The Exchange – Thursday 29 October, 2020
Get comfortable being uncomfortable was the message from Jocellin Jansson, a member of the panel of inspiring women assembled for The Exchange at The Courthouse Hotel Tamworth on Thursday. Attendees learned that the benefits of a mentor relationship can be endless.
The Honourable Bronnie Taylor, NSW Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women reflected on the variety of career steps she has made to date, and the benefit of supportive relationships that have helped steer her career.
The Exchange was established in 2019 as a networking initiative for women in business and leadership from across the New England North West. The lunchtime event allowed women to hear advice from experienced business leader Ms Jansson. “Be intentional, about your life and surround yourself with people who can assist you,” she said. Panel members agreed that people who share your values and are like minded, who are prepared to share and help you reach your goals, are well placed to serve as a mentor.
Globally, women have been greatly affected through loss of employment during the COVID-19 pandemic, however guests from Armidale, Gunnedah, Quirindi, Glen Innes, Narrabri and Tamworth were inspired to further their existing careers by pursuing a mentoring relationship.
HealthWISE CEO, Fiona Strang hosted the panel discussion and explored the mentoring and networking initiatives which have helped panel members Prue Jamieson, Dr Casey Sullivan and Jocellin Jansson sustain careers in early childhood education, medicine and business leadership.
The Exchange was established in 2019 as a networking initiative for women in business and leadership from across the New England North West. The lunchtime event allowed women to hear advice from experienced business leader Ms Jansson. “Be intentional, about your life and surround yourself with people who can assist you,” she said. Panel members agreed that people who share your values and are like minded, who are prepared to share and help you reach your goals, are well placed to serve as a mentor.
The panel discussed the fact that incidental mentoring can occur even when you do not have a formal mentoring relationship with colleagues. “Leaders listen to understand, not listen to respond,” Prue Jamieson, Nurruby Children’s Services Narrabri, managing director said.
Dr. Casey Sullivan asked the room to “visualise your goals and don’t settle for less”. Dr Sullivan shared her journey of having a valuable mentor who demonstrated to her that it is possible to be a successful GP in combination with family life.
Guests look forward to continuing conversations around leadership and business in 2021. Enquiries about joining future Exchange events can be made to HealthWISE on 02 6766 1394.
