Derwent

Last week, Derwent hosted a “Women in Tech” breakfast with guest speakers Heather Cook & Memo Hayek, GAICD, creating a safe space for female digital and technology leaders to share their challenges and discuss solutions that both executive search firms, like Derwent, and the community can implement to continuously promote diversity in the executive leadership team (ELT). The breakfast, facilitated by Katharine Whittaker, Principal in Derwent’s Digital & Technology practice, provided advice and perspectives for navigating leadership in the STEM fields, and highlighted the growing need to promote diverse talent pools and develop technology leadership to meet demand. For further detail, be sure to click the link below.

Last week Derwent had the pleasure of hosting an executive forum “Digital Growth – It’s a People Thing” with guest speakers Emma Hogan & Richard Joffe in Sydney. The event, facilitated by Lindsay Every, Derwent’s Group Managing Partner and Digital Practice Lead, highlighted that successful digital transformation hinges on effective people strategies, including the right operating model, organisational structure, and alignment of capabilities.   Key takeaways included the importance of strong leadership, the role of digital strategies in enhancing efficiency, and the necessity of a supportive culture that encourages innovation and experimentation. The discussion also covered assessing digital health, prioritising digitisation efforts, and maintaining a culture of digital innovation, emphasising that top talent and clear incentives are crucial for driving digital success and transformation.   For further detail, be sure to click the link below.

Derwent are pleased to have hosted more than 50 aspiring Board Directors in Perth to our ongoing Pathway to the Boardroom series. Our guest speakers Nick Cernotta and Jenn Morris, OAM shared their perspectives on how to approach the search for a board career, some of the key considerations, the attributes that are currently in demand for boards, and establishing your personal brand and differentiation. This event was hosted by Derwent Managing Partners Michelle Gardiner, Julie Colvin, and Mike O'Sullivan. For further detail, be sure to click the link below.

Last week Derwent had the pleasure of hosting an executive forum “Digital Growth – It’s a People Thing” with guest speakers Simone Carroll and Rod van Onselen in Melbourne. Facilitated by Lindsay Every, Derwent’s Group Managing Partner and Digital Practice Lead, Simone and Rod provided excellent insight into the importance of leadership and talent in achieving digital growth objectives. Key takeaways from the discussion included the need for ongoing investment in people, technology and brand, which are all interdependent; the central priority of the customer proposition; the demonstrable impact that great digital talent can have on bringing others up the curve; and the importance of leaders to setup teams to be highly autonomous and highly aligned. For further detail, be sure to click the link below.

Derwent were delighted to host another edition of our Pathway to the Boardroom series in Melbourne, joined by guest speakers Jennifer Douglas and Richard Dammery. Jennifer and Richard provided firsthand reflection and advice to more than 100 attendees on the considerations and learnings when transitioning to a board setting. Key takeaways from the discussion included how to manage the transition to non-executive roles, how to assess the right board opportunity for you, and what to expect as a board member. For further detail, be sure to click the below link.

Last week Derwent hosted a Director’s Roundtable discussion on ‘How AI is changing the game’ with John Ball, Managing Director Customer Solutions at Google. With the global AI arms race well and truly underway, it's vital for organisations to embed the right leadership skills and decision making at both the board and executive level to maximise the commercial opportunities that artificial intelligence is presenting. This event was hosted by Michelle Gardiner, Managing Partner, Board Practice at Derwent.

Last week Derwent’s Board Practice was delighted to host a group of 24 Board Members for a roundtable event with Iris Davila, Managing Director, Investment Stewardship at BlackRock. Iris’ insights covered the five mega forces that BlackRock views as key investment themes, and it elicited a fascinating discussion across various Board perspectives. This roundtable was hosted by Michelle Gardiner, Managing Partner, Board Practice at Derwent.

Great to meet some of our next up and coming cohort of Directors. Thanks to Trent Bartlett FAICD IDP-C GCB.D for his wonderful facilitation and Carl Cockerham, GAICD and his team at AICD for the opportunity and support.

Derwent is pleased to announce the addition of Megan McCracken and Jenn Morris, OAM to its advisory board. Megan and Jenn join existing advisory board members David Jones AM and Peter Tonagh in delivering ongoing strategic advice and impact.

Derwent are looking forward to participating in next week's inaugural job-matching event for parents hosted by CEOs for Gender Equity. We are thrilled to support parents as they explore new career opportunities and work towards balancing their professional and personal lives.