Women in Business Discussion Group 28 February 2023 – Achievements and Aspirations - via Webex

 To kick-start our WiB DG Community for 2023, we will be running an interactive session to discuss:

• The new direction of the group including membership sign up process
• WiB committee changes
• Your reflection on 2022 and what resonated with you from our discussion group sessions in 2022
• What you want to see more of in 2023
• The opportunity to provide other feedback

This is your chance to contribute to the future of this group, and your feedback and ideas are important.

Look for the registration details on your email from CPAWomen@gmail.com

 

We look forward to seeing you all virtually on 28 February, starting promptly at 6pm!

Women in Business Committee

Stress Less, Earn More

 Discussion Group 29 November 6-8pm:

Who would not like to earn more, right? But how? By increasing your performance? By taking on more work that almost guarantees longer hours? By getting promoted and taking more responsibility? By adding an extra qualification? 

If you are like most people these days, you are probably feeling overloaded, overworked and overwhelmed already. We call it ‘busy.’ Any extra effort may sound like a big stretch, particularly if you have been under a lot of pressure or been feeling anxious most of the time. And yet some people manage to remain calm, clear-headed and positive even in the midst of handling work and life’s greatest challenges. How do they do that? 

Join us as Anna (Anya) Bashkirova, founder of EQuilibrium Consulting and Coaching, will show us how to Stress Less, Earn More, and Ten Reasons We Get This The Other Way Around.

Learning Outcomes:

Identify stress correctly 

Pinpoint resilience building for stress with four steps

Classify the price we pay when it comes to stress

Look out for the registration details in your email from cpawomen@gmail.com

Setting Intentions: From Surviving to Thriving

Women in Business Discussion Group Tuesday 25 October 2022 | 6 – 8pm | Via Webex

We are excited to welcome back Dr Rosina McAlpine, CEO of Win Win Parenting, to our session on 25 October 2022 to present 'Setting Intentions: From Surviving to Thriving'. Join Dr. Rosina as she shares a work-life template and offers guidance to help you:

* Reflect on the main areas of life: health, children, career, leisure

* Appraise how well you’re achieving your aspirations in each area  

* Organize a plan to incrementally improve each life area

Dr. Rosina McAlpine is an author, family wellbeing expert, multi-award-winning educator and CEO of Win Win Parenting. Win Win Parenting programs support working parents to navigate the work-family interface successfully. Parents learn practical strategies to manage day-to-day parenting challenges like struggles with technology, emotional outbursts and keeping calm even in the most volatile situations. Managing work and home life more confidently means less stress and better performance at work.

Look for the registration details in your email from CPAWomen@gmail.com. 

Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace

 Women in Business Discussion Group Tuesday 27 September 2022 | 6 – 8pm | Via Webex

We are honoured to welcome Tina Winchester, Mental Health Director and Co-Founder of the Career Development Centre and Mentally Well Workplaces to provide Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace.

In this session, Tina will cover:

- What is mental health and mental illness

- Signs of a decline in mental health in the workplace

- How workplaces contribute to mental health and wellness

- Mental health conversations as a Leader/Employer

- Where to go for support

- What is resilience and how can we build it

- Staying mentally well

Tina Winchester is the Mental Health Director and Co-Founder of the Career Development Centre and Mentally Well Workplaces. Originally from the UK she has over 25 years’ experience working in mental health services, training and awareness and in private practice. Tina is the co-author of Australia’s first Online Mental Health Induction Program which provides comprehensive mental health education and induction to employees across all industries. She regularly presents bespoke workshops and keynote presentations both nationally and internationally. Tina is a passionate and committed mental health advocate pushing to drive change and end the stigma of mental health in workplaces and communities.

Look for your email from cpawomen@gmail.com.for registration details

Incidental Leadership

Women in Business Discussion Group Tuesday 30 August 2022 | 6 – 8pm | Via Webex

We are thrilled to welcome Michelle Cook, Image Consultant, to our discussion on Tues 30 August to share how we can harness opportunity as an incidental leader every day.

