Future Women Leadership Series

Why do different leadership styles go in and out of fashion? And is one version of leadership better than the rest? In this panel discussion recorded live at the FW Leadership Summit, join Helen McCabe as she examines different leadership styles. With Private Healthcare Australia CEO Dr Rachel David, Director of the Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation Kathryn McMullan, SG Fleet Chief People & Culture Officer Lindsay Underwood and CEO of Aware Super Deanne Stewart. Join the movement to fast-track your professional development. Become an FW Diamond member today. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could this be the last generation of CEOs? As the Senior Vice President of Innovation, AI and Customer Advisory ANZ at Salesforce, Rowena Westphalen is on the cutting edge of the AI revolution. In this interview, she talks with FW Founder Helen McCabe about what the future of leadership will look like as we start to manage half-human, half-digital teams. Join the movement to fast-track your professional development. Become an FW Diamond member today. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can leaders tap into Gen Z talent? In this intergenerational panel recorded live at the FW Leadership Summit, join Helen McCabe as she questions the best ways to support and learn from a generation that's grown up with the rise of digital technologies. With digital-audio executive Jennifer Goggin, head paralegal Gabi Stricker-Phelps, Adore Beauty chair Marina Go and project engineer Brittney Monk. Join the movement to fast-track your professional development. Become an FW Diamond member today. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does the widespread backlash to D&I signify? And how should leaders navigate it? Dr Katie Spearritt is a diversity and leadership expert in Australia. She's the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Diversity Partners, a specialist D&I consultancy firm. In this interview, she talks with Helen McCabe about how leaders could be framing D&I initiatives, why the business case is not the best argument and how she uses emotional regulation to manage difficult conversations. Join the movement to fast-track your professional development. Become an FW Diamond member today. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can leaders best support talent? Deanne Stewart is one of the most in-demand executives in the country. As CEO of AwareSuper, she's in charge of one of Australia's largest superannuation funds. She was also the CEO of MetLife, and has held senior roles at BT, Westpac and McKinsey & Co. In this episode she shares why she does not schedule any meetings before 8:30am, how she became a leader at just 29 and why views the role of CEO as also being a 'Chief Talent Officer'. Join the movement to fast-track your professional development. Become an FW Diamond member today. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"On paper things looked great … [but] I was a mess. And after 18 months, I sort of fell apart pretty catastrophically." Georgie Dent is the CEO of The Parenthood, a not-for-profit that advocates to make Australia the best place in the world to raise a child. She's also a writer, journalist and, in her words, "reformed lawyer". Her company recently partnered with FW to produce the podcast series At What Cost, a three-episode deep dive into Australia’s childcare crisis. In this episode, Georgie opens about the breakdown she had early in her career, public advocacy and why, as CEO, she only works a four day week. Join the movement to fast-track your professional development. Become an FW Diamond member today. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Georgie Dent in our third and final bonus episode as we unpack the costs of the childcare crisis to gender equality and the economy Plus: experts share five key solutions that could help make childcare truly accessible and affordable for all – which would be transformative for our country, and especially women. Liked this episode? Follow At What Cost Become an FW member to join the movement and fast-track your professional development Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Sometimes I wonder what if we hadn't won? Would I just be [a] footnote in history, another Richmond mistake?". Peggy O'Neal is best known for being she the first woman in AFL history to serve as a club’s President. As President at Richmond, she helped steer the club through a period of outstanding success. But this didn’t come without its share of challenges and it wasn't the only time in her leadership career where she has had to navigate being 'the first'. Join the movement to fast-track your professional development. Become an FW Diamond member today. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When is a choice not a choice? Almost a quarter of Australia’s population is now living in a ‘childcare desert’ - and this scarcity means that many families’ financial and work schedules hinge on being offered a childcare spot in the first place. Liked this episode? Follow At What Cost Become an FW member to join the movement and fast-track your professional development Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a leader, how do you know when it's time to quit and how should you best step away from a role you've loved? Jayne Hrdlicka has had a high-profile and high-powered career as CEO of Virgin Australia. She was also CEO of Jetstar, held senior roles at Qantas and was CEO of The a2 Milk Company. In her first interview since stepping down from Virgin, she opened up about what leadership looks like from the top and what she wishes she knew before she started. Join the movement to fast-track your professional development. Become an FW Diamond member today. