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? We have invited these inspirational senior engineering leaders to share their own leadership journeys, and reflect on those sometimes tiny, sometimes unexpected turning points that can become our career, our leadership capabilities and our #definingmoments

Kathy Hirschfeld

Non-Executive Director Transfield, ASC Pty Ltd, InterOil Corporation and Toxfree Solutions

“By remaining open to opportunities and working with them, I was able to get to where I wanted to be”

As the ninth woman to be awarded an Honorary Fellowship by Engineers Australia, Kathy began her career as a chemical engineer. Kathy has held leadership and executive roles in oil refining, logistics, exploration and production throughout her international career with BP.  She is now a member of a number of high profile boards and non-profit organisations, and is passionate about fostering the next generation of female leaders.

Kathleen Boseley

MRH Systems Deputy Chief Engineer (Sustainment), Head of Design Airbus Group Australia Pacific

“Create your own mini-milestones”

With the benefit of hindsight, it is easy to identify the particular stepping stones which have carved a leadership journey. Opportunities for progression can be derived from a multitude of forms, some not appearing particularly significant at first, but later reflected upon as a defining moment. As the winner of the Aviation / Aerospace Australia 2014 “Outstanding Performance in Engineering and Technology” award, Kathleen understands how small opportunities and milestones can considerably contribute to the larger picture.

Eva Wood

Director of Operations – Transport (Northern) Jacobs

“Develop resilience for a rewarding career”

In all careers that have complex problems and challenging targets it is critical for leaders to possess the ability to ‘bounce back’ from adversity, learn from experience, and remain optimistic. Eva understands how building resilience can be the key to an inspiring career.

Jo Kirby

Deputy Chair, Women in Engineering National Committee, Engineers Australia

“Know your why – Pursue career fulfilment”

Personal career goals and notions of success evolve over time. Identifying what career road is right for you is critical for fulfilment and personal accomplishment. Jo has defined her own understanding of success, which does not necessarily include chasing a board career, but rather by pursuing what she loves and navigating life’s unexpected challenges. Jo will be speaking at the 4th National Women in Engineering Leadership Summit 2015 to discuss her own defining moments, and achieving personal success.

Sonia McDonald

Chief Executive Officer and Founder LeadershipHQ

“Enrich valuable networks and enhance the benefits accessed from a mentoring partnership”

There are plenty of obstacles to navigate, challenges to overcome and opportunities to seize. Having access to a network of people with whom you can share resources, opportunities and support can assist greatly. In such a male-dominated industry, it is advantageous to establish a beneficial mentoring partnership. Sonia will be speaking at the 4th National Women in Engineering Leadership Summit 2015 to explore how to access and benefit from both mentors and networks.

Squadron Leader Amanda Gosling Women in Air Force Initiative, Defence Force Recruiting Royal Australian Air Force

“Leverage the natural attributes an engineer brings to the leadership table”

Engineers are equipped with a unique array of advantageous traits and skills, such as deep-level thinking, an impeccable mind for detail, and a passion for solving interesting problems, which should all be harnessed in leadership. When engineer’s unique strengths are maximised, they become highly talented, innovative and outcomes-driven leaders, capable of achieving extraordinary results.

Yassmin Abdel-Magied

Founder and President Youth Without Borders

“Defining moments from Yassmin Abdel Magied”

At the age of 16, Yassmin founded Youth Without Borders, an organisation that enables empowers young people as leaders of positive change and builds capacity through community based initiatives. Yassmin has forged a hybrid career as an engineer, social advocate and media commentator and she is a sought-after advisor for state and federal governments. She was named as Queensland’s Young Australian of the Year in 2015 and 2010, and in 2012 she was named Young Leader in the Australian Financial Review and Westpac’s inaugural 100 Women of Influence Awards. Yassmin will be speaking at the 4th National Women in Engineering Leadership Summit 2015 to share her leadership advice and the defining moments of her career.

Despite numerous gender diversity initiatives within organisations, women continue to be significantly under-represented in the engineering profession. While an increasing number of women are  choosing engineering as a career, their representation at a leadership level is considerably lower than in many other professions. A multitude of diverse factors contribute towards this severe gender disparity in the sector, evidenced by the variety of issues impacting women’s entry into and success in the industry. In order for women to be successful in the engineering field, they must learn to navigate the complex environment, overcome common career challenges and develop their leadership skills.

The 4th National Women in Engineering Leadership Summit 2015 will address the unique challenges that women face in the engineering profession and will provide both practical and proven strategies to overcome obstacles in order to facilitate leadership excellence. Inspirational and successful women, with backgrounds in engineering, from across industries will share their stories of their own defining moments, and will offer critical advice to attain success for current and emerging leaders.

#definingmoments