Stories are powerful. The wisdom of words from a loved one, a peer, a figure-head or even a stranger can have an impact on a person’s life.

On August 1st 2014, the AGSM Women in Leadership Club hosted its first panel
event titled “Personal War Stories.” The esteemed panel consisted of:
* Kate Carnell AO, CEO of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry;
* Bronwyn Evans, CEO Standards Australia;
* Nigel Andrade, Partner at A.T. Kearney; and,
* Jennifer Dalitz, Gender Diversity Expert and CEO of Sphinxx.

Below are some anecdotes from their exchange of personal stories.

CAREER AND LIFE ISN’T ALWAYS A STEPLADDER UP
Kate | Sometimes, things might not go well. Unfortunately, these can even
happen publicly. Just move on and take a step away. Change direction and go on.
Don’t be bitter. Career and life isn’t always a stepladder up. Sometimes it can
take a step sideways or even down. What’s important is to keep focused
on your goal.

DON’T THINK YOU CAN DO EVERYTHING YOURSELF
Kate | Don’t think you can do everything yourself. You are not superman.
Figure out what you are going to do, and what you’re not.
What is your non-negotiable? If it’s time you spend with your family then
determine what that is and let your co-workers know so they
understand.

UNCONSCIOUS IGNORANCE
Nigel | People sometimes suffer from unconscious ignorance. They don’t mean to offend; they just don’t realize that they are. People don’t realize when they’re applying biases and prejudice. It’s up to you to let them know.

WE’RE NOT HEARING ENOUGH ABOUT THE LACK OF DIVERSITY
Nigel | Work has shifted into the knowledge economy. Clients are women, therefore it’s beneficial to have women on the team. We’re not hearing enough about the lack of diversity. At the very least, people are noticing. We’re starting to have the conversation.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Kate | If you want to create an environment that is comfortable for home-makers, you have to lead by example. Do it yourself so that they understand that you truly mean to create an environment that is flexible for them.

KNOW WHAT YOUR PEOPLE NEED AND BE FLEXIBLE TO CHANGE
Jen | Not everyone is comfortable with the idea of flexible work schedule even though they say so. Sometimes, there is a career penalty. Management decisions have to be more aware of this and should be more conscious of being gender balanced.

IT’S OKAY TO SAY “I DON’T KNOW”
Bronwyn | Give yourself a break. You won’t get it right every time. It’s okay to say “I don’t know”. Ask people to articulate their ideas to give yourself a better understanding of what they’re trying to say.

SEARCH FOR DISCOMFORT IN THE WORKPLACE
Nigel | Don’t seek comfort. Who you work with, tasks you take. Search for discomfort in the workplace. If things are easy, you’re doing it wrong. Learn to negotiate. Hire people unlike you to create something special.

BE AWARE OF YOUR IMPACT ON PEOPLE
Bronwyn | Be aware of your impact on people. There are different ways of approach for different people.

NOT EVERYONE IS GOING TO LIKE YOU
Jen | Focus on people and relationships early on. Not everyone is going to like you. Learn what kind of relationships you want to develop and focus on that.

- Kirsten Brito
(President AGSM Women in Leadership)