Catholic Healthcare at Macquarie Park was delighted to hold an International Women’s Day event on 8 March with the theme Women in Leadership.
Guest speakers Anne Walker, Vice Chair of Trustees, Rebecca Davies AO, DCSG Board Director and Therese Adami, General Manager Home and Community Services joined a Q&A Panel moderated by Julie Toma, Head of Marketing and Communications.
The Panel discussed key attributes of authentic leadership, tips on how to manage work-life balance and navigating the year ahead. They shared insights into their own careers and advice for those starting out including how to overcome potential barriers and embracing pivotal opportunities.
The panel particularly acknowledged the important role women played in the formation of Catholic Healthcare, and the continuing impact and influence of women (over 80% of employees) within the organisation.
When asked “what key leadership attribute has proven most valuable over your career”, Anne Walker responded.
“Resilience. It has been a significant part of my leadership journey. Also, taking on new challenges. This is what makes a difference to a career. We can all cruise along doing our work, but it’s the challenges which make us grow.”
For Therese, her key leadership attributes were “Learning from feedback and being authentic, be who you are and staying true to your values”.
Rebecca Davies shared that self-awareness and authenticity are critical in leaders. “I like to think that a more open, humble way of behaviour, based on sound values is a better way of leading. The ability to be able to influence and create connections that can help support an idea is also essential.”
Rebecca also recommended the need to take time to ‘think’. “Be deliberate about considering the future. There is always enough work to occupy yourself day to day, but it’s important to make time to think strategically and be clear on long-term goals.”
Thank you to Anne, Rebecca and Therese for participating in the Q&A Panel discussion and sharing career and personal insights with the Macquarie Park team.
Pictured are Rebecca Davies, Julie Toma, Anne Walker and Therese Adami
New Catholic Healthcare Board Member, Anne Carroll and Macquarie Park staff
About the panellists:
Anne Walker, Vice Chair of Trustees
Anne was elected as a Trustee of Catholic Healthcare in 2016 and is currently National Executive Director for Catholic Religious Australia. Anne is particularly interested in safeguarding the vulnerable in our society, governance and fostering the mission of the Church within its organisations. Anne is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Rebecca Davies AO, DCSG
Rebecca has been a Director of Catholic Healthcare since 2017. Rebecca is a former partner of a large, international law firm and is now a full time non-executive director, teacher and consultant on governance, risk and legal issues. Rebecca has held director and chair appointments in the health, aged care, community care, financial services and arts sector.
Therese Adami, General Manager, Catholic Healthcare, Home and Community Services
Therese started her careers as a Registered Nurse and then as a hospital executive officer. Therese is an experienced and strategic business leader in the health and aged care sector, with extensive experience managing high performing teams. Therese holds a Bachelor of Nursing, a Masters in Business Administration and also completed the Graduate Australian Institute of Company Directors certification.
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