2011 Women and Management Dinner

 

On Tuesday 28 June a diverse group of 580 guests gathered at Peninsula, Central Pier, Docklands for the 2011 Women and Management (WAM) Dinner.  WAM has become a signature event for Melbourne Business School, bringing alumni, students and the wider business community together, for over 20 years, to hear from inspirational speakers. It is also a forum for celebrating the achievements of women in management, and for discussing issues of gender and diversity in the workplace.
 
This year’s turnout was as impressive as MBS anticipated, and there was a real energy in the room as hundreds of business professionals and industry leaders (including a notable male contingent) mingled and swapped stories as they eagerly awaited the guest of honour and keynote speaker, Catriona Noble, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, McDonald’s Australia.
 
Catriona spoke openly about her leadership journey including the impact male mentors have had on her ascendance to the top job as well as the importance of seizing opportunities. She credits former McDonald’s bosses Charlie Bell and Guy Russo with creating a culture of gender equality, which meant the company, could retain talented women in management roles. McDonald’s has around 50% female representation at every level, including senior management and the board.  She described herself as a genuine leader and highlighted the importance of establishing a positive and energetic work environment, which she says is vital to staying relevant.
 
Catriona’s presentation style was warm and engaging, she spoke freely and used her hands expressively to demonstrate the great ambitions she holds for McDonalds Australia and the pride she takes in carrying out the three most important roles in her life: Female Leader, Wife and Mother a repertoire which she acknowledged is not mutually exclusive.

Click here to read more about the 2011 Women and Management Dinner.

Dinner
The Women and Management dinner is one of the signature events held annually by Melbourne Business School. The first Women and Management dinner took place in 1992 and since then the WAM dinner has steadily gained momentum. Recognised as a premier event, WAM’s popularity continues to soar largely due to the engaging and intimate format which is adopted year after year, and continues to be of great appeal to its guests.

The WAM dinner attracts a diverse group of women and men, and features keynote addresses by outstanding female leaders from sectors including business, government and community. These remarkable women deliver inspiring speeches which detail the inner workings of their leadership journeys. WAM is a must see event for any woman in the corporate sector who aspires to enhance their career potential and become a more effective leader. The evening unites businesswomen from an array of backgrounds in a supportive environment which enhances networking opportunities and serves as a platform for professional development opportunities.

Each year, the guest speakers continue to impress. Some memorable speakers include: Elizabeth Proust AO, Chairman, Nestle Australia; Margaret Jackson AC, Former Chairman, QANTAS; Gail Kelly, CEO, Westpac; Pera Wells, Secretary-General, World Federation of United Nations Associations; and Catherine Walter AM, Chairman, Equipsuper.

Background - MBS Women and Management
Recognising the need for an association which championed the role of women in business ‘Women and Management’ (WAM) was established almost 3 decades ago by some of Melbourne Business School’s first female graduates. In 1983 the first annual lunch was held at the Lyceum club to provide an opportunity for female graduates to network and connect. The lunch was so successful it became the spring board for the Women and Management Group, with the launch of the first dinner in 1992. Recognising the need for an association which championed the role of women in business ‘Women and Management’ (WAM) was established almost 3 decades ago by some of Melbourne Business School’s first female graduates. In 1983 the first annual lunch was held at the Lyceum club to provide an opportunity for female graduates to network and connect. The lunch was so successful it became the spring board for the Women and Management Group, with the launch of the first dinner in 1992.

The WAM group put together a program of activities which were run by various student volunteers. The implementation of such activities offered female students the opportunity to play a leadership role within the school which ultimately broadened their skill sets.

Program/Association
The WAM program has developed into a student association that supports and promotes women at MBS and in business. The group promotes diversity in management and provides female students with access to a support network made up of female Faculty, alumni, business partners and fellow students.

 

Catriona Noble addressing guests at the 2011 Women and Management Dinner.