BlueScope’s Elana Kells has been chosen to join a women’s leadership course at the University of NSW.
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The university’s Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) runs a Women in Leadership program with organisation Chief Executive Women (CEW).
“The Women In Leadership Program empowers women returning to the workforce or preparing for their next challenge,” said AGSM Director, Professor Julie Cogin.
“With an emphasis on authentic style and adaptive thought leadership, it can revitalise and refocus career trajectories.”
Ms Kells won a CEW scholarship to attend the course, which features several two-day modules held over four months.
“It’s fantastic,” Ms Kells said of the scholarship win.
“When I was applying I thought it would be a bit of a long shot so it’s a real surprise for me to be considered for something of this level.
“This scholarship would be a fantastic opportunity to try and remain connected to work while I’m on parental leave and also give me the opportunity to meet some successful women outside of BlueScope.”
... by doing courses like this you’re able to raise the profile of women leaders.
- Elana Kells
Ms Kells is logistics manager for warehouse operations at BlueScope, where she oversees a team of 30 people.
She said the course could help encourage more women to take positions of leadership.
“I think the reality is, the way things are at the moment is women are still under-represented in leadership roles in Australia in general,” she said.
“So by doing courses like this you’re able to raise the profile of women leaders.
“I’ve been fortunate enough in a company like BlueScope where women in leadership, and leadership diversity in general, is really valued, so I’ve always had a fantastic opportunity to move through the ranks.”
Ms Kells hoped the course would help her with challenges in her role, that stem from changes in the steel industry.
She was also looking to help other women into leadership roles.
“Hopefully it will give me a bit more confidence and skills in my own leadership ability,” she said.
“I’m also hoping that it gives me some tools to try and improve my management style so I can include more females and minority groups in my team and increase their chances of being leaders as well.”