By naming your unique contribution, then actively communicating it as part of your daily business, you will learn to pitch your strengths in a way that is relevant to colleagues and the targets to be achieved. You will also have new information to add to your curriculum vitae, along with loads of examples to talk about at an interview. 

It's wonderful when the organisation can acknowledge people who contribute in this way, but often leadership acknowledgment is saved for big results, that can take months or years to manifest. Why not start the conversation? Look out for your email from cpawomen@gmail.com for details on how to registration and to download the worksheet.

#womeninbusiness #incidentalleadership

Financial Wellness - How to grow and protect your wealth in line with your values

 

Women in Business Discussion Group Tuesday 26 July 2022 | 6 – 8pm | Via Webex

The Women in Business Discussion Group have a special event for 26 July that includes two guest speakers.

Claire Shulver (Founder and Principal Lawyer, C-Legal) and Devan King (Financial Planner and Coach, Ikigai Wealth) will join forces to present “Financial Wellness - How to grow and protect your wealth in line with your values.”

In this informative session, Claire and Devan will explore:

Estate planning options and show you how you can minimise tax and offer asset protection to your loved ones when you are no longer here

How having a great relationship with money, combined with a financial strategy can help you find happiness through your finances.

Look out for your email from cpawomen@gmail.com

Building Your Professional Visibility

Women in Business Discussion Group Tuesday 28 June 2022 | 6 – 8pm | Via Webex

For our next session on 28 June, we welcome Nikki Heald, Director of Corptraining, to present Building Your Professional Visibility.

Business isn’t business – business is personal and people do business with people they like! In today’s competitive market, the ability to inspire confidence and build a strong market presence is crucial to ongoing success. Whilst technical skills and knowledge are vital, the perception of you influences career progression.

Nikki Heald is the Director of Corptraining, established to provide dynamic, modern presentations appropriate to the business needs of today. Her programs focus on developing interpersonal skills which enhance business relationships and professional visibility, resulting in increased credibility and sales.

Look for the registration link in your email from CPAWomen@gmail.com

Women in Business Discussion Group Tuesday 31 May 2022 | 6 – 8pm | Via Webex

We are thrilled to welcome Melbourne-based strategic communications firm, Michelson Alexander, a, to our May event. The session will be led by Senior Associate Elyse Gatt and Founder and Director Steve Michelson who are strategic communications experts with extensive experience advising a range of corporate, government and not for profit clients at the nexus of policy, politics, and public affairs.

In this session, Elyse and Steve will explore a range of themes, including:

· How women are perceived when they communicate, compared to men

· Rising above these biases to communicate with purpose

· Tailoring your messages to your audience and context

· Managing and communicating around change

· How to communicate in times of crisis

The session will be interactive and will feature several opportunities to work through case studies and share personal experiences.

Further information on Michelson Alexander can be found here: www.michelsonalexander.com.au

Background on the speakers

Elyse Gatt

Elyse has a long track-record of providing policy and communications advice in difficult sectors. As well as working as a press secretary to a Federal Cabinet Minister, she spent close to a decade at bp Australia, driving the implementation of the company's net-zero ambitions and leading government relations and communications campaigns for low-carbon projects.

Steve Michelson

Steve is Founder and Director of Michelson Alexander and a respected corporate advisor and political campaigner. He's worked in the private sector, politics, and the law, and was a key architect in the fight for marriage equality in Australia. Steve advises a range of government agencies and ASX companies, including those in the financial services sector.

We look forward to seeing you on line! To join, look for the details in your email from CPAWomen@gmail.com

The Influential Accounting Business Partner to a Sustainable Business Organisation

Women in Business Discussion Group Tuesday 26 April 2022 | 6 – 8pm | Via Webex

For our April session, we are pleased to welcome James Barnes, Director of SmartBA to present The Influential Accounting Business Partner to a Sustainable Business Organisation.

There is a building trend for organisations to move to a sustainable business operating model. So what can we as business partners within the accounting profession do to help deliver business transformation for a sustainable future?

James will share what the influential business partner can do to influence an organisation on this transformation by looking at our partnering skillset, the circular economy model and the financial and reporting impacts we can utilise for decision making.

Look for the Webex details in your email from cpawomen@gmail.com.

