The ABCN’s Focus program, which gives female, student leaders the opportunity to be mentored by senior women in business, has been an outstanding success. Piloted by Minter Ellison Lawyers and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia late last year, the program has had significant take up from member companies and schools, and subsequently provided over 180 young women with the opportunity to gain insight to the skills needed to be successful  leaders. Over lunch meetings with the students, mentors have shared their strategies for developing leadership qualities and their expertise in engaging and leading a team. The results are best summed up by this Focus student from Bonnyrigg High School:
“The Focus program has boosted my confidence and self esteem like nothing ever has before. I’ve learnt many valuable lessons and important things about myself that I never knew before. I feel as though I can achieve my dreams and be inspirational. Focus has inspired and motivated me.”

Outward and Upwards – An initiative of the Australian Business and Community Network and Outward Bound

On Friday 28 June, fifteen young aspiring leaders from Cabramatta, Lurnea, Bass, Miller and Hoxton Park High Schools embarked on a 12 month leadership program, commencing with an 8 day residential and wilderness course facilitated by Outward Bound, at Tharwa, ACT.
The program has been designed to inspire and equip a group of high potential students with leadership skills through an 8 day leadership summit, followed by a 12 month mentoring program. The program also requires students to develop a community impact project which seeks to make positive social change in their local communities.
The students have been matched with Qantas mentors who will provide support and advice as the students develop and execute their local community impact projects.  They will meet with their mentors over the next 12 months to discuss potential projects which range from ongoing charitable fund raising in their schools, volunteering with the SES and improving facilities for local sports teams.  The program will be truly life-changing for students and their communities.