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Australian of the Year | Is THIS the year for women and equality? | My professional Bucket for 2018

Happy New Year! I hope you have made the most of our Aussie summer and beaches, and enjoyed relaxing and fun times with family and friends. I certainly have!

For me, the new work year doesn’t fully kick in until the kids are back at school, so I am only days away from being back to top gear!

I am writing this to you on Australia Day, a day I have very mixed emotions about. As an equality and inclusion practitioner, it’s hard to embrace this day, however, I am a proud Aussie, so today I choose to focus on the positive. Last night, Quantum physicist, Professor Michelle Yvonne Simmons  was announced as our Australian of the Year. Michelle’s incredible advancements computer technology on a global scale. She is also revered as an awesome leader, role model, mentor and sponsor for women in technology and science. What a start to the year for women in Australia.

It makes me ask, could the tide really be turning? Was Oprah right? Is that NEW DAY finally dawning?

As an advocate for equality, a woman and an optimist, I feel that 2018 is shaping up to be a good year – great even! I do feel like the ‘tide is turning’, and that is a great thing for all of us, and humanity.

On the professional front, there are some very cool events, programs and adventures that are taking place throughout the year, and I thought I would share my ‘Top 5’. This is what I have signed up for and can’t wait to attend in 2018.

  1. International Women’s Day Business Chicks Lunch– Friday 9 March

It’s a pivotal time for women, but we mustn’t be complacent. Now is the time to #pressforprogress – the theme for International Women’s Day in 2018.

Business Chicks are bringing together three phenomenal Australian women – Tracey Spicer, Clementine Ford and Amna Karra Hassan to share what Press for Progress means to them. An event not to be missed! https://businesschicks.com/sydney-international-womens-day/

  1. Emerging Executive Women’s Residential Program– 26 to 28 March

Each year I get to facilitate Xplore’s premium women’s program. It’s an honour and a joy. The women who attend are inspirational and the learning immense. If you want to kick start your year, and advance your career, here’s a great way to do just that! http://www.xplore.net.au/emerging-executive-women/

  1. 2018 Global Summit of Women being hosted in Sydney – 26 to 28 April

How lucky are we that Sydney was chosen to host the annual Global Summit of Women, in a year that is going to be so pivotal for gender equality! The 2018 Summit is expected to attract more than 1,000 leaders across private and public sectors from 80 countries, and inject over $2 million into the New South Wales (NSW) economy. Time to book yourself for an international event, happening right here, at home in Sydney. http://www.globewomen.org/globalsummit/

  1. TEDxSydney 2018– 15 June

This year’s theme – HumanKind – calls to me, and I can’t wait for the speaker lineup to be revealed over the coming months. Now that the TEDxSydney is hosted at the new International Convention Centre, Darling Harbour, they have room for plenty! Registrations now open: https://tedxsydney.com/

  1. Purpose and Passion’ Field Trip, Siem Reap – 11 to 17 November

Each year, the team at Xplore, get beside a charity and host a Cultural Field trip abroad. This year we are off to Siem Reap. This exclusive trip has been specially curated as an ethical, socially responsible adventure where we will visit a number of carefully selected NGOs and social enterprises working in the areas of education, women, marginalised youth, employment and environmental sustainability. We only take 8 travellers, and this really is an amazing opportunity and adventure. I am delighted to be hosting this year’s trip. Want to join us? You can register now! http://www.xplore.net.au/purpose-and-passion-field-trip-siem-reap-cambodia-2018/

I hope I’ve piqued your interest with one of these events, and if so, shall see you there!

Wishing you all the best for an extraordinary 2018!

Warm wishes

Amanda

Amanda Webb

Amanda Webb is a highly experienced and respected Human Resources practitioner and CEO of Xplore.
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