Women in Technology (WiT) has just opened applications for the 2020 Board Readiness program, which has been successfully turning out graduates for a decade.
WiT Co-President Joanna Field said that the Board Readiness program has empowered hundreds of women to advance their personal and professional skills and become board directors. “This innovative and unique program is effectively building the calibre of candidates available for board selection in Queensland and beyond. Women are also given the chance to showcase their recently acquired skills to some of Queensland’s highest profile organisations,” she said.
As well as one-on-one mentoring, practical workshops, and facts and knowledge about becoming a director, women of all ages are given personal guidance on how to market themselves and expert advice on positioning their executive profile. One of WiT’s many success stories is Faith Rees, the founder of SixPivot and Cloud Ctrl. Since completing the program in 2008 she has soared to great heights, including creating two startups, becoming a board member, working on various advisory committees and sharing her knowledge and expertise as a mentor. “I think it’s extremely important that women are encouraged to take on roles as board directors. I have sat on a couple of boards that have been male only, with the exception of myself, and the dynamic that I bring to the table changes the conversation, the language and the diversity of thought. It is critical that boards ensure they have a cross section of skills which includes different opinions and cultural understanding,” she said.
Although the percentage of women on ASX 200 boards hit 30% late last year, there are still seven boards in the ASX 200 without female directors. WiT’s Board Readiness program addresses this issue by giving women the confidence and skills to succeed in corporate Australia. If you are keen to apply for the WiT Board Readiness program, you can access the application form here.
