Have you ever had the privilege of stepping into a room filled with powerful women?
A few weeks ago, I had the immense honour of emceeing the International Women’s Forum Australia (IWFA) Symposium in Melbourne.
I’m still buzzing with the energy from that event and would be lying if I didn’t include it as one of the most inspirational events I have attended this year.
As someone who’s been a proud member of the IWFA for the last six years, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact this community has on women in business and the ripple effect into the wider community through the work that we do. From my trip to New York earlier this year, to this most recent gathering, the IWF consistently proves that when powerful, brilliant women come together, the possibilities are endless.
What struck me most about the IWFA’s 10th Anniversary Symposium was the bold statement it made about the future of business and, more importantly, the future of women at the helm of that future.
The topics we explored (including neurodiversity, future trends, compassionate leadership, gender equality, domestic violence, startup funding, and more) weren’t just fleeting concerns; they are the critical issues that will define the success of women for decades to come.
“Throughout the event, I was reminded of the undeniable truth that true innovation often emerges from the collision of different perspectives.”
We heard from speakers with varied backgrounds, each bringing their unique experiences to the table. If you’re not actively seeking out diverse perspectives in your business or life, you’re missing out on a wellspring of creativity and innovation.
Diverse thinking isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’; it’s the lifeblood of progress.
In discussing diverse viewpoints and experiences, the symposium sparked a discussion around neurodiversity and its impact on creating more inclusive and productive workplaces.
If your business isn’t embracing neurodiverse talent, you’re falling behind. Neurodiverse individuals bring unique strengths and perspectives that can propel your business to new heights, but only if you’re willing to embrace these differences rather than trying to fit everyone into the same mold. This isn’t just about being a good person or a progressive leader, it’s about futureproofing your endeavours. Diverse teams outperform homogeneous ones, and the question isn’t whether you can afford to embrace neurodiversity; it’s whether you can afford not to.
As we explored future trends and the leadership skills necessary for our world in the future, it became abundantly clear that adaptability and continuous learning are imperative.
The world is changing at an unprecedented pace, and the skills that got you here won’t get you there.
So… What are you doing to prepare?
Are you upskilling, rethinking your strategies, and positioning yourself as a leader who can navigate the complexities of the future? If not, you’re already behind. Leaders who fail to evolve will be left in the dust, overtaken by those who are willing to embrace change and challenge the status quo.
And while we were looking ahead one message that has been reiterated over the past decade was once again voiced as this symposium…
Compassionate leaders are necessary for our future growth.
There is no reason why in this day and age, empathy and compassion in leadership are still viewed as revolutionary. It’s not just about being ‘nice’, it’s about driving real, meaningful change through connection and empathy.
The fight for gender equality isn’t over, and it’s up to us, as women in leadership and women in business, to push the needle forward. Compassionate leadership is our weapon, and it’s time we wield it unapologetically.
Consider how you can lead with more empathy in your business, and how you can advocate for fairness and equality in every decision you make. The future of business isn’t just about profits, it’s about people. And if you’re not leading with that in mind, you’re not leading at all.
Finally, the conversation would be incomplete without addressing the silent killer of ambition, burnout.
It’s real, it’s pervasive, and it’s killing the drive of too many talented women. The symposium was a stark reminder that success isn’t sustainable if it comes at the cost of your well-being.
What steps are you taking to protect your mental and physical health?
Are you prioritising self-care, setting boundaries, and ensuring that you can maintain your energy for the long haul?
If not, your success will be short-lived. Sustainable growth demands that we take care of ourselves first so we can continue to push boundaries and break through glass ceilings.
Reflecting on the entire experience, I’m convinced that the future of business is diverse, inclusive, compassionate, and bold.
But it won’t happen by accident. It requires us to step up, challenge the status quo, and lead with the conviction that we are capable of shaping the future we want to see.
So, what are you going to do about it?
Are you ready to lead the charge, to make the tough decisions, to invest in the next level of your success? Because the future is coming, and it’s ours for the taking.
Janine x