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

The Female Executive’s Survival Guide

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