Boldly going where more and more women are going

In my childhood I loved watching Star Trek and like many of my friends had a crush on the handsome officers of the Starship Enterprise in their sleek uniforms. Only gradually did I become aware of the gender stereotyping and the weekly rescue by the dashing James Kirk of intergalactic damsel after intergalactic damsel. I haven’t made the time to check in with current reincarnations of Star Trek to assess the level of gender balance in the power positions and rescuing missions, but last month I had the very good fortune to attend the Bold Steps Conference in Auckland, and can assure you that nowhere in sight was there a damsel awaiting rescue.

Hearty congratulations to the impressive women behind the conference who dreamed their dreams and are making them happen, and in creating the conference and the On Being Bold movement to inspire and support other women to aspire to reach beyond their perceived potential. I encourage you, whatever your gender, to go to the website https://www.onbeingbold.co.nz

A couple of key themes emerged that resonated with me. Firstly, the importance of lifelong learning, of keeping not only abreast of emerging technologies, but really working to understand them and their implications. The digital world is here and changing everything, so keep up and get amongst it. To quote Nichelle Nichols who played Lieutenant Uhura in the original Star Trek series: “Science is not a boy’s game, it’s not a girl’s game, it’s everyone’s game. It’s about where we are and where we’re going”.

In that same learning-oriented vein, purposefully working to fill your knowledge and skill gaps. Be very good at what you do, but don’t just rely on your current strengths.

Secondly, to be courageous. Having the courage to follow through on big dreams, to stretch yourself even when you’re feeling uncomfortable, to take measured risks, to mix with thoughtful people who think and see things differently than you, to challenge your own views and your own fears.

And to add a third theme, working hard was mentioned multiple times in multiple contexts. Work hard to be good at what you do, to be good at what you want to do, to navigate and pave your way forward. And work hard to prioritise your family and special relationships, to make time for them and for yourself. 

Being at the conference surrounded by other aspirational women, including five colleagues from the University of Auckland, has invigorated my career goals and I have now become a member of the Institute of Directors and will be doing their 5 day Directors course later this year. So in my own way I have taken on board the advice from the conference speakers and in the words of Captain Jean-Luc Picard intend to “Make it so!”