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How did struggling to access affordable childcare become the norm? The sky-high costs directly impact women’s economic security, career progression and happiness – and fuel the gender pay gap and gender super gap, as well as homelessness later in life. Georgie Dent speaks with parents and experts to examine the true cost of childcare in this country … and learns why – when Australia could be world-leading in setting children and families up to thrive – it’s instead lagging behind comparable countries. Liked this episode? Follow At What Cost Become an FW member to join the movement and fast-track your professional development Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How should leaders be thinking about building brands - now and into the future? Tahnee Sharp's business was born out of frustration, disappointment and anger with the marketing industry. Flash forward and she's now CEO of The Marketing Room, an independent marketing powerhouse that’s expanded across the globe. In this episode, she discusses everything from Roxy Jacenko and Elon Musk, to how she built her global marketing business and why "warts" are needed in personal brands. Join the movement to fast-track your professional development. Become an FW Diamond member today. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What role does tenacity play in leadership? Rhian Allen is a wildly successful entrepreneur. She walked away from a high-powered role as a sales director to launch The Healthy Mummy. After a turbulent period saw her need to walk away from the business she loved, Rhian struck once again and is now the CEO and founder of Zing Wellbeing. In this episode, Rhian shares what she has learned about tenacious leadership, how to hire for work ethic and managing high-pressure roles. Join the movement to fast-track your professional development. Become an FW Diamond member today. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is the best way for leaders to speak out and take a stand? Tara Rae Moss is - among many things - a best-selling author, documentary host and chronic pain advocate. She's also the host of FW's award-winning podcast series There’s No Place Like Home. If there is one thread that connects Tara Rae's varied career, it's her fearless advocacy for causes she is passionate about. In this episode, she speaks about public advocacy, perfectionism and leading in the public eye. Listen to There's No Place Like Home wherever you get your podcasts. Become an FW member to join the movement and fast-track your professional development. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turia Pitt is one of Australia’s most inspirational women. She is a wearer of many hats - an author, speaker, business owner, ambassador. She is also a runner. Running changed her life forever when, while competing in an ultramarathon in remote Western Australia, she was caught in an out of control grassfire and sustained burns to 65 per cent of her body. In this episode, Pitt joins Helen McCabe to reflect on what continues to fuel her and why she might just be “too combative”. Liked this episode? Follow Too Much to hear more Become an FW member to join the movement and fast-track your professional development. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can you project strength as a leader if you feel like a phony or a fraud? The answer — according to global imposter syndrome expert Alison Shamir — is complicated. Alison became obsessed with understanding imposter syndrome after she was overcome with it while at the peak of her high-powered corporate career. In this episode, she unpacks what leaders should do when they're filled with self doubt. Join the movement to fast-track your professional development. Become an FW Diamond member today. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Catherine Livingstone is the Chancellor of the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). She’s also an extraordinarily accomplished businesswoman who has served as the President of the Business Council of Australia, and has served as Chairman of Commonwealth Bank, Telstra and CSIRO. In this episode, Livingstone joins Helen McCabe to reflect on how she pushed past being labelled “too inexperienced” at pivotal moments in her career. Liked this episode? Follow Too Much to hear more Become an FW member to join the movement and fast-track your professional development. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can we view ourselves as products? And what leadership insights might be gained from doing so? Holly Masters is CEO of the McGrath Foundation. She joined the Foundation after a high-powered career in the commercial sector, including a lengthy stint at Estee Lauder. In this episode she shares how she markets her leadership potential and why she learned to view herself as a product of sorts. Join the movement to fast-track your professional development. Become an FW Diamond member today. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is caring about too many things a legitimate risk to your professional success? Or does it speak to a drive that will keep you engaged throughout your career? Dr Anne Summers is a celebrated author, journalist and feminist leader. She played a pivotal role in the women’s movement, co-founding Australia’s first women’s refuge, Elsie, in the 1970s. She’s advised two Prime Ministers, and has written nine books to date. Dr Summers joins Helen McCabe to reflect on what continues to fuel her, as a woman who’s been told she’s “too driven” time and time again. Liked this episode? Follow Too Much to hear more Become an FW member to join the movement and fast-track your professional development. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are the unique challenges that come with managing cross-disciplinary teams? As Australia’s Privacy Commissioner, Carly Kind is a leading authority on the intersection of technology and human rights. She was also the director of the Ada Lovelace Institute, an organisation dedicated to ensuring data and AI are employed ethically. In this episode, Kind shares her insights into ''Silicon Valley bros", cross-disciplinary teams and the ethical use of tech. Join the movement to fast-track your professional development. Become an FW Diamond member today. