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 last week.
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Attendees travelled from Armidale and other towns for the networking and mentoring event, which incuded several speakers.
NSW Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women, Bronnie Taylor, reflected on the variety of career steps she has made to date, and the benefit of supportive relationships that have helped steer her career.
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Globally, women have been greatly affected through loss of employment during the Covid pandemic, however guests 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".
She then 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 will now look forward to continuing conversations around leadership and business in 2021.