Why not immerse yourself in new ways of thinking that challenge your current mindset to create competitive advantage? Join us this November for our New York Study Tour, focused on your learning and development on business Innovation and personal leadership.

Digital Women’s Network have teamed up with the World Business Forum and Carmen Sederino and Tony McGinn OAM for a Five Day Study Tour from November 18th to 22nd 2019, where you will align your business and career ambitions through our exclusive pre- and post-conference Business Masterclasses. Most Importantly, we’re curating an experience that is specifically focused on YOU, your business and your personal goals. This is a fully immersive experience in this dynamic city which will help you take your Business and personal development to the next level!

Find out more contact us hello@digitalwomensnetwork.com

https://newyorkstudytour.com

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Rebecca’s bio

• Rebecca Bradshaw – Culture expert & systems leader https://www.linkedin.com/in/bekbradshaw/
• Rebecca is passionate about people and cultural framework. The founding principal of her own business for over 10 years, Rebecca is an expert at working with individuals and leadership teams to build an organisational culture based on common values.
• Rebecca’s formula for success involves being clear about personal and organisation core values and understanding what they look like in action.
• Rebecca works with organisations that place the highest priority on their culture and works to design systems which generate positive results for internal stakeholders and customers.

Bek, I often see companies looking for more women in their workforce, board or c level, either to drive innovation or just tick a box. What is your experience with this? I’m over woman being put on boards and given no training or development nor having a say, how do you think this can be changed?

• I’m lucky that the women in leadership positions I work with have really earned their positions.  The women who are driving innovation rather than ticking a box usually have one thing in common, a mentor. They take responsibility for their own personal and professional development. I think this is key for all leaders, a mentor can help us overcome the insecurities, like imposter syndrome we may experience when faced with leadership opportunities.

  
  Company culture how is it forged? How can it be influenced or change?
  

• I talk about culture at its simplest as the ways you and your team do things differently to everyone else. It’s the stories you have, the beliefs and values that filter across the teams, its’ the decisions people make and the behaviours you are willing to tolerate.
• Changing culture is hard because changing people is hard. Its even harder if people are comfortable with the culture they have.
• Organisations often revisit and document their values to revamp an old culture. The key isn’t coming up with new words that fit nicely into an acronym like CARE or INVEST, it’s about asking people what will we tolerate and what won’t we? It’s not pretty and it takes time but its effective.

Who have you seen championing cultural change to empower more people in the workforce?

• I’m currently reading the wonderful book Emergent by Stephen Scott Johnson. This book is about empowering people as part of change. My favourite quote from the book is when Stephen talks about Dying organisations where people have change “done to them”.
• It’s unfortunate but it’s not uncommon for the Leadership team to develop the new organisation values as part of a leadership retreat. Having a white middle class executive define the behaviours of integrity can wield very different results when you ask a single parent holding down three part time jobs.

 What builds confidence in the workplace?

• I will give you an example. When I was a trainee nurse we had to scrub for surgeons as part of our training and we had to do a certain number of hours practice. One day the Nursing Manager asked an orthopaedic surgeon if I could scrub. He had a meltdown and refused. The second orthopaedic surgeon was delighted to assist, he was engaged and patient throughout the nine-hour operation.
• The difference between these two surgeons was simply knowledge. One surgeon was an expert in his field, he was respected and decisive and his outcomes were highly sought after. The second surgeon was not an expert, he was not considered knowledgeable in his field and in turn he was not confident.
• Knowledge gives you a superpower, not only to be right, but to be wrong with grace.

How do you build up your own confidence?

• I think having a growth mindset is important. You have to believe that you can continually learn and therefore improve. It also gives you the drive to test things that may potentially fail. When you do this repeatedly and the world doesn’t end it gives you the confidence to keep trying.
• Being knowledgeable and having a growth mindset are key to building confidence.

Improving self-esteem requires a bit of work, as it involves developing and maintaining healthy emotional habits, but doing so, and especially doing so correctly, will provide a great emotional and psychological return on your investment. What are some of the ways we can improve and nourish our self-esteem in leadership when we are feeling low?

