International Women’s Day (IWD) is held annually on 8 March and celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women globally.

The #EachforEqual theme for International Women’s Day 2020 was drawn from the notion of ‘collective individualism’. We are all parts of a whole. Our individual actions, conversations, behaviours and mindsets can have an impact on our larger society. Collectively, we can make change happen and create a gender equal world.

Across our offices in Hong Kong, London, Toronto, New York, and Sydney, we celebrated the achievements of women around the world. Of those who have gone before us and those whose actions now impact what the future will be.

Employee interaction on International Women’s Day 2020

At our global headquarters in Sydney, we invited all staff members, to share in a talk from an inspiring woman, Marcia Ella Duncan OAM.

In 1986, Marcia created history as the first indigenous female to represent Australia in netball. She went on to win a silver medal at the 1987 Netball World Cup in Glasgow. In 1988, she received an Order of Australia Medal for services to netball. Marcia was also the first indigenous athlete to ever receive a scholarship to the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra.

Combining her love of sport with championing issues concerning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Marcia chairs the NSW Aboriginal Child Sexual Assault Taskforce. She is also a current member of the NSW Aboriginal Child Sexual Assault Ministerial Advisory Panel.

International Women Day Talk - Blog - BAI Communications

#WomenAtBAI

As part of our celebrations globally, we asked some of the amazing #WomenAtBAI a few questions about themselves, about how they motivate others, and the best career advice they have ever received. Here are some of the stories:

Agnes Yan, Hong Kong | Senior Manager, Admin and Finance

Agnes Yang - International Women Day - BAI CommunicationsWhat has been the greatest achievement in your career?

Running an office with engineering professionals.

How do you look to motivate those around you?

Clearly communicate expectations and guidelines.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?

Be thankful!

 

 


Negar Kiaee, Toronto | Senior Marketing Communications Manager

Negar Kiaee - International Women Day - BAI CommunicationsWhat has been the greatest achievement in your career?

Women often struggle to find balance in their lives. Having a family and still being successful in my career is a testament that you really can have it all.

How do you look to motivate those around you?

Whether it is to motivate the team or to get through a difficult patch, humour always brings people together, it eases tension and helps move everyone forward.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?

If opportunities don’t come your way, create them!

 


Nichola Easton, London | Client Director, Business Development, Europe Transit

Nichola Easton - International Women Day - BAI CommunicationsWhat has been the greatest achievement in your career?

After I returned to work after my first maternity leave, I won a sales award for being one of the highest sales performers in the business for that year. For me, I consider that to be one of my greatest achievements because I felt I had a lot to prove to myself,  that I can successfully balance my career and be there for my family.  Not always easy and not always achieved! But being able to do both is very important to me and I don’t want to compromise on either.

How do you look to motivate those around you?

I think acknowledgement when people do well is really important. Giving people credit when it’s due and recognising achievements.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?

Believe in yourself.

 


Louise Butler, New York | Vice President, People | Senior 5G Lead

Louise Butler - International Women Day - BAI CommunicationsWhat has been the greatest achievement in your career?

The balance between driving and enjoying a successful career with raising a family. The commitment to both and the reward is very fulfilling.

How do you look to motivate those around you?

Through empowerment, trust and support. My team know what is expected of them and my standards, but they know I am also there to support them however and whenever they need it.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?

No matter how bad a day you have, the world isn’t coming to an end, no one got hurt or worse, and everything will feel and look better after a good night’s sleep!

 


Elyssa Rollinson​, Sydney | Director, Business Development

Elyssa Rollinson - International Women Day - BAI CommunicationsWhat has been the greatest achievement in your career?

Having 3 happy kids, whilst continuing to learn and be challenged in my professional role. I’m quite honest about the fact that just getting to work can be an achievement some days!

How do you look to motivate those around you?

It’s important to understand what makes people tick, because everyone gets their energy in different ways. Apart from that, I just ensure we bring amazing people into the team, support them when they need it, but mostly just get out of their way and give them freedom to do what we brought them together to do.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?

Don’t lose sleep over decisions. Trust that whichever way you go, you will make the best of that situation.

 


Caren Schadel, Sydney | Chief Human Resources Officer

Caren Schadel - International Women Day - BAI CommunicationsWhat has been the greatest achievement in your career?

When members of my team have been promoted into leadership roles with the company or left the organisation to take on the next big gig for their career. It’s a joy seeing great talent taking that next step in their careers when you have had the opportunity to assist with their development and mentor them.

How do you look to motivate those around you?

By linking what we do to our organisation’s purpose and focussing on how we can make a difference.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?

Its OK to make a mistake, take a deep breath, learn from it and fix it.