 We are delighted to welcome back Maria Pantalone, Business Communication Consultant, Infinite Growth, for our session on 29 March to present insights on Providing Clarity in Business Writing.

In this session, Maria will be providing business writing tips and applying them to the writing of emails.

The areas that will be covered include:

1.         Dealing with email fatigue

2.         The tone of words and their impact on your message

3.         How your choice of words can bring clarity to your message

This will be an interactive event and one activity will require members to use a piece of paper.  Please have this ready to use during the session.

Maria Pantalone is an experienced facilitator, coach and business writer.

Organisations that have engaged Maria’s services include Surf Life Saving NSW, Amway, NSW Police, Aussie Home Loans and the Parramatta College, to name a few.

Maria works with both individuals and teams. She conducts workshops and coaching sessions to help professionals confidently deliver their verbal and written messages.

Her company, Infinite Growth, has been recognised for its commitment to excellence in both regional and national business awards.

Look for the registration link in your email from CPA Women.

Women in Business Discussion Group 22 February 2022

To kick-start our WiB DG Community for 2022, our first session will be a reflection on 2021.  This will include a special visit from fellow discussion group member and immediate past President of NSW Divisional Council, Lisa Gill. 

Lisa will share with us her learnings and achievements as President.  You will also have the opportunity to share with your fellow discussion group members what resonated with you from our discussion group in 2021 and what you want to see more of in 2022.

No need to register for this event.  Link to the Webex link will be emailed to you the day prior to the event.

We look forward to seeing you all virtually on 22 February, starting promptly at 6pm!

Leveraging your Superpower

Women in Business Discussion Group Tuesday 30 November 2021 | 6 – 8pm | Via Webex

Did you know that being a female CPA is a secret superpower? When you use it wisely it can supercharge your career and when combined with solid support networks, your professional and personal opportunities are amplified. If you would like to learn more about this superpower and some tools and tactics to leverage it, this session is for you.

Danielle Dobson is a former CPA and over her 14-year career held almost every finance role you can imagine and worked in private practice, NFPS and global Fortune500 companies. Living and working in 5 countries Danielle learned the importance of perspective, empathy and connection and how they can be the foundation for personal and professional success. Now the Founder of her business, Code Conversations, and a leadership coach, facilitator, speaker and advocate, Danielle focuses on supporting professional women to use the strengths and attributes they already have, to achieve their own unique version of fulfilment and success. Danielle is also an author of the book, Breaking the Gender Code and is given plenty of opportunities to practice her leadership insights in her most challenging role of all - being Lead Parent and Family CEO to three rather energetic boys!

To register, use the link in your email from CPA Women@gmail.com

Creating Authentic Connections

 Women in Business Discussion Group Tuesday 26 October 2021 | 6 – 8pm | Via Webex

How we connect with colleagues, business partners and clients in an authentic way that feels good and fosters productive relationships is essential to business and career. It is an interactive session where you will learn to recognise four primary behavioural styles and how they connect and interact. We will also be looking at what separates us from each other and how we can close the gap. If you are a logically / technically minded professional, this session is for you.  

Anna Bashkirova, CPA, is the founder and the Principal Consultant at EQuilibrium Consulting & Coaching (www.equilibriumconsulting.com.au). Anna is a human behaviour specialist and a self-leadership coach focusing on sustainable high performance. 

Prior to coaching, Anna had a successful career in accounting and IT where she consulted accountants and CFOs around accounting systems. This path led her to the realisation that most software implementation issues turned out to be people related. As a result, she devoted a few years to become a human behaviour specialist. Anna is a Professional Coach, qualified Extended DISC behavioural profiler, Meta Dynamics practitioner and a PROSCI certified change manager. Anna is passionate about helping accounting, finance, IT, and legal professionals unlock their potential as organisational and business leaders by enhancing their soft skills, particularly emotional intelligence and fitness.  She works with clients individually and in groups. Anna’s clients appreciate her empathetic and personable coaching style.  

Anna is also a property developer and a mum of a 22-year old engineer. 

