International Womens Day 2023

What does the International Women’s Day slogan, #EmbraceEquity mean for you? Why is it important to you?

We are all aware of ‘diversity’ and ‘inclusion’, it has been discussed for many years and I think we all understand the need to be diverse and inclusive, to enable a good culture. However, these concepts are the basic building blocks of a broader ESG environment.

‘Embracing equity’ gives us focus to step up and make our own practices, to achieve our next phase of practice, uninhibited by out-of-date mindsets, acknowledging that we must change to be effective in Australia as we do business within a market that has less borders and to remove barriers and inhibitors within our work environment.

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Equity means creating a fair and equal world. What actions do you take to work towards achieving greater gender equality?

As a senior practitioner, my focus is to educate and drive change in our industry to enable and advocate for confident, connected and visible junior colleagues. I also take responsibility for taking steps in my every day to set expectations by contributing towards work a place you can turn up to enjoy and make a valued impact.

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How does Cor Cordis demonstrate its commitment to gender equity to ensure there is a sense of equality and belonging?

Cor Cordis continues to grow, build and reflect – it’s receptive to change and building equality, belonging and understanding that harnessing our differences, makes us robust, adaptive and reflective. It’s been pretty amazing to watch our journey and its potential is exciting.

Can you share any achievements you are most proud of?

Being able to take on senior roles which have not been filled by females previously, to starting the Cor Cordis National Women’s Forum, but most importantly, watching one individual take the next step forward because I have given them some time. On a personal note, being a mum and raising two daughters withMāori heritage and helping them uphold their cultural identity is important to our family.

As a woman, what are the most important challenges you have overcome to fulfill your role?

Challenges are ever changing, however I think not waiting for others to validate my path, was an important step for me earlier in my career. When I was sometimes the only female around, sometimes I felt different – then I stopped worrying and enjoyed my roles.

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On International Women’s Day, what message or advice you can pass on to anyone, especially young women trying to establish their careers or anyone striving for gender equality?

Speak up, discuss, ask questions and help be part of the change. By being part of the solution, you will bring value to yourself and more importantly, have positive impact on others. Sometimes we forget how much substance there is in helping others.

What does the International Women’s Day slogan, #EmbraceEquity mean for you? Why is it important to you?

Having a focus on equity rather than simply equality means ensuring that all staff have access to the means to achieve their goals. Making this distinction is important as it acknowledges that simply offering opportunities are not the same as facilitating the support, growth, and development to reach them.

Equity means creating a fair and equal world. What actions do you take to work towards achieving greater gender equality?

International Women’s Day is important to me as I have always been surrounded by strong women and am raising strong women; ensuring that I do my part to support and elevate women has always been a priority of mine. One of the most important daily actions I take is to challenge dated views and call out behaviour that is exclusionary. At Cor Cordis, I am committed to ensuring that gender equality is achieved across all levels of our organisation. Ranging from the staff employed to the opportunities for contribution and development to the cultural and social environment we foster.

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How does Cor Cordis demonstrate its commitment to gender equity to ensure there is a sense of equality and belonging?

Cor Cordis demonstrates our commitment to gender equity by supporting equal employment at all levels of the firm, from our graduates to our partners. Cor Cordis employees receive financial assistance and study leave to complete their CA ANZ, CPA and ARITA Advanced Certifications. We also offer flexible leave, parental leave, bonus leave, and flexible working arrangements.The firm appreciates and understands the commitments of working mothers, requiring consideration toward meeting times, school holidays and pickup/drop-offs.

Cor Cordis is committed to our staff and recognises the benefits of mentoring and fostering the development of our graduates as they complete their studies well into their future careers. Further, we are a firm of diverse backgrounds, experiences and circumstances that enhance our capabilities to serve our clients and office culture. We are continually learning and building our diversity, equity and inclusion commitments and aim to ensure that all staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills to promote a safe and rewarding work environment.

On International Women’s Day, what message or advice can you pass on to anyone, especially young women trying to establish their careers or anyone striving for gender equality?

My advice to young women starting work is to believe in their knowledge and skills, remember their value, and put themselves forward. It's important to find a balance when starting out in your career between stepping out of your comfort zone and asking for support while also being confident in your abilities and embracing your strengths.

On the whole, it's up to all of us to make positive changes to the status quo and call out poor behaviour. Not just today but every day.