Leading with Authenticity: Reflections from women across the health and medical research ecosystem

 

When it comes to leadership, many of us feel we need to conform to a certain style of leadership that feels at odds with our authentic selves. However, over the last few years there is growing evidence (and the emergence of fabulous role models) demonstrating that authenticity in the workplace brings greater job satisfaction, happier teams, and increased productivity.

For this event, we want to challenge old-school stereotypes around the qualities required to be an effective leader and showcase women at different career stages and roles in our sector who are leading their way and thriving.

So, we are excited to welcome Prof. Frances Kay-Lambkin, Director of the Hunter Medical Research Institute as our guest speaker. After being told she was ‘too flamingo‘ to be taken seriously, Frances conformed to the stereotypes around what a leader should be like but lost her spark along the way. She now gives herself permission to be her true self and is a more effective leader because of it.

Frances will then sit down with a panel of amazing women representing different roles, organisations and career levels for a conversation facilitated by Angela Priestly of Women’s Agenda. Together they will reflect on what the idea of authentic leadership means to them, strategies they have employed to bring this to life (despite the barriers) and the positive outcomes this has in the workplace.

No matter if you are starting off on your career or in a leadership role, we hope you can join us for an evening of new inspiration and insights, as well as an opportunity to connect with other women over some delicious food and drinks – all included!

8th May 2024

From  5:30pm  -  8:00pm

Aerial UTS / Livestream

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Tickets

Registration for this event closes at 23:59 on Tuesday 7th May 2024.

Tickets closed! Back to events

Our Guest Speakers

Headshot of Frances Kay-Lambkin

KEYNOTE: Prof Frances Kay-Lambkin

Director Hunter Medical Research Institute

Frances is the CEO and Institute Director of Hunter Medical Research Institute. She is also an NHMRC Investigator Fellow, Director of Translation at the NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, and Co-Director of the Mental Health Hub of the University of Newcastle’s Priority Research Centre in Brain and Mental Health. She leads an international team of researchers, clinicians and industry partners in the innovative development and translation of evidence-based treatments for comorbid mental and physical disorders.

Headshot of Ashna Basu

PANELLIST: Dr Ashna Basu

Psychiatry registrar and President, Medical Women’s Society of NSW ​ 

Dr Ashna Basu is a doctor in psychiatry and award-winning global advocate for gender equity in health and society. She works in the public mental health system in Sydney, and is a published researcher and speaker, recently speaking at the United Nations HQ in New York for the Commission on the Status of Women. Outside of medicine and advocacy, Ashna holds her GAICD qualification and co-founded a governance advisory charity, PinkSparrow Ltd.  

Headshot of Rebecca Lee

PANELLIST: Rebecca Lee

Managing Director, Merck Life Science ANZ 

A trailblazer for women in a traditional industry, Rebecca’s science background and passion for business has led to a career punctuated by appointments leading change and generating growth across challenging and diverse markets. She is a passionate leader in industry with a drive to make a difference, currently as Chair of the German Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and many other previous board positions. For some time, she has championed STEM, through mentorship like the University of Melbourne’s STEM Mentoring Program, advocacy through SCAA’s Women in Coatings initiative & APMFs Careers with STEM in the Paint Industry and now through Deadly Science Merck partnership. 

Headshot of Maree Toombs

PANELLIST: Prof Maree Toombs

Professor of Public Health, UNSW and leader in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and research    

A leading researcher in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, Professor Toombs is a proud Euralayie/Kooma woman from North-Western NSW, and a distinguished researcher with a depth of experience in leadership roles. Working across research, health and education, Professor Toombs has a track record of impactful work, improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Professor Toombs is highly recognised for her work, and in 2023 she was awarded the prestigious Australian Mental Health Prize. 

Headshot of Angela Priestley

FACILITATED BY: Angela Priestley

Founding Editor of Women’s Agenda 

Angela Priestley is the co founder of Agenda Media, a 100% female owned and run media business publishing Women’s Agenda, Women’s Health News, The STEMM Wrap, The Women’s Health Project podcast series and much more. 

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Our monthly e-newsletter keeps you up to date on the news from our sector, shares stories by women on their career journey, and provides updates on our events and initiatives. You will also find bits and pieces on our favourite things – good food, health and wellbeing, and maybe a few cute animals.

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