TAKEAWAYS WITH MEL
2020 is the year of ‘virtual’ everything, so why not women inspiring women online? The Women of Influence Speaker Series is online at a couch near you this year, so I thought I’d join the lunchtime sesh to see what it’s all about.
Here’s my top takeaways, all over a spot of takeaway. Enjoy.
SESSION 3: WEDNESDAY 26 AUGUST
What’s on the menu?
Jennifer Ward-Lealand – Performing arts veteran
Marie Dyhrberg – Justice advocate
Charlotte Lockhart – Flexible working advocate
Naila Hassan – NZ Police Superintendent
Paula Penfold – The host
Chicken taco bowl (no rice) – Mexicali Fresh
Top takeaway: Accept yourself, others and all the differences in between.
Remarkably, Naila kept quiet about her Muslim faith for the first 20 years of her career. Post the Christchurch attack, she’s committed to demonstrating vulnerability as a strength – start bringing that humanity to work.
Marie has always backed herself. Since discovering a love of law films in high school, she’s followed her passion, done things her way, and in doing so, ‘never worked a day in her life’.
On the other side, Charlotte says work is part of life, not your whole life. Our daily routines are engineered around our work day, but WFH gives us that time back.
Jennifer introduced us to the job title ‘Intimacy Coordinator’. Much like a Stunt Coordinator, they stick to guidelines to ensure ‘those scenes’ are both safe and professional so every actor, male or female, feels comfortable.
On a journey to flexible working, Charlotte says kindness is so important. We need to start accepting people’s lives and the impact they have on work – whether that’s children, pets or a partner walking through the background of your Zoom call.
What’s that saying – ‘Horses for courses’? Nice to see some different perspectives come together with empathy being the binder. If you want to watch any of the sessions back, they’re available on demand.
SESSION 2: Thursday 20 August
What’s on the menu?
Rachel Petero – Business coach
Stacey Morrison – Much loved NZ presenter
Annika Andresen – Millennial environmentalist
Carol Hirschfeld – The host
Sheik salad, lamb – Fatima’s
Top takeaway: Look for the silver lining in every challenge.
From the first lockdown to the second, Rachel found that many businesses who went online were seeing the fruits of their labour.
After a gnarly surfing set back between lockdowns, Annika had to learn the art of slowing down and stop spreading herself too thin.
The most recent job loss stats report that 90% were women. Stacey reflects on this, saying it’s important that we define ourselves beyond work. Start by asking yourself:
What can I participate in no matter what?
What do I need to be happy?
Who am I?
What can I do to feed that woman?
Did you know about ocean blindness? It’s where we forget the impact of pollution on the sea because it’s out of sight, out of mind. Annika touched on the positive impact of our recent behaviour as the animals began to re-emerge.
Lastly, I quite liked Rachel’s reluctance to use the word ‘busy’, instead she chooses to flip to the benefit by saying ‘productive’ or ‘taking inspired action’.
Well if your glass isn’t half full by now then you might want to grab your nearest mask. For more insights and inspo catch the last session next week.
SESSION 1: Thursday 6 August
What’s on the menu?
Kathryn Wilson – Designer of shoes
Anjum Rahman – Muslim women’s rights campaigner
Beatrice Faumuinā – Champion of the discus
Ali Mau - The host
The classic chicken burger - Burger Burger
Top takeaway: You never achieve anything alone.
Kathryn’s business journey through COVID-19 was made easier by pulling on experts. Taking advice and asking for help will allow you to plan, pivot and move forward faster.
Everyone is learning together. Beatrice recognised that as a nation we’re talking more, reaching out to see how we can help each other – and this should continue.
Anjum spoke of community and collaboration as being critical to combating hate. By sharing stories we’ll deepen our understanding of each other and ultimately be more accepting.
On the topic of integrity in professional sport, Beatrice said it’s important to create an environment to have your say, Anjum adding “when someone comes forward, stand alongside them.”
When asked how men can support women there was an overwhelming consensus to say – don’t put yourself forward, instead, back a woman for the role.
Three mentions of ‘pivot’ and a couple of ‘unprecedented’, if you catch Session 2, be sure to print off Back To Work Bingo and see how many you get.