The Female Executive’s Survival Guide

001 When you're the only woman on the executive team - Dr Kirsten Molloy

In this episode of the Female Executive Survival Guide podcast, Lauren Eyles and guest Dr Kirsten Molloy discuss the unique challenges faced by women in executive roles, including feelings of isolation, the importance of building confidence, and navigating unwritten rules of success. They explore the significance of feedback, the dynamics of team interactions, and the necessity of curiosity in leadership. The conversation also touches on the advocacy for gender equality in business and the evolution of leadership styles over time. In this conversation, Kirsten shares her journey and insights on gender equity, diversity, and leadership. She emphasizes the necessity of speaking up about gender inequities and the importance of creating inclusive environments. Kirsten reflects on her experiences in leadership roles, the challenges faced, and the need for self-compassion and support. The discussion highlights the significance of data in driving change and the role of mentors in personal and professional growth.

 

Guest Bio

Dr Kirsten Molloy is an experienced Board Chair and Non Executive Director with a range of organisations including private companies, not-for-profits, mutual member based organisations and government-owned companies. Before becoming a CEO, she held executive roles in global resources, manufacturing and logistics companies.

She is also a great advocate for diversity and inclusion, engaging business leaders to be part of the change.

 

Host bio

As an Executive Coach and Mentor, Lauren Eyles is a trusted guide to new and experienced Executives, helping them navigate times of growth and change. She also helps leaders find calm amid chaos, bringing extensive experience as a Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader, having worked across the ports and logistics, utilities, health and medical research, NFP and tourism sectors. 

She is particularly passionate about inspiring and supporting women during their first few years as an executive, knowing from experience that the experience can be lonely.  

Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has Masters degrees in business and sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management.

 

Key Themes

• Navigating Leadership Loneliness
• Building Confidence in Executive Roles
• The Unwritten Rules of Success
• The Power of Feedback in Leadership
• Understanding Team Dynamics
• Curiosity: A Key to Effective Leadership

 

Chapters

00:00     Introduction to Leadership Loneliness

02:58     Navigating Executive Roles: Confidence and Fear

05:56     Building Confidence as a Leader

09:11     Understanding Unwritten Rules of Success

12:02     The Importance of Feedback in Leadership

15:09     Navigating Team Dynamics and Conflict

18:12     The Role of Curiosity in Leadership

21:11     Diversity and Inclusion in Leadership

24:10     Reflections on Leadership Styles and Feedback

27:05     Advocacy for Gender Equality in Business

32:19     Courage and Necessity in Gender Equity Discussions

41:32     Championing Diversity Beyond Gender

52:24     Creating Safe Spaces for Inclusion

55:30     Reflections on Leadership and Self-Compassion

 

Sound Bites

• "Leadership can be lonely."
• "Feeling like a fish out of water."
• "It's a practice."
• "You have to manage your manager."
• "Curiosity is important in leadership."
• "You need to sit with discomfort."
• "You can't be what you can't see."
• "Data is incredibly powerful."
• "How do we make sure that..."
• "I would be much kinder to myself."
• "Be kind to yourself."
• "Find your supporters, your people."

 

Connect with Kirsten

LinkedIn

Verity Leadership Breakfasts (Newcastle AU) 

 

Connect with Lauren 

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

 

The Female Executive's Survival Guide

Instagram

Facebook

 

Women on Boards (WOB)

WOB Cultural Diversity Reports

 

 

Key words

leadership, women in business, executive roles, confidence, feedback, team dynamics, diversity, inclusion, unwritten rules, gender equality, gender equity, diversity, inclusion, leadership, women in business, mentorship, safe spaces, self-compassion, career growth, advocacy

 

Trailer - Welcome to the Female Executive's Survival Guide!

Welcome to the Female Executive's Survival Guide podcast!

Meet your host, Lauren Eyles, an Executive Coach and Mentor, and find out how she'll help you thrive at work.

Lauren previews three amazing guests who you'll meet on December 10:

• Dr Kirsten Molloy, a Board Chair and Non Executive Director, who was CEO of one of the world's biggest supply chains
• Jennifer Geary, a C-Suite expert and author of 'How to be a Chief Operating Officer'
• Holly Martin, a successful entrepreneur, MD of The Marketing GP and a Non Executive Director

 

Chapter list

00:00 Introduction to the Female Executive Survival Guide
00:29 Navigating the Challenges of Executive Roles
01:23 Authenticity and Leadership in Male-Dominated Environments
01:51 Engaging with the Audience for Tailored Support

 

Send your questions through

Lauren wants to know what's keeping you up at night, what questions do you have for our guests and how can we help you thrive in your career. Email info@laureneyles.com.au.