CASE STUDY

Australian Super – Thrive Leadership Program

Background

The Thrive Leadership program was developed and run specifically for 20 emerging women leaders across divisions at Australian Super, to build leadership efficacy and unlock leadership potential. The program was designed around James Freemantle’s REDgum methodology of leadership communications and Megumi Miki’s ‘Quietly Powerful’ model that helps women realise their potential and succeed on their own terms. Effective leadership with authenticity enabled participants to appreciate and leverage their innate qualities rather than subscribe to outdated views of leadership as being for ‘heroes’ or ‘alpha’ leaders. 

Action

The program was delivered by James, Megumi and associates over 14 weeks and was an opportunity for women to form a cohort and explore what it takes for women to exercise leadership and take up authority at Australian Super. 

The participants completed a Facet5 questionnaire, which along with a leadership values exercise became the focus of their first coaching session and the completion of individual ‘Leadership Action Development’ plans. Six fortnightly half-day workshops followed, as well as two more individual coaching sessions which checked-in on progress with development plans. 

The half day workshops covered concepts and skills relevant to emerging female leaders, including building leadership strengths (in a predominantly male environment), creating personal presence, stakeholder management, sponsorship and networks, individual development planning, understanding personal preferences and style, values and purpose, vulnerability, confidence and grit, communicating with influence and leading change. 

Throughout the program participants were encouraged to share their development action plans, reflect on their performance, changing style of leading and goals. They activated their leadership with group action learning projects presented to peers and managers at the program finale. 

Results

At the conclusion of the Thrive program, participants reported feeling challenged, enabled and more confident in their abilities to lead change. Australian Super committed to commissioning a further iteration of the program.

One of the significant self-generated initiatives to come from the program was the establishment of a formal Australian Super women’s network. The network meets regularly, has significant – and increasing – numbers of members, offers a newsletter and provides opportunities for women to discuss their challenges and successes.