To celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2019 we caught up with our CEO, Jody Rowe, for a coffee break and a Q&A. We discussed her greatest achievement so far, the biggest lesson she’s learned to date, addressing the gender balance in the resource sector and who her top four dinner guests would be!
Q. What’s the biggest lesson you have learned in your career to date?
Develop resilience and persistence. Developing your talent and skills will come over time, but having the confidence to operate at a level that matches your aspiration and a drive to keep going, when times get tough, will stand you in good stead!
Also, don’t avoid issues – confront and resolve them, and then move forward – life is too short to live any other way!
Q. What is your greatest achievement?
Professionally, it would be launching Rowe Advisory – having the confidence to believe that I could go it alone and create a better life, and also having the confidence to put myself out there, whether it be Board roles, investing or business development.
Personally, taking part in Trek for Sight, a once in a lifetime opportunity, which I challenged myself to complete in April 2018, and also the travelling I’ve been lucky enough to do to – getting to see the world.
Thirteen years ago I stopped drinking – a commitment to making a change in the toughest of situations which I’ve continued with.
Q. Which TV show do you never miss?
I’m a big fan of Suits, and House of Cards but my all-time favourite is VEEP and I never miss a broadcasted election…
Q. What challenges do you encounter maintaining a good work/life balance?
It’s the travel factor, having businesses in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide and getting a little older now, I need some time out. This may only be sleeping a few more hours or having a two hour break during the day…It’s taken me all these years to work out that I do actually need to recharge my batteries so I can then continue to give the best of myself.
Q. What advice would you give to your younger self?
Back yourself! But also surround yourself with good people – a good support network is invaluable, and don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and ask for help and advice.There will always be those that criticize, for whatever reason, but keep going, manage the risks and identify the opportunities.
Q. If you could dine with any four guests who would they be?
Sheryl Sandberg, the founder of LeanIn.Org which is a not-for-profit dedicated “to offering women the ongoing inspiration and support to help them achieve their goals”; the Australian mining magnate Gina Rheinhart; and Warren Buffett and Bill Gates not only for their business achievements but for their philanthropic endeavours.
Q. What do you think are the main challenges the resource sector is facing over the next decade?
- Talent – a shortage of, and access to, talent and moving to a gig economy.
- Learning – lessons learnt and applying these in the future.
- Energy – power generation and pricing.
- Competitive advantage – Australia maintaining the competitive advantage globally in coal, LNG, etc.
- Economic compliance – resource size and economic extraction whilst maintaining compliance.
Q. IWD2019’s theme is #BalanceForBetter, forging to build a gender-balanced world, such as having gender-balance in the Boardroom, a gender-balance of employees, and a gender-balanced Government, amongst others. Do you think enough is being done by the industry to address gender balance in the resource sector?
The oil & gas, and mining industries are tough generally – whether you are male or female. Many big mining companies are now working more flexibly, providing flexible working arrangements to enable Mums and Dads, who may have taken time away from their career, to get back into the workforce. We need to see more women in Senior roles and at Boardroom level and provide early career advice. A company which attracts both women and men in equal measure will undoubtedly improve its competitive position. In a nutshell, gender balance drives a better working world, it’s the right thing to do and the smart thing to do.
Q. What motivates you professionally?
Adding value, and working with good clients and people. It’s really simple.
Started by the Suffragettes in the early 1900’s, the first International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1911. International Women’s Day belongs to all communities everywhere – governments, companies, charities, educational institutions, networks, associations, the media and more.