• Well we have touched earlier on having the right supports around you such as a mentor but its more than that. You must set up your environment for success.
• There are a number of ways you can do this, but you can’t go past the advice in the wonderful book Its Who You Know by Janine Garner. She explains that you need to develop a strong network. There are 12 key people in your network and these are the relationships that will sustain you when our own self esteem takes a beating.
  

How can having the right systems in place allow leaders to thrive?

• A system is basically a way of understanding a process, a way of doing a set of tasks in a particular order.
• A good system allows those tasks to become habits so that they become a part of the culture of the organisation, as we said earlier they become the way you do things differently to other organisations.
• Leaders who develop sound systems will provide clear instruction to teams meaning that people understand and embrace their responsibilities and accountabilities. Leaders with the right systems feel safer knowing that risks are being managed.
• This allows leaders to have more space in their head and in their day to focus on the things that are important for their position, whether that’s growth, sustainability, cultural change….
• Effective systems at work are extensions of the good morning habits of leaders.

Thank you Bek, really insightful. Looking forward to seeing you soon,

Many thanks,

Angela Mellak MCIM

Judge for Anthills 2018 Top 100 Innovative Companies

Ranking Top10 LinkedIn influencer 2017

Director and Strategist – Digital White Space

Co-founder – Digital Womens Network

Level 3, 530 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000

M: +61(0)466 619 631

E: angela@digitalwhitespace.com.au 

https://digitalwhitespace.com.au

https://www.digitalwomensnetwork.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamellak/

“Your smile is your logo, your personality your business card and how you leave people feeling after they dealt with you becomes your trademark”.. Angela Mellak

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https://digitalwomensnetwork.com/galleries/

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We have grown exponentially to well over 22000 members over the year and we need your help to support our continuing growth and the exciting partners of the Digital Women’s Network to Australian College of Marketing and many more.

What you get when becoming one of our committee members:

• Grow your network exponentially – online and offline
• Work with a fun team of experts in Marketing, Sales, and Media
• Gain new skills around event management to digital marketing
• Support from our Board members: Reese Masita, Bernadette Cullen, Kelly Dang,  Jade Tian,  Carmen Sederino,  Insiya Challawala,  Angela Mellak MCIM  

Roles available:

– Secretary
– Blogger
– Sponsorship manager
– Promotions
– Event manager
– Support team members

How to apply

If you are interested in hearing more and would like to join the team, please follow the link below to apply for open positions.

https://kellydang1.typeform.com/to/hbt0DJ

Application closes on the 01.03.2018

Roles descriptions:

The post Join us behind the scene we are looking for someone like you! appeared first on Women's Networking Events - Melbourne.

There’s a new collaboration in Australia and it’s all about helping women catapult their digital skills and futureproof their careers.

The Australian College of Marketing is collaborating with the Digital Women’s Network to offer new short courses aimed to provide the latest skills across all aspects of the digital landscape.

Kicking off next year in Melbourne and Sydney, the one-day courses will provide practical training ready for immediate implementation, such as digital planning and strategy skills and how to use analytical tools.

Emma Blackburn, principal at The Australian College of Marketing, comments, “We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Digital Women’s Network to help young women differentiate themselves in the ever-evolving marketing industry, and take control of their own careers.”

“The digital marketing skillsets on offer are highly transferrable and will open doors to new career opportunities and experiences for participants both in Australia and globally.”

The price per participant will be $495 per day, and spaces will be limited to 20 to ensure tailored approaches to each participants’ needs.

All courses will aim to help participants accelerate their career, while developing the most in-demand digital skills of today’s and tomorrow’s employers.

Starting from February 17, 2018, the courses will take place on Saturdays, every two months in Melbourne and Sydney.

Created by women for women, the Digital Women’s Network was founded in 2016 and now includes over 25,000 members.

The post New collaboration focuses on getting more women in tech : IT Brief appeared first on Women's Networking Events - Melbourne.

DWN will now be offering new digital marketing short courses, with industry experts and the educational strengths and expertise of one of the most esteemed Digital Marketing Colleges in Australia. The courses will kick off in Melbourne and Sydney early next year.

