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"The percentage of women on [the top 250 Austalian] companies' boards currently sits at the same level here (8.7 percent) that the U.S. reached in 1994." |
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Blogs from Abroad – Australia
NEW YEAR ... NEW OPPORTUNITIES
June is one of my favorite months of the year in business. It's the month before the end of the financial year in Australia. Just like in the U.S. prior to 1976, we run July 1 to June 30, and that last month is always such a buzz. Will we make our budget projections? How much profit? How much new business do we have to start the new year with? Many of us with a good CFO or company accountant will know much of this news in advance, but the thrill of "will we make it or won't we, and by how much?" still fills me with excitement.
The other upside to June is the end of financial year sales. Computer and electronics companies are vying for your end-of-year capital purchases with huge discounts on laptops, desktops and just about anything else you can depreciate over the coming years. For someone who loves a bargain as much as I do, knowing what I can spend before I start shopping up a storm allows me to have fun.
The excitement of June is, of course, very closely followed by the pressure and drudgery of the first week of July spent reporting to the tax department. Nothing stifles the creativity of an entrepreneur more than someone's wanting to know every little detail of how the previous year came to be. We've got our gaze firmly fixed on the horizon: what's happening next month, next quarter, next year – in 10 years! Last financial year is in the past; we've done it, and we've moved on.
With the start of the new financial year here in Australia and the recently elected Labor Party (not dissimilar to the U.S. Democratic Party) in government, it seems we can look forward to a greater emphasis on climate change policy. Australia looks to be taking a rather bold approach to climate change with an emissions trading scheme being proposed for 2010. The government is looking to have completed their model for calculating the price of carbon emissions by the end of this August. Exciting times down here, since the last time anything of this magnitude was attempted was the introduction of the Goods & Services Tax in July 2000.
So, it's out with the old year and in with the new, and I've got to say, I'm really looking forward to this year. Because no matter how tough things get (and predictions for the Australian economy in the short term are not great), there will always be new and potentially profitable opportunities to explore!
Fitting in Like a Local, Tip #3 One of the most important Australian phrases you can equip yourself with is "no worries." It's the Aussie equivalent of "No problem" or "You're welcome" and will give you instant local status. Try using it next time you speak to an Aussie or even via e-mail, but note that it works better if it's said in a slow, casual tone with a gentle smile. No worries ...
Lesley-Ann Trow is owner and CEO of Gorgeous Things. gorgeousthings.com.au
To comment on this blog, e-mail blog@pinkmagazine.com and enter "India" in the subject line. . . . . . . . . . .
WOULD YOU DRIVE A TRUCK FOR $100K?
There's a boom going on in Australia right now – over in western Australia, to be precise. Australia's Natural Resources are in high demand. The mining industry is growing so fast that there's now even a government website and several other recruitment companies devoted exclusively to jobs in the industry. Now, that may not seem like something that's got anything to do with you, me or any other woman who knows how to apply mascara. You may, however, be surprised to know that the job of driving a mining truck pays around $100,000, and it's women who are being recruited to do the driving. The trucks are automatic and air-conditioned, and if you're single, I can't think of a better way to meet loads of men! I won't be throwing in the towel at Gorgeous Things and heading west in a hurry, but there seems to be quite a few women who are.
If you're not already on your way to the airport with your driver's license in hand, it might interest you to know that for the first time in history, Australia has appointed a female governor general. After more than 200 years, Australia is still part of the British Commonwealth, meaning we formally recognize Queen Elizabeth II as our head of state, with the governor general being her local representative. The gorgeous Quentin Bryce (Chanel suit–wearing mother of five) will take over the role shortly, making her the most powerful woman (person) in Australia. As governor general, she will have the power to sack the government of the day – something that's only been done once before in Australian history. It's great to have such a fabulous woman to keep them on their toes.
Certainly, it may seem a little strange to be mentioning at the same time women driving mining trucks and wearing Chanel suits while ruling the country, but it seems so inter-related to me and to so many women that I've spoken with. We're all incredibly excited that women are showing themselves as having the skills (not traditionally thought possible) to ensure the prosperity of our country. We're having our own Skills Revolution! Go, girls!
How to Fit in Like a Local Tip# 2
Lesley-Ann Trow is owner and CEO of Gorgeous Things. gorgeousthings.com.au
To comment on this blog, e-mail blog@pinkmagazine.com and enter "India" in the subject line. . . . . . . . . . . Posted on March 25, 2008 When Gail Kelly was named the first female CEO of Australia's fourth largest bank, Westpac, a wave of jubilation from every Australian woman in business swept across this vast country. All of a sudden we were collectively inspired, and so much more seemed possible for all of us.
It isn't just that Gail Kelly happens to be a woman that makes this appointment so unique. It's that she's also a wife and mother of four. She dresses like a woman, not how she thinks a man would dress if he were a woman (if you know what I mean). She's immaculate, sharp and savvy. She also pioneered a family-friendly culture in her previous role as CEO at the St George Bank. She embodies what many women are working toward in their careers, families and lives in general.
Less than a week later, the sobering news was released in a report from the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency showing that fewer than 3 percent of ASX200 companies have a woman at the helm. Hard to imagine in such a progressive society, but the percentage of women on these companies' boards currently sits at the same level here (8.7 percent) that the U.S. reached in 1994. We really need to get moving to make sure we're better represented in shaping the future of our economy and country.
What are we doing about it? Many Australian women are choosing to start their own businesses over helping to run someone else's, and they're growing these small businesses into much larger companies. Fernwood Women's Health Club founder Diana Williams has grown her operation from a single gym in a country town to 75 franchised health clubs across Australia, and she's now expanding globally. Diana is one of my entrepreneurial heroes, and my local Fernwood is a supportive and friendly place to work out (where I don't have to worry who's checking out my butt while I'm on the treadmill).
Women's companies make up 32 percent of the small businesses in Australia. That's more than half a million ladies living their dreams and encouraging others to do the same. That's definitely got to be our advantage as women; we encourage and nurture for the advancement of all. And that spirit is alive and well and continuing to grow on the continent that's home to 13 of the 15 most deadly creatures on earth. More about that some other time.
I wanted to leave you with just a bit of practical advice if you're planning on visiting or doing business in Australia. We may all officially speak the same language, but there are some major differences in the interpretation of some seemingly innocuous words that will help you fit in like a local. Starting with the word "thong." They're actually an item of footwear here in Australia that you'd probably know as flip-flops. So if you're planning on launching your line of underwear in Australia – you've been warned.
A little bit about me: Back in 2001, I chose to leave the corporate world and start my own business. I saw myself as more of a Diana Williams than a Gail Kelly and could feel my life was meant for something different than working my way through the ranks of the publishing world. I sold my first business, a natural therapies clinic, in January and have launched Gorgeous Things, my exciting new venture that embodies my values and vision for the future. I also make a mean banana cake.
Lesley-Ann Trow is owner and CEO of Gorgeous Things. gorgeousthings.com.au
To comment on this blog, e-mail blog@pinkmagazine.com and enter "India" in the subject line. |
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