To register, follow the link in your email from CPA Women

Deepening relationships for well-being and success

 Women in Business Discussion Group Tuesday 28 September 2021 | 6 – 8pm | Via Webex

Science shows that supportive relationships are the single most important factor in our health, happiness and success. To thrive, we need them in all areas of life: work, home, friendships and communities, local and professional. Yet building and maintaining caring, beneficial connections can be challenging, particularly in these times. The result is soaring levels of isolation, stress and mental and even physical illness globally. Presented by Dr Alicia Fortinberry, an organisational psychologist, best-selling author, business advisor and executive coach, the session will give you science-backed facts and tips to help you find and strengthen relationships that boost your confidence and wellbeing. You will have a better understanding of obstacles in yourself and circumstances that might hold you back from the relationships you want, and how to overcome these. Come prepared to ask questions, share feelings and observations and enjoy your community of CPA women.

Dr Alicia Fortinberry is an internationally recognised keynote speaker, best-selling author, teacher, business advisor and executive coach. An organisational psychologist who draws on the latest research in a wide field of behavioural sciences, Alicia offers proven, practical concepts and tools that enable individuals and organisations to achieve successful relationships, resilience, culture, leadership and strategy. Alicia works extensively with top-tier professional and financial service organisations as well as Global Fortune 500 companies in the US, Europe, Asia and Australia, including all the Big Four accounting consultancies and Australia’s major banks. Books with her partner Dr Bob Murray include two New York Times best-sellers Creating Optimism and Raising an Optimistic Child (both published by McGraw-Hill, New York) and two business best-sellers: The Human Science of Strategy: What works and what doesn’t and Leading the Future: The Human Science of Law Firm Strategy and Leadership (both ARK Group, London).  

To attend, use the registration link in your email from CPA Women.

How to stay connected to your network

 Women in Business Discussion Group Tuesday 24 August 2021| 6 – 8pm | Via Webex

As most of us continue to rely on digital communication and have limited in person interaction, how do we stay connected to our network? For our session on 24 August, we are excited to welcome Tamara (Cohen) Leizer FCA, FCPA, Director, Program Management Office, Fast Rail, Transport for NSW. Tamara will share her insights as an experienced leader and Fellow CPA. We will learn how to be proactive in staying connected, build our networks and develop strong stakeholder relationships. Look for the link to register in your email from CPA Women.

Excel Power Query

Women in Business Discussion Group Tuesday 27 July 2021| 6 – 8pm | Via Webex

The Women in Business Discussion Group are delighted to welcome back Neale Blackwood, Microsoft Excel expert. Neale will demonstrate how Power Query allows you to automatically perform data cleansing routines on your data sources - no manual intervention required. Simply refresh and your data is ready to use. You can use csv files; txt files; databases and existing Excel tables as your data sources.

Continuing his Power Query tips from his last session, Neale will start working with multiple files. For example, you may have 12 separate CSV files in a folder. All with the same layout, one for each month of the year. Power Query can import all 12 files as if they were a single file and create a table for the whole year

This session covers

• importing multiple CSV files from a folder
• a technique to capture the file name in a field (column)
• importing multiple Excel files
• merging data from multiple tables
• Extracting header information into a column from multiple CSV files

Neale Blackwood is a Microsoft Excel expert with over 30 years’ experience as an Accountant and consultant and over 25 years’ experience using and writing about Excel. Neale has been a regular contributor to INTHEBLACK since 2002. He has written over 200 Excel articles for the magazine. He answers Excel questions via email from CPAs from around the world.

He has written and presented numerous Excel sessions at CPA events around Australia over the past 10 years. He has recorded over two dozen Excel podcasts for the CPA Australia podcast series. His first book, Advanced Excel Reporting for Management Accountants, was published in 2014 by Wiley. He has presented over 350 live webinars on Excel since 2012 and written over 400 blog posts.

Neale works with organisations, large and small, to help them make the most of Excel by:

Speeding up reporting processes by re-engineering their current Excel files
Reducing re-keying by creating new reporting solutions
Removing manual processes by automating tasks using Power Query and macros
Providing targeted Excel coaching (in person and online)
Providing customised Excel training (in person and online)
Running live online webinars both free and paid