Pictured above: The Women in Print NSW committee – (l-r) Debbie Burgess, Carmen Ciappara, Sarah Moore and Fiona O’Dea
Women in Print’s annual Breakfast Series kicked off today with its first event for the year in Sydney.
Danielle Dobson was the 2023 keynote speaker, headlining the series by exploring her book ‘Breaking the Gender Code’.
Dobson is a speaker, author, facilitator and mother. As a CPA with extensive corporate experience, she wanted to make a difference and commenced a two-year research piece across male and female leaders coping with professional work-life balance.
Her findings formed her book, which was the topic for discussion at the Sydney event and will continue to be discussed at the other states’ Breakfast Series.
Dobson focussed on how the Gender Code can hold back women in their professional and personal lives, as well as unpacked why women feel the constant pressure to keep so many balls up in the air without seeking support or assistance.
She suggested that women adopt a Curiosity, Acceptance, Ask and Prioritisation (CAAP) strategy, which involves the removal of judgement and the breaking down of barriers, the taking of responsibility, treating people how they want to be treated and knowing what’s at the core of you.
She also suggested that women focus on what’s strong for what’s next. As part of this point, Dobson suggested that women not only accept, but ‘make friends’ with challenges and they should build their capacity for self compassion.
The key message was for seeing it as not a way for judging ourselves positively, but rather relating to ourselves kindly and embracing ourselves as we are, flaws and all.
Other points that she suggested were:
- Using what you already have as tools to focus on what’s strong
- Collecting evidence for your self knowledge data bank
- Engaging with your inner coach
- Building a strong connection with yourself.
Dobson also addressed the importance of women supporting each other to take the next steps.
Women in Print’s annual Breakfast Series will continue in Melbourne tomorrow, in Brisbane on 18 May, Adelaide on 23 May, Perth on 24 May, and Hobart on 30 May (the event in Hobart is a lunch instead of a breakfast).
Women in Print has confirmed that tickets for the Melbourne event are sold out, with a record number of over 200 attendees expected.
Brisbane and Adelaide’s Breakfast Series have sold out as well, with a few tickets remaining for the Perth and Hobart events.
Click here to book.
The full gallery of the Women in Print Series will be published in the June 2023 issue of ProPrint.
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