Fourth Women in Business Event a Success
Led by the Wheatbelt Business Network, businesswomen from across the Wheatbelt descended on Beverley to attend the fourth WE Shine event on Friday the 15th October.
The purpose of the day was to provide a professional development opportunity for female business owners and senior decision makers.
WBN member and panellist, Christy Petchell from Petchell Mechanical (Wyalkatchem) said, “I met ladies that I hope to stay connected with, whom I never would have met if I hadn’t attended. I learnt so much from the presenters and the women who attended.”
CEO, Caroline Robinson, was the master of ceremonies and began the day introducing Leisa Van Geest a senior Agribusiness Manager from Westpac. Leisa shared her professional journey and led attendees in two networking activities to help personal branding. Leisa’s attendance was contributed by RDA Wheatbelt.
“The networking activities gave women an opportunity to engage and connect with others and we hope these connections will provide value going forward” said Melissa Welsh, WBN board member.
Lucy Peach, known as the Period Queen and a previous TEDXPerth speaker shared her personal insight into the female hormonal cycle and how women could look at the female cycle through the lens of potential and productivity. Lucy ended her presentation inviting attendees to sing a song together to celebrate women. Lucy’s attendance was sponsored by ProcessWorx.
“A key theme for WE Shine 2021 was building resilience within Wheatbelt businesses” said Melissa Welsh. “Phillippa Henderson from The Sharing Shed offered simple, yet effective strategies business leaders could implement to assist employees improve their mental health, and this was very well received”.
WBN member and partner Catriona Macleod of Cullen Macleod Lawyers facilitated a member panel after lunch with Jenifer Petchell – Hydraboom, Chloe Whitwell – Wave Rock Short Stay Accommodation, Megan Gooding – Three Farmers and Christy Petchell – Petchell Mechanical.
“The experiences and the brave honesty to talk about the more difficult aspects was a highlight of the panel” said Catriona. “The panellists gave a real usefulness to the women in the room, who were all highly engaged”.
Key points raised by the panellists included the need to ask for specialist business help, investing in personal and team professional development and strategies to address pressures within the workplace.
nbn Local was also present at WE Shine and shared an insight into how Wheatbelt businesses could improve their connectivity and apply for the recently announced Innovate with the nbn grant program.
Three workshops were held in the afternoon led by 23Fathoms, ProcessWorx and Mind Your Money covering marketing, employment contracts and business finance. Practical tools were provided to businesswomen to implement within their workplaces.
WBN members Gather York provided the catering and Strange Images captured the day.
WBN long term partners CBH, Cullen Macleod Lawyers, Country Wide Insurance Brokers, Muntz Partners and Inspired IT also supported the signature event and made it possible for the WBN to deliver the signature business event.
Photo’s courtesy of Strange Images Photography.
