Be true to yourself and embrace the uncomfortable.
Keynote speaker Olivia Vivian
These were the key messages from Perth athlete and Ninja Warrior star Olivia Vivian, speaking at CCIWA’s International Women’s Day #MarchForward luncheon.
“I believe that it’s time for all of us to step outside our comfort zones. Because we all have dreams, big dreams,” she told a full room at Crown Perth, while wearing pyjamas as a symbol emotional safety.
“And for women, now is the time where we need to stand strong and stand in our power!
“I live by this mantra: live true, be you. Because I believe that when you are always true to yourself, authentically who you are and you commit to that, you will watch your world open up.”
Despite being told she was too tall and too old to succeed in gymnastics, Vivian defied expectations and went on to compete at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the World Championships and won silver at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
After retiring from gymnastics, Vivian turned to reality TV show, Ninja Warrior. Following three years of failing the course, she made history as the first female to beat male competitors and reach the semi-finals.
Today, she still competes on the international Ninja Warrior stage, breaking barriers and inspiring others.
Tackling imposter syndrome: back yourself
l-R: MC Kate Mac with panellists Arlene Mavratsou, Esme Bowen, Amanda Healy and Olivia Vivian.
A highlight of the event was the Q&A panel, featuring WA Police Assistant Commissioner Arlene Mavratsou, CCIWA Vice President Esme Bowen, Warrikal CEO and Kirrikin founder Amanda Healy and Vivian, facilitated by MC, Kate Mac.
Mavratsou said the biggest obstacle in her career – which included being the first police staff member promoted to a commissioner rank – was herself.
“All you can do is have that confidence in yourself that you were brought into the position for a reason, because you are competent and you must be confident with that,” she said.
“Believe in yourself, because if you don’t believe in yourself, you’re never going to achieve the goals that you need to. So go get it.”
Bowen, a leader in disability, healthcare, road safety, volunteering and small business, was asked how young men could be encouraged to pursue careers in fields traditionally dominated by females.
“A good example is our care economy. That is an area we need to encourage all of our community to take part in,” she said.
“Without the care economy, many of us are going to struggle as we age, and as you get closer, you think about it a lot more … what does that quality [of care] look like for you and your family?”
A fashion show by Kaleidoscope World of Fashion showcased dresses from Luxe.
Healy is an Aboriginal woman who has worked in mining for more than 35 years and has an established career in fashion. She encouraged everyone to “help a sister or brother out”.
“We’re all struggling with things that nobody knows or can’t see. If you know of something that could help someone, then do it,” Healy said.
The event also featured a surprise fashion show by Kaleidoscope World of Fashion, showcasing dresses from Luxe, a profit-for-purpose dress hire business.
Each look embodied the confidence to own your story, the courage to stand out, and the determination to keep moving forward.
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