Chamber Change empowers WA women in business

CCIWA has launched its inaugural Chamber Change: Small Business program, a national initiative designed to empower women at all stages of their careers to step into leadership roles and grow their businesses. 

The program, created by the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and funded through the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (ACCI) Future Makers program, is being rolled out to chambers across the country. CCIWA is one of the first to deliver it, with part one of the three-part series taking place on September 11 at CCIWA.

VCCI Chief of Staff Chanelle Pearson said the program was developed to inspire more women to apply for leadership positions. 

“We know there aren’t enough female CEOs, not enough women in the c-suite, not enough women on boards, so we set out to design a program that would really inspire and empower women to take that next step in their careers,” she said. 

“Now, through the ACCI Future Makers program, it is our absolute honour to be sharing this program with chambers across the country. The energy in the room today has been absolutely electric.”

‘Champions’ share insights 

Each Chamber Change session features two guest ‘champions’ who share their insights and career journeys. At CCIWA’s first session, the keynote speakers were Tina Ambrose, Managing Director of Valrose, and Kathryn Horlin, BHP Manager Sustainability and Social Value Assurance and CCIWA General Council member. 

Horlin encouraged participants to think tactically about their career development. 

“Often as women, we accept things; if someone asks you to do it, you just do it rather than being strategic around what you’re going to do and where you’re going to add value,” she said.  

“Over time, I’ve learned to be more strategic about what I do and how I add value. In the past decade of my career, I’ve been very intentional about choosing work that aligns to my strengths and adds value, while also managing my work-life balance. 

“You have to think about what you want to achieve; what’s your ‘why’? And that sense of purpose is really important.” 

Horlin also spoke about boundaries and work-life balance. 

“Choosing to work part time for me was a really good choice,” she said. 

“I did that for nine years, so I could be present for my children when they were young. 

“Many people were surprised that I maintained that arrangement for such a long time while also still continuing to pursue my career with passion. 

“Balancing family and work is very challenging. It all comes down to boundaries and priorities – balancing work and family in a way that feels right for you.”

Homeless to small business owner 

Ambrose reflected on her own journey, from being homeless as a teenager to becoming a small business owner and mother of two. 

“When I opened Valrose in 2018 it was with the illusion that it would give me flexibility and some time back. It can do that, but it also comes with a mental load,” she said. 

“The right mindset is really important, and making sure that comes with confidence, adaptability, resilience and humility. If you have the willingness to take risks and being bold in taking those risks means the payoff can be really good.” 

Ambrose also offered advice she would give her younger self. 

“If I was to go back to my 20-year-old self, I would have had my confidence sooner,” she said. 

“I’d have more confidence to say no to things that aren’t serving you and focus more on what you bring to the table.” 

CCIWA Senior HR and Workplace Relations Consultant Cristina Iacob gave the group some powerful insights on mastering public speaking before the group participated in some workshops. 

The program continues on October 3 and October 24. Participants must attend all three sessions to complete the course, which combines networking opportunities with practical skills and inspiration to help more women reach leadership positions. 

Like the sound of Chamber Change? Express your interest to attend Series 2 next year here.