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you do when you're told you love your job too much? Professor Georgina Long shot to national attention when she was named Australian of the Year. Her research on melanoma - known as Australia’s national cancer - has saved thousands of lives. In this episode, Professor Long joins Helen McCabe to reflect on the whirlwind that’s followed being named co-Australian of the Year, and she opens up about her life as a scientist who’s been told she’s “too passionate” one too many times. Liked this episode? Follow Too Much to hear more Become an FW member to join the movement and fast-track your professional development. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a leader, is there a point where you've learned all there is to learn? The answer - according to Susannah George - is no. The award-winning entrepreneur, producer, investor and director, who launched Urban List from her bedroom, shares how she accidentally launched one of Australia’s largest independent media brands, what it means to be a ‘wartime CEO’ and the loneliness that can so often come with leadership. Join the movement to fast-track your professional development. Become an FW Diamond member today. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you the one who always says what everyone was thinking? Moana Kidd never imagined she’d be a Senior Constable with Victoria Police. As a woman of colour who’d been working in the arts, she was used to attending rallies - not patrolling them. But when an unexpected career shift led her to look for new work - she decided to become the change she wanted to see. In this week’s episode of Too Much, the Senior Constable joins Helen McCabe to discuss how she rose through the ranks despite at times being labelled “too open”. Liked this episode? Follow Too Much to hear more Become an FW member to join the movement and fast-track your professional development. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the summer, we’re revisiting some of our favourite FW Leadership Series. How can adversity and struggle lead to growth and opportunity? According to Founder of EQ Minds, Chelsea Pottenger, the key to the answer lies in making the most of plan B when plan A gets taken from you. In this interview, host Helen McCabe asks Chelsea about how her mental health struggles led to a career change, what her experience has taught her about the importance of building a mindful but productive schedule and why your mental well-being is your superannuation. Become an FW member to join the movement and fast-track your professional development. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever felt like who you are was "too complex" for the field you work in? Brooke Blurton is best known for being the first Black and bisexual woman on The Bachelorette. She’s also a youth worker, an author, a podcaster and a mental health advocate. In this episode, she joins Helen McCabe to reflect on how she's had a career dismissed by some as "too complex". Liked this episode? Follow Too Much to hear more Become an FW member to join the movement and fast-track your professional development. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the summer, we’re revisiting some of our favourite FW Leadership Series. Award-winning journalist and former Executive Producer of ABC's Four Corners Sally Neighbour has pushed past doubts and fears to shed light on important stories. In this interview, host Helen McCabe and Sally Neighbour unpack whether fearlessness is something you can learn, or if it's innate in your character, as well as the importance of trusting your team as a leader. Become an FW member to join the movement and fast-track your professional development. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chanel Contos was just 21 years old when she launched an online petition that sparked a movement and propelled her into the global spotlight. Teach Us Consent triggered a national conversation and led to mandatory consent education in all Australian schools. In this episode, Contos joins Helen McCabe to reflect on the personal price of radical change, and the power that can come with being “too disruptive”. Liked this episode? Follow Too Much to hear more Become an FW member to join the movement and fast-track your professional development. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads Image credit: Maria Boyadgis for UNSW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When are you at your most productive? Managing Director for Google Australia & New Zealand Melanie Silva doesn’t just fill her days up with meetings, she instead makes space in her schedule for ‘big thinking days’ and time to find her ‘flow’. In this interview, host Helen McCabe and Melanie Silva unpack how being productive and being busy are not the same thing, as well as share tips on how to create space for productivity in your schedule. Become an FW member to join the movement and fast-track your professional development. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does cockiness make you better at your job? That's what former Matildas star Lydia Williams was told when she rose to the sport's top flight. In this episode of Too Much, Williams joins Helen McCabe to reflect on her journey as a Matilda and how she pushed past being labelled “too humble” at key points in her career. Liked this episode? Follow Too Much to hear more Become an FW member to join the movement and fast-track your professional development. Keep up with @futurewomen on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Threads See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Where does confidence come from? Author, activist, and Future Women's Deputy Managing Director Jamila Rizvi brings both her experiences, and the research behind confidence to discuss how to best build it in your life. Helen McCabe and Jamila share the most common struggles they hear women have with maintaining confidence, as well as practical tips you can implement into your communication and career to dissuade self-doubt.