October 2024 Newsletter

What have you enjoyed about the Women of the West events? 

I’ve enjoyed the sense of community and empowerment at the Women of the West events. It’s incredibly inspiring to be surrounded by so many passionate and driven professionals, both women and men, who are making significant impacts in their respective fields. The networking opportunities and the chance to hear from a diverse range of speakers have been immensely enriching. Special kudos to Keryn Drew, whose dedication and passion for organising these events are evident. She brings together her extensive network to create something truly special, often challenging our thought processes and encouraging us to think differently.

What has been your favourite topic to date?

My favourite topic to date was 10 Seconds of Courage by Nadine Champion. The insights shared by the Nadine on navigating uncertainty and leading with resilience were particularly relevant and motivating. Her message about finding the courage to take bold steps, even in the face of fear, resonated deeply with me. It was a powerful call to action, challenging her audience to “change their thinking” in order to succeed. This session provided practical strategies that I could apply in my own professional journey and inspired me to push beyond my comfort zone and never give up.

Share your biggest achievement either professional or personal in the last 12 months.

My biggest achievement? Personally, hands down, it was my first trip to the UK and France. Imagine me, a nervous flyer, tackling a 22-hour plane journey! For those who know me, this was a monumental feat due to my fear of flying and being couped up in a tin can for 22 hours. My two daughters were my biggest motivators—I didn’t want them to think it’s okay to be afraid without facing that fear head-on. So, there I was, managing my anxiety like a pro (well, mostly). There were definitely moments of “get me out of here,” but I powered through. My Sony noise-cancelling headphones were lifesavers, drowning out the engine noise with my favourite relaxing podcasts. By the end of it, I felt like I could conquer the world—or at least another long-haul flight! 🌍✈️🎧

What are your goals for the year ahead?

Oh, it’s going to be a thrilling ride! As we gear up for the go-live date of our new Dayforce system in 2025, my main goal is to ensure everything goes off without a hitch. The biggest task on our plate right now? Change management! We need a rock-solid plan to handle any resistance and get everyone on board with excitement and enthusiasm. The lead-up to go-live will be a whirlwind of activity, with tons of information and employee data to feed into the new system. It’s going to be busy, but also incredibly exciting. There will definitely be some butterflies in our stomachs, but that’s all part of the adventure, right? For the team, it’s all about imagining the moment when we finally flip the switch—there will be a mix of nervous excitement and anticipation. But once we cross that finish line, the sense of relief and celebration will be immense. After all, we’ve been working hard for a couple of years to make this project a reality, and it’s almost time to reap the rewards! 

So, for the year ahead, my goal is to buckle up and enjoy the ride. That finish line is in sight, and the journey there is going to be one for the books!

What is one topic/theme you would like to see covered in upcoming events?

I would like to see a couple of topics such as “Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Change” and “Conflict Resolution” > approaches to handle disagreements constructively and maintain a positive team environment.

EVENT WRAP-UP: A Sip of Perspective – The Impact of Alcohol on Performance with Lauren Lakin from Smug AF

In September, we hosted an eye-opening session, "A Sip of Perspective - The Impact of Alcohol on Performance", featuring Loz from Smug AF Cocktails. The event was a fantastic opportunity to delve into the often-overlooked connection between alcohol consumption and its effects on our physical and mental performance.

Loz shared valuable insights into how even small changes in drinking habits can make a significant difference in energy levels, productivity, and overall well-being. She encouraged us to rethink the role of alcohol in our lives, offering practical tips for those looking to reduce or eliminate their intake. The discussion was both engaging and thought-provoking, sparking conversations about balance, lifestyle choices, and how we can support each other in making positive changes.

We also partnered with a wonderful charity – the Parramatta Women’s Shelter and were joined by two of their board members who shared some of the incredible work the shelter is doing. It was heartwarming to know we were able to contribute to such a wonderful cause while having a great afternoon.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the event! It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and meet new members of our community. Stay tuned for photos capturing some of the best moments from the day!

Our lucky door prize was announced on our socials! If you missed it, you could catch it here.

Congratulations to the lucky winner, Flo from Veolia. We hope you enjoy your goodies! And also a big congrats to Flo for just last week taking out the 2024 Credit Professional of the Year National award at the AICM conference.

Looking Ahead

Our September event was our last live event for the year. Stay tuned to our LinkedIn Group for updates regarding events early next year. If you have any requests for topics or speakers for future events, please reach out to me.

Keryn Drew
Associate Director

Tune into our socials and join our Women of the West LinkedIn group to stay up to date with the latest news and announcements!