideals. Acknowledging and developing the style of leadership that works for you is paramount in achieving your full potential. Caroline employs an authentic and encompassing approach to her leadership brand and will discuss that while one size does not fit all when it comes to leadership, developing and strengthening your key characteristics is half the battle.

Maree Walk

Deputy Secretary, Programs and Service Design, Department of Family and Community Services

From peak to peak – Defining moments in career progression

Career progression in the Public Sector has its own unique array of challenges, obstacles and often unexpected opportunities, with no single clear road to success. As an accomplished senior executive, Maree reflects on the importance of embracing risk and creating your own opportunities. Maree will be speaking at the Public Sector Women in Leadership NSW Summit 2015 to share insights from her remarkable career, the value of speaking up and the challenges of reaching your potential.

Imelda Dodds

Chief Executive Officer NSW Trustee and Guardian

Defining moments on the road to leadership excellence

The quest for leadership perfection is intertwined with the rigours of responsibility, and a career in the Public Sector plays out that journey on an open stage. Public Sector leaders are held to high standards of accountability, while occupying a platform for profound influence, the role demands an authentic embodiment of leadership principles. Imelda will be speaking at the Public Sector Women in Leadership NSW Summit 2015 to share her own remarkable leadership journey across the Australian Public Sector, the defining moments that shaped her leadership profile and her insights into what it means to lead with integrity.

Karen Whittingham

Director Impact Psychology

Innovative leadership – Defining and refining the skills for long-term success in the Public Sector

Developing, implementing and leading innovative teams and organisations is a vital element of Public Sector leadership. Identifying and nurturing the ability to innovate and evolve is essential in achieving long-term success. Karen will be speaking at the Public Sector Women in Leadership NSW Summit 2015 share insights from her continual research into Public Sector innovation support and capability and will describe the seven keys to innovation success.

Amy Kersey

Executive and leadership coach, trainer, facilitator, Line Creative

Defining the future of Women’s Leadership in the New South Wales Public Sector

The New South Wales Government has made progress in improving workforce diversity in recent years, with the Public Service Commission date showing that women account for about two-thirds of the workforce. However despite the numbers, women are still significantly under-represented in senior leadership positions – only approximately 30% occupy executive level roles. The goal of gender equality is one that can be achieved; however there are a number of obstacles at both an individual and organisational level that must first be surmounted.

The recent changes in the NSW Public Sector have created a range of new opportunities for ambitious leaders. The political and structural landscape of the Public Service provides a chance for leaders to diversify their experience and grow a holistic understanding of key management principles. Recent years have seen traditional command and control hierarchies disrupted and increasingly replaced by collaborative leadership frame works, creating an exciting new palette for aspiring female leaders to draw from.

In order to accelerate change in leadership representation, it is ritual for women to hone critical skills, demonstrate their knowledge and capabilities, and position themselves to seize career opportunities to step up into leadership roles. At the same time emerging leaders must turn their focus inward and support each other through mentoring, sharing experience and networking. It is in this spirit of empowerment and collaboration, that Liquid Learning will host the Public Sector Women in Leadership NSW Summit 2015.

This will offer an outstanding speaker faculty, sharing their insights and experiences in order to address the challenges faced by women wishing to advance their career within the Public Sector. It also presents practical strategies for how organisations and individuals themselves can navigate these obstacles in order to promote and support women in senior leadership role.

#definingmoments