Robyn Watts gave a presentation at Ascend in Brisbane on the 10 building blocks to successful leadership - and one of the key take home points that I’ve know attendees appreciated was her point regarding the critical importance of high financial literacy. Robyn  believes that for women wanting to lead and in particular to get on boards they have to understand how to read a balance sheet.  

But many managers aren’t fluent in reading balance sheets, aren’t comfortable with finance essentials or preparing a business plans. I found this CD-rom resource from the Harvard Business Review that I think would be really helpful for people who want a refresher (or crash) course on financials. They all include tips, self-tests, tools and interactive exercises.

Check them out here. Read More

I will be in Brisbane this Friday and if you are too, I'd like to invite you to join me and other women for a coffee from 8am-11am to learn what we have planned at sphinxx for the second half of 2010 including:

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It’s so satisfying and encouraging when you finally try an idea and it just works! 

The sphinxx Mastermind Breakfast program was created to provide intensive mentoring, idea sharing and discussion for senior women in a forum where you set the agenda. I’ve been developing this idea for a while, and with the support of de Groots media we were able to host our first event in Adelaide last Friday. I thought it was an invaluable addition to my work life, and so did the attendees:

“I found this breakfast fantastic!!! Have the ability to get keen insights into areas that are affecting you by outstanding women simply cannot be valued enough.  Love these breakfasts and will recommend them to all women to go - just as long as I don't miss out on future ones!!!!!” Amanda Horne, Director, Every Day PA

“I had a great time... I attend many networking events and am unable to make real connections at these events as there is always so much going on, so you don't have the time to really get to know the people you are speaking to.  In this way, this breakfast was fantastic.  I was able to develop a strong rapport with each of the other women and plan on doing business with all of them in the near future. Jen's facilitation was also fantastic - she kept everyone on track, and ensured that we all had a chance to speak and contribute to the breakfast.” Emily Jerome, Event Coordinator for AFMEA 

I will be up in Brisbane at the end of this week, and will be running a “Mastermind Coffee” this Friday. Slightly different, but also jam-packed with discussions, ideas and inspiration. Places are limited, so make sure you contact me ASAP if you like to be part of this turbocharged event.

And a huge thank you to our sponsors de Groots, without whom this event couldn’t have happened. They’re offering a special discount for sphinxx women, so make sure you check it out here.

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I am a big big fan of VECCI and their Women in Business events, and am delighted to promote their upcoming event in Melbourne “Winning Women: Celebrating Career Success”, which is sure to be a fantastic networking event.

It’s one of the 2010 series of cocktail events that will profile some of Australia’s most outstanding global brands, and the women behind them. This event includes Susan Barton AM the founder of the Lighthouse Foundation, Megan Motto the CEO of Consult Australia (formerly the association of Consulting Engineers Australia) and Karen Webster the outgoing festival director of the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival.

These events are always booked up fast - so register now to make sure you get in and aren’t disappointed. Read More

Dr. Louise Mahler writes a wonderful blog on a topic she pioneered to much success - voice intelligence. Read More

Denni was one of our wonderful speakers at our Ascend series in May and those who attended will agree that she really pressed our buttons about what we need to do to be more resilient and stress free at work.  Her highly respected and effective Superworking program truly does show you how to work smarter, not harder.

I highly recommend this program and am delighted that Denni has offered the discount for sphinxx readers - just mention sphinxx when you book to get $344 off.

Places fill very fast for Superworking, and registration closes on the 30th of June so make sure you get register now to turbo charge the rest of your year, and career.

“I have benefited enormously from this program, there were like minded individuals and excellent facilitation. The skills are extremely useful”
Professor Linda Worrall-Carter, Director-St Vincent’s/ACU Centre for Nursing Research (May 2010)

“A great program to enlighten the soul and give structure to the future”
Jania Warner, Managing Director, Warner Institute of Business (May 2010)

“Facilitation was fantastic and I couldn’t have asked for a better coach on this important journey”
Penny Reed, National Training and Development Manager, K Mart (May 2010)

Do you want to improve your work life, and don’t know where to start?Just started your career and looking for the fast track to the top? Wondering why you bust your butt working hard, but never seem to get noticed at work? Perhaps newer colleagues to the organisation have overtaken you on the career ladder? Has your career progression come to a grinding halt? Read More

I was very excited about attending the Communities in Control conference next Monday and Tuesday in Melbourne, they have fantastic topics and speakers and frankly the idea of switched on, proactive communities is one of the most exciting untapped resources I see for the future Australian policies. Read More

Why exactly should women aim to get to the top? What are some of the tips and secrets of successful female entrepreneurs and planners? Read More