Course content will focus around various topics related to the digital marketing landscape. All courses will run for one day and provide practical takeaways ready for immediate implementation, such as a capabilities related to digital planning and strategy and use of analytical tools. The courses also provide materials for students to use ongoing, enabling them to continue to apply and expand their knowledge throughout their careers.

The price per participant will be $495 per day, inclusive of breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Each participant will be supported and encouraged to participate by bringing practical business examples to discuss and learn from. Spaces will be limited to 20 to ensure tailored approaches to each participants’ needs. All courses will aim to help participants accelerate their career, while developing the most in-demand digital skills of today’s and tomorrow’s employers.

Emma Blackburn, Principal at The Australian College of Marketing, commented, “We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Digital Women’s Network to help young women differentiate themselves in the ever evolving marketing industry, and take control of their own careers. The digital marketing skillsets on offer are highly transferrable and will open doors to new career opportunities and experiences for participants both in Australia and globally.”

Starting from February 17, 2018, the courses will take place on Saturdays, every two months in Melbourne and Sydney. Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite or our website 

Read the Press Release about the collaboration published in Campaign Brief :

http://www.campaignbrief.com/2017/10/digital-womens-network-austral.html

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others.”

The post We’re thrilled to announce our collaboration with the Australian College of Marketing! appeared first on Women's Networking Events - Melbourne.

I am delighted to interview Peggy Renders this month in the lead up to our next event “Finding a balance, September 13, 2017 in Melbourne

Peggy is an executive leader in the digital space, where she focused on business transformation and growth. Passionate about building high performing teams and mentoring women and ensuring a diverse workforce is used to get to better results.

Peggy, can you please tell me what is a conscious leader?

A conscious leader is focused not just on profits and goals, but focuses on the 3 P’s: People, Profit and the Planet. A conscious leader believes that you can only really succeed, at your highest levels, by helping others and society as well. Conscious leaders are clear on their purpose.

The 3 things conscious leaders focus on are:

1. Vision – Conscious leaders develop a big vision on what’s possible and turn that into a powerful purpose to drive the business.
2. Engagement and creating fellowship – Conscious leaders communicate the vision very clearly in such a way that others want to become part of it.
3. Execution – Once the stakeholders are engaged and “on fire”, conscious leaders become laser-focused on execution the priorities that will get them, the team, the business and customers to results.

Conscious leaders are aware of the interconnectedness of all life. They apply both a personal and spiritual aspect which allows them to connect with people at a much deeper core level.

What made you follow a path into conscious leadership?

My path to conscious leadership has started with the discovery of self. Realising that my thoughts are not who I am and that I am completely free to come up with new beliefs and thoughts that serve me. Part of mastering self-has brought me back to the core of who I am and the impact of previous generations. Finally, it has connected me with people around me and how everything in life is connected and how the universe is listening and providing me with everything I could ever dream of.

Discovering my true purpose has also made me realise how powerful this is in business. I am who I am, whether that’s at work, with my children, with my friends, as a daughter. Being me allows me to be free and connect with others at a deeper level and bring out the best in them. I thrive on lighting other people’s candle and seeing them shine. Combining that with pragmatic results focused leadership style is very powerful and comes naturally to me.

What trends are you aware of in business today that alarm you?

Couple of trends:

• There is a lot of focus on cost reduction and optimisation. Although required, you can take this too far and create a culture of fear which doesn’t bring out the best in people. I manage this by communicating clearly the conditions we are operating in and providing clear insights to all stakeholders in future plans. Also, it’s important for people to feel they belong which gives them a feeling of safety and a good basis for them to step up and do more.
• Digitisation. It’s everywhere, all business are being disrupted. I think it’s providing great opportunities for a new leadership style. You need leaders who are OK to show vulnerabilities and are able to create a climate where it is OK to fail. Old school management doesn’t work anymore.
• When your business is being disrupted, you need creativity to come up with new business processes and business models to survive. You need this from all stakeholders in the organisation so providing them with a feeling of belonging and safe haven, and giving them permission to experiment can give you the new ideas to get a competitive advantage. This ultimately comes back to challenging your own beliefs, about yourself, others, your business, your customers …

What are the things you have introduced in across SAP that help people? 

