The Coaching for Women in Digital Program was officially launched on Thursday 10 December 2020. It was a strong start, with 73 participants from 29 government entities starting the Program in its first virtual event. The event was delivered jointly by the DTA and new program partner Accenture.

The kick-off event introduced participants to the new-look program, which was re-designed and delivered based on extensive user research. The program aims to fit user needs in the digital age. 

A program designed for users

The Program’s theme is Reflect, Connect and Grow. Participants were invited to kicked off their journey by:

• reflecting on leadership
• connecting with their program peers
• looking forward to growth by considering their individual program goals.

The event was streamed live from studios in Barangaroo, Sydney. It was presented as an interview, talk-show format, with Sunita Gloster (Senior Advisor at Accenture and Advisor at UN Women Australia) acting as the MC.

The program included:

• an introduction by Randall Brugeaud, CEO of DTA
• keynote by the Hon Julia Gillard and a follow-up Q&A with questions submitted by participants
• a message of support by Julie Sweet, CEO of Accenture
• a breakout discussion activity by Lead Program Coach Claire McCaffery.

Speakers with a united message

Participants were excited to hear from, and engage with the Hon Julia Gillard AC. She shared her reflections on being a senior woman working in a male-dominated field. She also discussed key stories and insights from her latest book, Women and Leadership, which was co-authored with Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (former Nigerian Finance Minister and Foreign Minister).

Julia speaks about the delicate balance and difficulties that women leaders face, and the individual approach that each has to the problem. Through her book, Julia aims to provide guidelines to inspire people to be agents of change for equality.

‘It’s important for women to come together… to support each other.’ – Julia Gillard

 Other speakers also shared a united message for the participants:

• Randall Brugeaud, CEO of DTA, spoke on the importance of diversity in the digital profession and for building a strong future for women in digital
• Julie Sweet, CEO of Accenture, encouraged program participants to lean in, utilise personal strengths and own their development journeys.

Purpose, authenticity and empowerment

Participants reacted positively and actively engaged with discussions and activities. During the wrap-up, when asked, ‘what one word describes what has resonated most with you today?’, many responded with ‘purpose’, ‘authenticity’, ‘empowerment’ and ‘sponsorship’.

Participants also gave the following feedback:  

‘It was such a wonderful opportunity to be part of it. I am so inspired by the speakers today’

‘Thanks so much for this morning’s event – it was fantastic! Julia Gillard was just wonderful. I can’t wait to read her book’

‘What a great way to kick off a course! Today’s workshop was fabulous. It was very informative and so very relatable.’

‘Thank you very much for organising this wonderful inspiring kick-off event! It was great to listen to all speakers especially Julia Gillard.’

‘I really enjoyed it… looking forward to the upcoming sessions next year’

Commitment to women in APS leadership  

The Coaching for Women in Digital Program is one of DTA’s long-running programs. It aims to support more women into digital leadership roles and is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to promote diversity and address the gender imbalance within the APS.

The DTA is proud to bring together a high-quality, interactive, and engaging Program that will give participants access to whole-of-government networks, a global insight to their careers and help them thrive in an APS digital role.

Contact us to find out more

The current coaching program is full and closed to registrations. However you can request to be put on the waiting list for the next cycle. Please email capability@dta.gov.au