What does it take to be an inclusive leader?

What are the hallmarks of an ‘inclusive leader’? What benefits does an inclusive leadership style bring to the workplace of today? These and other important questions have been at the centre of a series of panel conversations we’ve been hosting around the country to mark the launch of my new book, Inclusionary Leadership: Wisdom from 18 Australian leaders on what it takes to create and support a diverse and inclusive workplace.

We have been overwhelmed by the generosity with which each of these leaders has shared their stories, experiences and insights in the book, and by the interest and passion brought to the discussions by panellists and audiences alike. From Sydney to Melbourne, Brisbane to Perth, we were encouraged by the high level of interest in an issue that affects everyone’s experience of the workplace.

At the Sydney launch hosted by Amanda Webb, we captured some of the highlights in a series of videos featuring panellists Dale Connor, Managing Director, Building Lendlease; Fiona de Jong, Former CEO, Australian Olympic Committee; Huss Mustafa OAM, General Manager, Multicultural Community Banking Australia CBA; Steve Vamos, Non-Executive Director, Telstra & Fletcher Building; and Mariam Veiszadeh, Senior Manager, Inclusion and Diversity Westpac Group. Amanda Webb also summarised her learnings from the panel discussions in an ‘A to Z’ of inclusive leadership.

One of the videos explores the intersectionality of gender and disability, something I also touch on in this article on the topic of intersectionality more broadly.

Finally, if you’re a senior female professional or entrepreneur, keen to hone your executive presence, expand your networks and elevate your leadership skills, I highly recommend and encourage you to register for our Emerging Executive Women Residential Program.

This is a ‘live in’ program over 3 days in Sydney at Q Station Manly from 29 to 31 May 2017, with an intimate group of smart and aspiring women. Lead by our General Manager, Amanda Webb, this will be an immersive experience that I guarantee will leave you feeling resourced and inspired to take the next step in your career journey, wherever your aspirations lie.