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Newcastle Herald

National

'Stereotyping and rigid gender roles lie at the root cause of many issues such as violence against women'

EARLY LESSONS: "The most important thing my parents taught me was that business, big or small, is all about people," says Venessa Wells.

Who or what influenced your career?

Born in Sydney and raised in Newcastle, I gained early leadership experience as a primary and high school captain. My parents were my biggest influence running their own fencing business, talking about that at the dinner table, and nurturing respectful curiosity, hard work, and life-long learning.

After school you studied subjects ranging from psychology to accounting. What motivated you?

If something intrigued me, an opportunity arose, or I felt I could benefit from further knowledge, I'd pursue it either through formal or informal education while also working. For example, newly out of high school I chose to pursue psychology and social work because my Gran had been diagnosed with dementia. This was devastating as she was such a larger than life personality. I wanted to understand mental health and learn how I could help her and others.

In 2004 you were a health promotion officer at Hunter New England Health. What led to this?

As one of my first roles out of university, I saw it as an exciting opportunity that aligned with my skillset and outlook on health. It was a profession that acknowledged that while our health is shaped by what we're born with, our choices and behaviours, it is also heavily influenced by what is available to us in our environment - where we live, the work we do, and opportunities we get.

You worked in the health arena before you were CEO of Injury Matters in Perth. What was your remit?

I was fortunate to work with an amazing team of 22 staff, volunteers and partners advocating policy changes, delivering injury and violence prevention programs, providing trauma support, and delivering WA sector-wide capacity building services. Even though I had completed my MBA, taking on a leadership role was a steep learning curve and a great achievement.

What led to you doing the AICD Course and also a Master of Evaluation, Program Evaluation?

It felt like the natural progression in my governance journey, as a director and CEO. I was experiencing first-hand how good governance can supercharge an organisation's impact. Obtaining my Master of Evaluation was strategic, to enhance my understanding of how best to measure the value of 'something'.

You are non-executive director of the Hunter Region Working Women's Group and the Australasian Birth Trauma Association. Why choose these groups?

Both charities focus on addressing and preventing physical and psychological trauma experienced by women and their families, whether that is through domestic family violence and abuse or birth-related trauma. Those close to me have been touched by both causes so I was drawn to these organisations, and I'm passionate about contributing to change.

You are a new non-executive director of nib foundation. What drew you to this role?

My career to date has focused on the values of health, equity, prevention and empowerment, which align strongly with nib foundation's mission. These values and the foundation's community health investment drew me to NIB.

How busy are you as a non-executive member of three boards?

I have what some call a 'portfolio career'. I sit on three boards, run my own health promotion and social impact consulting business, and am completing a Ph.D. The workload can be intense, especially when all board and committee meetings align, however it generally ebbs and flows. I also have two beautiful children under the age of four who keep me very busy!

What are your aspirations at a board level?

My focus is on building my capacity around values-driven leadership, and how this can be translated into boardroom culture. I enjoy mentoring others to think differently about governance and continue to support and foster more women in leadership roles. I'm also always looking out for new opportunities in the not-for-profit sector, but also in government and the private sector to make a positive difference.

Stereotyping and rigid gender roles lie at the root cause of many issues such as violence against women.
Venessa Wells

Who or what motivates you professionally?

I'm captivated by Brené Brown and her research into courage and what it takes to be a brave and daring leader in the face of uncertainty, vulnerability and criticism. I'm also reading the work of Jess Hill, an investigative journalist who wrote about power, control and domestic abuse in See What You Made Me Do. Both researchers are challenging what we thought we knew about their respective topics.

Have you ever experienced gender discrimination and do you believe we need a pink quota in politics and in boards?

I've experienced gender discrimination in frontline and senior roles. Quotas are one of many tools that can and should be used to achieve gender equality. There are, however, significant structural and systemic barriers, and social norms that need changing if we are to see equality in this generation. Stereotyping and rigid gender roles lie at the root cause of many issues such as violence against women. Instead, let's challenge stereotypes through our words and actions.

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