Having started the countdown to Capital W’s Annual Dinner 2019: She Means Business, we decided to take this opportunity to look back on past themes and keynote speakers.
2016: Be Inspired, Be Inspiring
‘Be Inspired, Be Inspiring’ encouraged students to draw inspiration from female business leaders’ experiences, which shaped their journeys to success and paved their paths to inspiring following generations.
Jacki Johnson, Group Executive, People, Performance and Reputation at IAG shared a glimpse into her career and how she used change as a force for good.
“The pace of change is so fast, and the world demands we adapt,” reminded Johnson as she emphasised the importance of embracing change.
Her discussion of the challenges she faced in her career, inspired students to continually learn from every experience, both good and bad.
Where is she now?
Johnson became Co-chairman of the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) in 2019. UNEP FI aims to help banks, insurers and investors embed environmental, social and governance considerations in their business strategies.
2017: 1000 Cracks in the Ceiling
‘1000 Cracks in the Ceiling’ drew attention to the ‘glass ceiling.’ The theme highlighted the need to continue empowering the next generation of female business leaders and shatter the ‘glass ceiling’.
Nicola Wakefield Evans, Independent Non-Executive Director of the Lend Lease Group is a global leader for gender diversity. Evans discussed the issue of the ‘glass ceiling’ that still existed in the workplace despite the significant progress that was made. Her speech encouraged female students to continue their efforts to shatter the glass ceiling.
Where is she now?
Evans became Chairman of 30% Club Australia in 2018. The 30% Club advocates for diversity across ASX Chairs and Directors by working with senior business leaders to increase their contributions towards building gender diverse boards.
2018: Our Voice is Our Future
‘Our Voice is Our future’ emphasised the need to take further individual action to achieve gender equality outcomes. There is still progress to be made for voices of women to be heard in the workplace and this can be achieved by further empowering young women.
Jen Dalitz, CEO of Women in Banking and Finance is an internationally recognised thought leader for diversity and inclusion. Drawing from her ten years of experience on Boards in the financial services, agricultural and education sectors, Dalitz shared her thoughts on women in leadership and working in male-dominated industries. Her speech reinforced the need for further pragmatic action to achieve a gender-balanced economy.
Where is she now?
Dalitz joined the UNSW Business School Alumni Advisory Board Member in 2018, where she is involved in providing valuable input to new program development and student and alumni engagement.