The small consultancy business Jody Rowe started at her kitchen table all those years ago has now grown to operate in Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and soon to launch in Victoria.
When Jody Rowe set out on her own and started her business, Rowe Advisory, she knew wanted to share her experience, knowledge and expertise with a range of other organisations to give them insights and direction for future growth.
We sat down Jody Rowe to find out more about her and why she loves being on a range of Boards across Australia.
Jody in three words, describe yourself.
Focused, persistent and loyal
What leader would you most like to swap places with for a day and why?
Warren Buffett – exceptional talent in investing in the right business and his philanthropy is amazing… So generous in time and funds.
In fact Berkshire Hathaway’s AGM has the feel of a party, happy shareholders, happy workers, looks great to me.
What is the most important decisions that you face daily as Chief Executive Officer at Rowe Advisory?
Allocation of time and effort in a small business, it is very easy to be distracted as everyone has an idea or wants your attention…Getting the right team together that work autonomously and are client focused.
My focus is on maximising opportunities for the business to ensure sustainability and provide a legacy to future generation. My visions at Rowe Advisory is to continue to ensure commercial success, social responsibility and continue the long term local employment opportunities.
What current Board of Directors do you currently sit on?
Public company Stirke Energy and not for profit, Sight For All. Two other private boards being CD Power and iPIPE Pty Ltd.
I wanted to be a part of a range of Boards as it opened up a range of possibilities not just for myself, or my business but also the chance to help other Australian businesses. If I was to nut it down to four reasons why I love being on a Board of Directors, they would be:
- Intellectual Challenge – When on a Board the focus is on the big picture of the company. This includes strategic planning, CEO succession planning, mergers and acquisitions and IT strategy. These are complex and multi-faceted subjects with major implications and thereby requiring immersion and effort.
- Career Development – Since being involved in a range of Boards, I have learnt and experienced new evolving industries and functionalities of business strategies and processors. The variance in size and stage of the companies which I am involved in has been inconsistent to what I am accustomed to at Rowe Advisory, so I am always learning and developing my skills, experience and competencies.
- Networking – My network has thrived since being on numerous Boards. I was always taught that building a strong network is key to a successful business. Developing this network of accomplished and astute individuals has enriched both myself around the boardroom table and beyond.
- Giving Back – Board service is gratifying and has been a goal of mine for many years. This is particularly true with my work with the charity, Sight For All. I love having the opportunity to provide my expertise and experience to facilitate the growth and success of a business.
What do you think are the characteristics of a great board member?
Strategic thinking, managing risks, providing experience to management and an independent view.
What do you believe is the biggest challenge for the generation of women in leadership?
As a woman on many Boards, I am dedicated to breaking down barriers to entry into leadership and onto Boards.
True change will come with more senior females whether it be at the executive level or on boards. It is disappointing to have any boards at this stage in 2017 without diversity but the reality is the change is slow.
The biggest challenge for the next generation is choosing what matters to them and not being influenced by others. If females want full time international careers or remain at home as full time mums it should be their decision to make, with the ability to change their direction and focus at different stages of their life.
At Rowe Advisory, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace culture where employees and clients feel respected and accepted for their different qualities, ideas and viewpoints. Our cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths and is at the heart of who we are.
We are culturally diverse, with women making up 30% of our team, this adds value to all our work and for our clients. QRC currently sits at 12% with a target of 20% by 2020. I want to help women take action to address their career challenges and aspirations.
What does success look like to you?
Personally, flexibility, this will afford me the opportunity to further develop my businesses and my philanthropic interests but also to gain additional public board roles where can you can positively influence for all the right reasons.
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Rowe Advisory is a leading consulting business in Australia. Contact Rowe Advisory today for a no obligation confidential discussion. Our team of industry experienced consultants are here to help.
Chief Executive Officer, Jody Rowe, at jody@roweadvisory.com.au