International Women’s Day 2024 Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress.

International Women’s Day 2024, themed Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress, calls for active inclusion and investment in women, recognising their pivotal role in societal advancement. The theme urges tangible investments in women’s education, economic empowerment, and leadership development, catalysing transformative change. This resonant mantra challenges us to move beyond recognition and emphasises fostering a world where every woman’s contribution is acknowledged, valued, and instrumental in driving collective prosperity.

Why We Need Women in Leadership

On February 27th, 2024, the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) unveiled its latest findings highlighting significant gender pay gaps within the Australian corporate sector. The statistics are both enlightening and thought-provoking and demonstrate the need for real action to be taken. This revelation undeniably underscores the urgent need for enhanced leadership diversity within the corporate sector.

Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress.

We asked the members of The Leadership Sphere’s corporate team to share their experiences both of, and as, women in leadership. 

Loren Pettigrew, COO
Working at TLS has significantly impacted my personal leadership skills and, in turn, has allowed me to develop and grow others in our team. We teach strengths-based and human-centred leadership, and working with Phillip Ralph, who has built a team (full of strong and capable women and men) with this as a focus, has been game-changing for our team culture and a contributing factor to how we have been exceeding our goals as one team.  

We operate with high trust and support and offer autonomy and empower our team. At TLS, we eat our own cooking and this is driven from the top. We invest in coaching and professional development and get access to our own leadership programs. Working in a business that not only delivers training but is also growing leadership capability internally is pretty special! 

Ash Andrews, EA to the CEO
We provide leadership development solutions to help leaders and teams thrive. There is this same opportunity within TLS that gives us all the ability to learn, lead and grow. As a female and a mother with a career, TLS provides numerous opportunities for me to strengthen my leadership skills and potential, both professionally and personally.

Bridie Allen, Office Manager
As a woman and a mother of three, I feel torn between a deep desire to be present for my children and an aspiration to contribute to the world in a meaningful way outside my home. Working at TLS has meant I don’t have to choose. I can do both. The leadership within TLS strongly values family and wellbeing by supporting flexible work schedules, allowing me to develop my professional skills and strengths while being available to meet the needs of my kids while they are young. To contribute to both work and family is fulfilling and exhausting and I’m very grateful for this opportunity.

David Quan, Client Success & Finance Support
The Leadership Sphere is a company that provides people with the opportunity to flourish. It is wonderfully encouraging to see so many women, both internally and in our client-base, in leadership roles where they can create meaningful impact.

“What if we (women) discover one day that we were always the ones in charge? Just… no one told us.”

– Miriam “Midge” Maisel, The Marvellous Mrs. Maisel

Kat Phillips, EA to the COO
At TLS, we are dedicated to delivering leadership development solutions that empower individuals and teams to not only succeed but thrive. This unique opportunity within TLS extends to everyone, providing a platform for continuous learning, effective leadership, and personal growth.

As a woman and a mother navigating the demands of a career, TLS has proven to be a transformative space, offering myriad opportunities for me to enhance my leadership skills both professionally and personally. What sets TLS apart is its unwavering commitment to equality and respect, creating an environment where everyone, regardless of gender or parental status, can aspire to reach their full potential.

Never did I imagine that, as a mother, I would find such enriching opportunities for career growth. TLS has shattered those preconceived notions, proving that with the right support and mindset, anything is possible. It’s a testament to the inclusivity and forward-thinking values that define TLS, making it a place where individuals can not only build successful careers but also balance the joys of motherhood with professional aspirations.

Samantha Adnum, Head of Client Success
As a member of the TLS team, I am inspired by the leadership within our organisation. Their commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment shapes and strengthens my own leadership approach. TLS promotes opportunities for women in leadership, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and valued. It is a privilege to be part of a team that champions equality and growth for all.

Sarah Hay, Marketing Coordinator
I am inspired every day by the authenticity, courage and leadership of everyone at TLS. The opportunities I have been given to expand my own capabilities and take on new challenges wouldn’t be possible without the ongoing support and mentorship of Loren Pettigrew. She and Phillip Ralph have built TLS to be a place that empowers its staff and clients to lead, inspire, and make a positive difference in the world.

Stephanie Lodder, Client Success Manager
Speaking to and getting to know the team within TLS, I know I’m surrounded by powerful people who believe in positive impact. Everyone has been encouraged and enabled to lead in their respective roles, it’s inspiring to hear about their growth and achievement, and to know I’ll be supported to do the same.

Suze Hewitt, Strategic Projects  Manager
At TLS, our leaders provide opportunities for us to enhance our personal leadership journeys, leveraging our strengths within a high-trust environment. Here, we’re encouraged to lead with courage and vulnerability, knowing our strengths lie at the heart of our success. Their commitment to fostering inclusivity, where gender doesn’t limit advancement, both inspires and empowers me to lean in and bring my best self to work each day.   

Victoria Buchanan, Head of Business Engagement
Working at TLS has allowed me an opportunity to grow and develop, working with like minded people who believe in continuous development. My direct manager, Loren Pettigrew, has shown me what good leadership is, she is an inspirational leader and empowers me to always aim higher!

Phillip Ralph, CEO
Our mission is to inspire and empower leaders to make a positive difference in the world, through authenticity, courage and purpose. This includes a world that celebrates and embraces diversity, equity and inclusion. There is enormous latent potential in women and girls, so we must all work hard to remove the obstacles to achieving equal participation in the economy.  As the father of two daughters, I also want a world that allows them the same opportunities to be the best version of themselves and to live happy, fulfilling lives.  

The quest for gender equality in the workplace and beyond is a continuous journey that demands unwavering commitment from all sectors of society. The findings from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency and The 100 Percent Project underscore the pressing need for systemic changes and proactive measures called for by the United Nations in this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress. By investing in women’s leadership and ensuring their inclusion at every level of decision-making, we forge a path towards true equality. It is a collective responsibility to champion diversity and empower women, recognising that their advancement is integral to societal progress. Through concerted efforts and tangible actions, the vision of a balanced world where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive can become a reality.