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Nineteen participants in the Women’s Leadership Development Program (WLDP) were congratulated at a private function in Melbourne’s inner-north on Wednesday the 13th of November, after completing the three-phase course.
“I could not be more proud of the confidence and renewed outlook I have taken from the course and what I can become from here,” said Boom Logistics Business Manager (McKay), Rosie Watkins, who completed the program.
“I feel like the door is open and the opportunities are there and waiting, I just have to step through the door and explore them. I feel more confident about taking this step because of what I have learned during the program.”
The program includes a combination of in-person and virtual mentoring sessions and is designed to create an Australia-wide support and mentorship network to help women further establish and develop their leadership style in the industry.
The program covers topics including communication and negotiation skills, leadership, motivating employees, confidence and imposter syndrome, and leading high-performing teams.
CICA Chief Executive Officer, Brandon Hitch said about the program, “I have seen the impact the program has had on the women involved, and it is quite phenomenal. These are already very capable individuals and to see them embrace the program and take their levels of confidence to another level is inspirational. The program isn’t really about being a woman, it’s about gaining the confidence to be a leader, and for so many of the participants to come away with this message makes all the planning of course content worthwhile.”
Kreston Mahoney, Owner of JDM Services said the course has brought out another side of her and as a result she was keen to explore her passion for leadership which will help guide her staff and encourage them to grow in their roles.
Mudgee Cranes Manager Jessica Tuck-Lee added, “The program encourages more women in the industry to keep going and further their careers in management.”
Authenticity was a theme of the program and Intern Heavy Lift Engineer Jaeyoung Lee spoke to this topic.
“This course taught me about the traits that are important when becoming a good leader. These include being your authentic self and understanding that this is the starting point of being a good leader in the industry.”
Dr Gretchen Gagel facilitated the Australian program after experience running a similar one in the United States.
“We have this great Women’s Leadership Program in the Pipeline Industry and my challenge was how to replicate this in the crane industry and other industries after that. I am currently tackling construction, promoting women, and helping them thrive,” she said.
“One of the most important things is that when we come together, we can share our experiences in a way that helps people understand that they are not the only ones facing challenges, and we can really strategise about how to build a more inclusive industry,” said Dr Gagel.
Dr Gagel also acknowledged the shift in the demographics at a construction event: “It is not a normal occurrence for the construction industry that we have more women than men in attendance; it makes women feel they belong in the industry.”
Enrolments for Cohort 2 are now open, go to www.cica.com.au/wldp.