• Open and honest communication across teams: coffee corners for example in every capital city to have a “open” conversation.
• Offsite, where we focus on leading self and having coaches/inspirational speakers
• Permission to bring your whole self to work by doing it myself. Eg dress code, I am just me and dress what I feel like.
• Launch of innovation centers in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane (to come)
• Buddy them up program – providing everyone a buddy, like an online dating app, linking people up based on interests and what they are looking for in a ‘buddy’ relationship
• There are probably more… just some of the recent ones above

What are you most passionate about in changing Women’s well-being?

I’m most passionate for women to just be who they are. I realised that early on in my career, definitely in Australia, I have copied male behaviors to make progress in my career. This goes to the detriment of yourself as you are not true to yourself.

It’s OK to be you and leverage your unique strengths. For example, I’ve become a much better leader since I’m a mother and tapping a lot more into my nurturing skills, at work. As a parent, you want to give your kids all the opportunities in life, discipline them when needed, make them feel safe to explore and try new things, and hope they will have do better than yourself.

Ultimately, that’s the same you want for the people you lead and around you. I can only bring that into my leadership style by bringing my whole self to work.

Join us Next week September 13th 2017 to meet Peggy and learn more about her tips on helping you to find a balance and how she mentors women in the tech space.

Limited tickets remain https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/find-a-balance-and-improve-well-being-with-digital-womens-network-tickets-35401306260

Looking forward to seeing you there,

Cheers, Angela Mellak CIM

Director and Strategist of Digital White Space

Co-founder of Digital Womens Network

Level 2, 287 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000

M: +61(0)466 619 631

E: angela@digitalwhitespace.com.au

https://digitalwhitespace.com.au

L: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/angela-mellak/15/931/922

“Your smile is your logo, your personality your business card and how you leave people feeling after they dealt with you becomes your trademark”.. Angela Mellak

https://www.linkedin.com/post/edit/6310784145794703360

The post A conscious leader and a passionate go getter! Peggy Renders appeared first on Women's Networking Events - Melbourne.

How did this all begin? What was your first goal with mi goals?

Looking back and connecting the dots the story of Mi Goals really began when I was 16. That was the first time I set a goal and got inspired by the idea that I could actually make a difference in the world and turn my dreams into reality.

The light bulb moment came roughly 10 years later as I realized writing my goals on scrap pieces of paper wasn’t really inspiring or practical as I would either lose that piece of paper or not refer back to it which defeated the whole idea of writing your goals down and regularly referring back to them.

The first goal I set was to sell 100 Goals diaries I ended up printing 800 units in the first year and sold out of them in 4 months.

Where do you get your amazing quotes from?

We look for them everywhere, the process itself is really just about picking quotes that evoke an emotion in us and that are relatable to the journey of setting and achieving your goals.

We are all in the world of technology, yet you’re growing? What’s your secret?

The secret is that as powerful as technology is, it still doesn’t compare to that feeling of putting pen to paper. I like to compare it to book industry and what happened when Ereaders came into the market a few years back and there was this whole perception that physical books would no longer be around in a few years.

Year’s later physical books are still outselling ebooks and there is a revival among the young consumer for the physical book. Why? Because having a physical and tangible product in your hand is more powerful then having something on a screen.

What trends are you seeing?

In terms of the trends in our line of business we are seeing the emergence of a hybrid user. Meaning people are using both technology products and physical notebooks to stay inspired and organize their life.

Who did you first make your goals book for and why?

I made it for myself, to help me achieve my own goals. I have always been a dreamer and had so many ideas yet would get overwhelmed with choice and information and not really know what to do or what idea to work on. As a result the idea of the goals book was to really help me focus on what was important in my life and to help me do the things that I was passionate about.

What’s your long term vision?

The long-term vision and ultimate goal for Mi Goals is to become the leading personal development brand in the world creating beautiful products and tools that inspire and empower people to achieve their goals. Think of what Nike did for the sports industry it not only created beautiful products but also created a consumer movement and community of people committing to their health and fitness goals.

Do you have anything you would like to share?

