Women’s Agenda is thrilled to announce that a fourth series of our popular podcast series, The Leadership Lessons is underway, with new host Shirley Chowdhary leading fresh conversations about the global challenges of our time.
A dynamic and internationally recognised business leader, Shirley Chowdhary has significant experience across a range of industries including law, financial services, NFP and Indigenous education.
Most recently, she was CEO of the GO Foundation, and in 2019 was named in the Australian Financial Review’s 100 Women of Influence. She was also Chair of Women’s Agenda’s judging panel for the 2019 and 20-2021 Leadership Awards.
Excited to build upon the rich dialogue that’s already developed from seasons 1-3, previously hosted by eminent Australian journalist Kate Mills, Chowdhary stresses the importance of hearing from diverse female leaders with ideas and possible answers to complex crises facing us right now.
“We are at a unique point in time” says Chowdhary. “The pandemic showed us that there are different ways to work, to create and to interact that can create a better future for all of us. Women from all backgrounds and disciplines are at the forefront of so many of these ideas and businesses that are working to create this re-imagined future.”
The next decade will be a critical one, in which Australia and the world must work to navigate a number of challenges including climate change, poverty, populism, technology advances, inequality and unprecedented shifts in how we live and work.
Women’s Agenda’s Editor in Chief, Tarla Lambert says that Chowdhary’s vision for the The Leadership Lessons and for the future of leadership more broadly will take the series supported by Salesforce in an important direction.
“Our aim with this series has always been to shine a light on amazing women doing amazing things, but who also have distinct perspectives on how we can adapt, grow and become a better world,” says Lambert. “Shirley is the prime example of one of these women, and that’s why she’s the perfect person to host.”
For too long, governments dominated by privileged men, have failed to act on significant cultural, social and environmental issues, and we’re now at a point where we can no longer afford to stay inert.
“Women’s leadership will be integral to making the right decisions,” says Lambert. “If the pandemic has proven anything, it’s that we can never go back to the old world-order. We need diversity of thought, collaboration, compassion, creativity and unity. So many women over the past 18 months have shown us these traits in spades.”
A range of high-profile female leaders have already featured as guests on The Leadership Lessons including former Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, #MeToo trailblazer, Gretchen Carlson and youth activist, Yasmin Poole.
Series four will include conversations with leaders such as athlete and motivational speaker Turia Pitt, activist Mariam Mohammed and Indigenous tech entrepreneur, Mikaela Jade.
As for the rest? “You’ll just have to tune in each week”, says Chowdhary. “We have a lot in store”.
To make sure you don’t miss Shirley’s first episode of The Leadership Lessons, subscribe on Spotify or Apple podcasts.