WIS Power of Influence – Navigating Culture, Leadership, and Technology

Cultivating a Resilient Culture

Culture is the centre of any organisation, influencing its decisions, actions, and reputation. During the event, Deanne highlighted how Aware Super maintained its culture even amidst digitisation and transformation. The importance of strong core values and consistent communication is essential in preserving the essence of an organisation. Cultures evolve, but they should remain rooted in their foundational principles.

Leadership in Nurturing and Repairing Culture: Leaders are instrumental in shaping, repairing and living the culture. The panel discussion stressed that leaders must lead by example. They need to be authentic, transparent, and accountable for their actions. When leaders model the goal culture and provide guidance, employees are more likely to adopt it organically. Repairing a damaged culture can be challenging, but it’s possible through clear communication and demonstrating commitment to change.

The impact of technology on the workplace was another topic of discussion. Evolving and adopting new technologies is a necessity for competitiveness and efficiency, however, organisations must acknowledge the need for a balanced approach. While digital transformation is essential, it should not come at the expense of the human touch.

The panel touched on Aware Super’s recent digital transformation and to view change as happening around you and not happening TO you. To embrace technology as empowering rather than threatening. Aware Super became the largest digital-first super fund, in a rapidly evolving world of new technologies, if you do not embrace and upskill, you will fall behind. It is recommended for leaders to focus on learning and upskilling to see the potential of how technology can align and add to the client experience.

Mentorship and sponsorship play distinct roles in career development. Mentors offer guidance and advice, while sponsors actively advocate for your advancement. Whilst both equally important factors in your career, they differ in that mentorship nurtures personal growth, while sponsorship opens doors to opportunities. To advance gender diversity, it’s essential to have sponsors who actively champion women in leadership roles regardless of their own gender.

Diversity was a recurring theme throughout the event. Diverse teams bring different perspectives and ideas, fostering innovation and better decision-making. To promote diversity, it’s crucial to create an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued.

Addressing pay equity is a vital step toward achieving gender equality. While some progress has been made, there is still work to be done. To close the gender pay gap, companies should conduct regular pay audits, ensure transparency, and implement fair pay policies. Holding leaders accountable for equitable compensation is essential for organisational growth within the industry.