We are launching a Kickstarter campaign in early September where will launch our new Goal digger planner 2018. We would love all the support we can get and you can find out more on our website www.migoals.com

About Adam Jelic

Adam Jelic is the founder of lifestyle stationery brand Mi Goals.  Adam started noticing the positive effects of writing down his goals at the age of sixteen when he had the aspirations of becoming a professional soccer player. Little did he know 10 years later the dots would connect and his passion for personal development and design would see him create an all in one goal setting diary that was sophisticated, well- structured and would help keep him keep motivated as he progressed through his professional and personal goals.

In 2010 Mi Goals was born and since then the products have expanded to; Notebooks, Journals, Goals Books and Bucket List Books and have been used by hundreds of thousands of people around the world to dream, plan and take action on the life they want to live. Currently Mi Goals products can be found in over 200 retail locations around the world and the goal is to continue the expansion and turn Mi Goals into a leading lifestyle brand within the next 5 years.

I invite you to come and meet Adam who is regularly at our monthly events! For some lucky participants, you may find one of his products in our goodie bags or door prizes. Also for Digital Women’s Network Members, we have a unique code that gives us access to discounts and special offers for migoals, for more information head to our website https://digitalwomensnetwork.com

Many thanks,

Angela Mellak CIM

Director and Strategist of Digital White Space

Co-Founder Digital Women’s Network

2, 287 Collins Street Melbourne 3000

M: +61(0)466 619 631

E: angela@digitalwhitespace.com.au

W: http://www.digitalwhitespace.com.au

“Your smile is your logo, your personality your business card and how you leave people feeling after they dealt with you becomes your trademark”.. Angela Mellak

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Have you ever wanted to do something but a fear was holding you back? More often than we know, the fear of failure has resisted us from doing something or moving forward.

According to many studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking, and so was mine. The idea of public speaking made me feel nervous, I instantly developed butterflies in the stomach, sweaty palms crippled by the fear of saying the wrong thing and being embarrassed. Worst of all I was worried being judged, looking silly and all of this made me an anxious wreck! In short, I lacked the strategic know how and confidence.

And this was not only a personal challenge. At work I would be called to speak in meetings, present ideas and work to my peers and sometimes pitch clients as an ongoing part of my role. It was both, a personal and professional struggle.

This year, driven by my own ambition to be a better speaker, build my confidence, self-improve and combat my fears I have followed these steps with exciting results.

Step 1 – Push Yourself

I made the decision that I needed to learn to get comfortable with being uncomfortable! Great things don’t come easy and that I needed to push myself out of my comfort zone. Meet new people, try new things, take up courses to combat my fear! So I found a Network to join and became a board member of the Digital Women’s Network

Step 2 – Stack your “tool box”

I know that I wanted to combat this fear but I needed to learn a few techniques and tips in order to overcome my public speaking fear.  

I had the fortunate opportunity to attend the training event “Presenting with confidence” by Sandy McDonald in April this year hosted by the Digital Women’s Network.  The training was an 8 hour course where I learnt the art of storytelling by utilising personal stories and the concept of “story collection” with 14 other women. It was a safe and inviting atmosphere where every single woman who was in the room helped and supported each other.  Sandy is so kind and personally invested with every single attendee’s growth and development of confidence.  

Later this year the Digital Women’s Network will be running other training courses on “Pitch and engage” and “Present with Panache” these extraordinary people -Jon Yeo and Sandy McDonald will be passing their techniques, strategies and skills of public speaking wisdom.

Step 3 – Be Kind to Yourself

I’ve learnt through my new found skills and Network to Stop listening to the “voice of doubt” in my head that is telling me that you can’t do it. I know this is easier said than done but it really has helped to set me free!

A trick that helps me is to change the narrative and instead of thinking in a negative sense, say it as though you are talking to your best friend or loved one. I’ve also taken stock daily of the things I’ve done that have made me proud of how far I’ve come.

Step 4 – Practice!

This is an obvious tip but it can be overlooked the most. Use the mirror, video record yourself, get a friend to help. Stop trying to create a “perfect” presentation instead give it a go. Memorise the story tell it over and over spend time focused on engaging with others to deliver the content.

