This site has become a recognised platform for women to elevate their voices and we take that influence very seriously.
Despite years of good work, Australia is still lagging behind when it comes to gender equality.
Latest estimates say it will take 117 years to achieve gender parity.
Economists say we can’t afford not to engage the talent of women.
So what’s the number one piece of advice we hear during our panel events?
DISCOVER A SPONSOR
Mentors are a tried and true part of business; but how many of us ever consider finding a sponsor?
Sponsors are someone who is in your corner. They can be male or female.
It is generally somebody you have reached out to, developed a good relationship with and will talk positively about you.
It usually follows an email introduction and a catch up.
It is critical to have people like this in your corner. There are no age barriers as those of us who re-invent after children need sponsors as well.
Many Engaging Women I’ve featured on this site do just that.
Square weave CEO Jacinta Carboon says,
“Sponsors are not something you can purchase, it’s something you can earn. Sponsors are vital for your life and career. What a sponsor means is somebody who is going to be talking positively about you, when you’re not in the room. A sponsor is somebody who respects what you do, whether you’re there or not. Those people are critical in your career and in your life.”
WHAT IS IN IT FOR THE SPONSORS?
It feels purposeful to advance other women.
Many of us are already sponsors, if you have actively advanced the career of a colleague, or even referred someone for a job or position, that’s a form of sponsorship.
Women are excellent at this as most of us are great networkers or collaborators.
Of course, you won’t put someone forward who isn’t capable or will reflect badly on you.
TALK TO THE PEOPLE THAT MATTER
Harvard Business Review published a leadership study and there was one measure that men scored more highly on which is very telling.
Their ability to develop strategies and communicate them to people that mattered.
Flex your strategic muscles and put yourself under the nose of those more senior than you or those with your dream job!
WHAT IF I’M NOT AN ENTREPRENEUR, BUSINESS WOMAN OR CORPORATE?
I’m still talking to you.
These are skills which can elevate your career in any situation. Many friends in the arts world, media, creatives, those in the emergency services, hospitality are facing similar problems.
As I said, at the start of this post equality is now a matter of financial sense. For us all!
Maybe now, the world will start to really listen…
Curious about our Engaging Voices platform. just tap.
Tap here for one way for you to find a platform in the social purpose field