A recent Women in Leadership conference in Sydney brought together professionals from diverse backgrounds. With a full agenda, thought-provoking presentations, and an atmosphere brimming with inspiration, the conference left a powerful and lasting impact on all attendees, including UGL People & Culture (P&C) Lead, Donna Armstrong and colleagues P&C and Recruitment Coordinator, Shannon Lassig, and Senior Recruitment Business Partner, Kelly Beauchamp.
“With every speaker, there was a tip, a trick, or an insight that was transferable,” said Donna. “For me, the highlight came from Sheila Vijeyarasa's presentation titled ‘Little Brave Acts.’ Her message really resonated — it was about bravery, leading authentically, and the value in taking small steps toward courage every day.”
Sheila’s session explored the theme of brave leadership, focusing on actionable changes people can make to fully step into their leadership potential. She emphasised that it doesn’t exist in the ‘someday’.
“Leadership today is about showing vulnerability and embracing your human side,” said Donna. “Gone are the days when leaders had to pretend to be invincible. Now, those who acknowledge challenges and show authenticity are the ones inspiring others to thrive.”
In addition to discussing authenticity, sessions highlighted key concepts like psychological safety and high-performance leadership.
“It’s less about perfection and sacrifice and more about accepting life’s imperfections while fostering trust,” said Donna. “Leaders who listen and show empathy can create thriving, resilient teams.”
The conference wasn’t just about individual growth—it also provided well-structured networking opportunities. These helped foster connections between attendees, creating an inclusive environment for everyone, whether extroverted or introverted.
Beyond the value Donna has been able to bring back to her own leadership journey, she noted the ripple effect the sessions will have on her team.
“Even though only a few of us attended, the real impact happens when we share the insights we’ve learned with our teams,” said Donna. “It’s about bringing this knowledge home and creating positive change together. This wasn’t just a learning opportunity—it was a chance to reflect on our purpose, grow as individuals, and build momentum for the future.”