Delegates came from associations, charities and social enterprise groups, representing the diversity of organisations that make up the sector, and making for interesting conversation and reflections upon a variety of experiences.

Interspersed with the chance to network over morning and afternoon tea and lunch, delegates heard presentations from Jo Swift, CEO of Kids Under Cover, Patrizia Torelli, Chair of OnSide Victoria, Carol Schwartz AM, Director of the Trawalla Foundation, and award-winning biographer Jacquie Kent.

The speakers focused on different aspects of leadership: Jo addressed leadership at times of organisational change, Patrizia spoke about supporting multicultural diversity and the role of women in different cultures, Carol spoke about the power of women in philanthropy and in the not-for-profit sector, and Jacquie reflected upon the insight she garnered on Australia’s new Prime Minister while writing her 2009 biography, The Making of Julia Gillard.

A panel session followed these presentations, with speakers joined by Jane Sloane, of the International Women’s Development Agency, and Felicity Shiel-Jones, of Professional Association Management Services.

During the panel, delegates were encouraged to make the most of the intimate setting by asking questions about speakers’ presentations, and reflecting on their own experiences as women in the workplace.

Discussions ranged from the importance of confidence, to the differences in the way in which women and men may view themselves after receiving feedback, to the difficulty of raising a family while pursuing a career.

The atmosphere generated during the panel session was one of sharing, recognition and encouragement of colleagues to reach the maximum potential that they could as leaders and as women.

The afternoon saw a workshop from Andrew Marty of SACS consulting, which focused on research regarding the qualities of a leader, on how to become a leader, and how to promote and encourage leadership from colleagues and employees in the workplace.

For more information

Third Sector would like to thank all delegates for attending and contributing, and particularly to the speakers for taking the time to share and discuss their experiences as leaders in the not-for-profit sector.
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