This is a key component of Sandy’s training course as a large portion of the day is learning on how to present with clarity and practicing in front of the group.

Keep pushing yourself!

If you truly want to learn how to improve your public speaking skills and develop your confidence, I highly recommend that you attend the next training event! The training has helped me professionally and has been recognised by my senior management team and to really put my new found skills to the test I signed up to an animator open mic comedy night!

Yes just a few short months after gaining my new strategies and skills I completed my childhood dream of doing stand-up comedy to over 100 people in July!

I got many claps and was so ecstatic to achieve my goal!

If you have any questions, please reach out to me here at Digital Women’s Network via hello@digitalwomensnetwork.com

Cheers,

Bernadette

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We are thrilled to host Jon August 16th and his full day boot camp to teach people how to ‘Pitch and Engage”

Jon, please tell me, how did you first find out about the events?

I don’t exactly remember but it came into my inbox in around 2005. It was Jill Bolte-Taylor’s “My stroke of insight” which is still one of the most watched videos

How has it shaped your life and career?

The connections and community are extraordinary, abundant in optimism and support.

I’ve made amazing friends from all over the world. At a more professional level, learning to engage the talent of 38 volunteers has improved my leadership and management skills significantly.

I’ve also learnt that great things can’t be achieved alone. Knowing when to lead and when to follow is critical. If it wasn’t for the events I wouldn’t be where I am now in almost every facet of my life. I wouldn’t have the opportunities, connections and lessons from working with great people.

What was the first talk that moved you?

Once you are in, it just keeps moving you!

How long has it been running? How long has your chapter been going?

Started in 1984. The website didn’t start until Youtube became a possibility in 2005 and I was one of the first in the world to run one at launch in 2009.

How do you define success?

The progressive realisation of a worthy ideal. I borrowed if from Earl Nightingale

What is your Vision to the world?

To empower people to reach their full potential and encourage them to do the same

What drives you to keep running Melbourne Events?

The energy, excitement and passion for a single cause. Ideas worth spreading

Are there trends or noticeable changes in the types of events you are seeing?

The biggest change is the same as the one we are seeing in retail. Design thinking is impacting everything from the experience, speed, access, interactivity and engagement. No one runs retail like Apple and no one runs events quite like us (though that is changing FAST).

Final word.

Given my work is at the crossroads of innovation there are trends everywhere in industry, regional and even in my area of events. At no point in history has there been a situation where the environment is at stake, the economy is at stake and government is at stake AND they all directly impact each other globally. Combine that with a generation that has no taste for the incumbent systems in place then EVERYTHING will change in the next 20-30 years.

We have automation and AI will disrupt finance, law, medicine in the same way it affected factory workers of the past. This is the 5th industrial revolution.

Join us to meet Jon and hear all about “Ideas Worth Spreading” August 16, 2017 at 6:00pm

LEARN ALL ABOUT THE POWER OF “IDEAS WORTH SPREADING.” WITH JON YEO. Learn the strategies of how to harness the passion of ideas through strategically creating content to help businesses, people, and communities communicate powerfully.

• 6-8:30pm
• 2/287 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000
• Peter Rowland Catering supplying nibbles
• Glass of wine
• Tea & Coffee served
• Enjoy goodie bags and door prizes

Get your tickets before we sell out

We are absolutely thrilled to be able to offer a Bootcamp full day course with Jon Yeo, 40 lucky people 1:1 how to “Pitch and Engage”Jon will help to shape and inspire YOU to turn your ideas into a succinct, engaging pitch or presentation to any audience. Come and work with Jon Yeo to refine your skills, deliver impact and walk away with;

• A clear, compelling message for your audience (team, client or potential client)
• A way to consistently deliver a brand story to your clients/audience
• Speaking confidence
• A flexible preparation model to manage different audience types and talk lengths
• Universal principles on great communication that can be replicated across the business

Limited spaces left, so get your ticket today!

We are looking forward to having you join us,

Cheers Angel Mellak MCIM

0466619631

Co-Founder of Digital Women’s Network

hello@digitalwomensnetwork.com

https://digitalwomensnetwork.com/

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