In this episode of Women Leadership Reframe, podcast co-host Ellie English interviews Louise Cummins, Chief Marketing Officer for World Vision Australia.

With over 30 years of award-winning experience in marketing, management, and organisational change, Louise shares her inspiring journey from the glamour of MGM studios to the heart of Cambodia, driven by a desire for purposeful work.

Louise discusses the importance of resilience, clarity of purpose, and the power of passion projects. She also touches on navigating diversity in organisations, setting personal and professional boundaries, and the significance of staying in the driver's seat of one's career. Tune in for actionable advice on leadership, balancing work-life, and unleashing your potential.

Episode highlights

00:00 Introduction to Women Leadership Reframe

01:33 Meet Louise Cummings: A Leadership Journey

03:25 The Role of Adventure in Career Growth

04:53 Finding Purpose and Legacy

10:12 Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workplace

13:12 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

16:37 Taking Charge of Your Career

25:22 Challenges and Opportunities at the C-Level

27:46 The Importance of Boundaries and Balance

36:25 Leadership Traits and Mindsets

42:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Key topics covered:

• The importance of stepping out of your comfort zone for professional growth
• Balancing career aspirations with personal life and passion projects
• Developing resilience and a strong sense of self-worth in leadership roles
• Strategies for effective time management and setting boundaries
• Navigating the challenges of being a woman in C-suite positions
• The value of continuous learning and adapting to emerging technologies like AI
• Fostering talent development and addressing unconscious bias in the workplace
• Key traits for career advancement: confidence, tenacity, and problem-solving skills

Notable quotes:

• "Peace is not allowing other people to guide... know yourself and know your value."
• "Busy people are lazy people... you're not putting up the right boundaries around yourself."
• "If you're confident and you're tenacious and you are demanding a seat at the table... that absolutely trumps talent."

Louise also shares personal anecdotes, including her experience as a mother of a child with autism and how it influenced her approach to leadership and inclusivity.

Listeners will gain practical advice on career progression, maintaining work-life balance, and cultivating essential leadership skills in today's dynamic business environment.

Connect with Louise Cummins on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/louiseemmacummins

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