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does your wardrobe reveal about you? Libby Allaway is an executive stylist, who's passion is empowering women through the transformative power of fashion. In this episode, Libby unpacks the psychology behind what we wear, reveals the secret to a well-curated wardrobe, and explains how to unlock the power of using clothing as a tool for confidence. The FW Leadership Series is hosted by Helen McCabe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How present do leaders need to be? Rear Admiral Lee Goddard CSC served over 34 years in the Navy, commanding warships and joint taskforces at every senior rank, and continues to serve as a member of the active reserve. He's also the inaugural CEO and Executive Director of the Australian Missile Corporation, a Non-Executive Director of AUSTAL and the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation, an Advisor to the Minderoo Foundation, and Chairman of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. In this episode, Lee unpacks the damage caused by absent leaders, the difference between bad and toxic leadership, and the importance of daydreaming. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lieutenant General Michelle McGuinness CSC is Australia's National Cyber Security Coordinator. She came to this role with over 30 years of experience in the Australian Defence Force. Today, she plays a pivotal role in driving Australia's cyber security and coordinates the Government's response to major cyber security incidents.  In this episode, uncover what threats to cyber security can teach us about leadership.  The FW Leadership Series is hosted by Helen McCabe.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jo McConnell recently started an exciting new role as Chief People Officer at Herbert Smith Freehills. Prior to this, she was CEO of Transformation at Accenture, and Vice President of Human Resources at BHP Billiton. In this discussion, Jo shares her advice on building trust and navigating office politics when taking on a new leadership role, managing with radical candor, and the role of men in promoting gender inclusion. The FW Leadership Series is hosted by Helen McCabe.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anna Bligh AC was the first woman to become the Queensland Premier and the first woman to lead the Labor party. Anna shares with host Helen McCabe the importance finding your own identity and purpose as a leader, what it was like to hold her own in the houses of parliament (with the weight of an entire gender on her back) and why she has learned to relish difficult problems and roles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Starting a new leadership position?  Liz Cosson AM spent over 3 decades in the Australian Army, before moving into the highest ranks of the Public Service. In this episode, Liz reveals the essential steps for new leaders in the first 100 days -  including how to curb gossip, foster genuine transparency, and drive meaningful cultural change. The FW Leadership Series is hosted by Helen McCabe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kyah Bell is a Wulugurukaba, Juru, and Bindal woman, co-founder of the Black Excellence Fund, and Director at First Australians Capital. In this episode, Kyah reveals why she's committed to "doing what's hard," how she navigates the demands of work-life balance, and how she learned to lean into empathy without compromising her high standards. The FW Leadership Series is hosted by FW Founder and Managing Director, Helen McCabe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What role does kindness play in new-age leadership? In this conversation with Helen McCabe, Anna Jepson, CFO of Institutional Banking & Markets at Commonwealth Bank, reveals why kindness is more than just a virtue in successful leadership. Anna also shares the power of understanding your personal brand and how she reclaimed her career after facing redundancy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Juliette Wright OAM is the founder and CEO of GIVIT, an online platform connecting those who have, with those who need. Juliette has received numerous awards for her charity initiatives and disaster recovery innovation and was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2019 and Australia's Local Hero in 2015 by the National Australia Day Council. In this chat with Helen McCabe, Juliette discusses aligning action with personal values, avoiding burnout, and getting comfortable with being wrong. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's the point of corporate wellbeing initiatives? Companies are throwing record investment into wellbeing programs, employee assistance programs, and team-building exercises. But according to Dr Tiffany De Sousa Machado, they're mostly not working. In this episode, guest host Jamila Rizvi and Tiff go below the box-ticking surface-level initiatives and get serious about mental health and wellbeing at work.  The FW Leadership Series is hosted by Helen McCabe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cherie Clonan is a proud Autistic woman and the Founding Director and CEO of The Digital Picnic. In this episode, Cherie discusses receiving an autism diagnosis as an adult, building a neurodivergent inclusive workplace, masking, and burnout. This episode is hosted by Jamila Rizvi. The FW Leadership Series is hosted by Helen McCabe. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when leaders lack accountability? In this episode, FW Managing Director Helen McCabe sits down with Katrina King—General Manager of Client Solutions Capital at Queensland Investment Corporation, Co-chair of UQ's Business, Economics and Law Alumni Committee, and Minerva Network mentor. Together, they explore why accountability is crucial to strong leadership, how to build unshakeable resilience, and strategies to navigate and succeed in male-dominated workplaces.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.