Prime Highlights:
- Christine Holgate shared how she overcame the Cartier watch scandal, using therapy, community support, and resilience to regain her voice and leadership purpose.
- Holgate advocates for women in leadership, urging women to take executive roles and define their leadership style, emphasizing the need for more women in top executive positions.
Key Facts:
- Holgate introduced profit-sharing at Blackmores, benefiting employees in 17 countries, and led Team Global Express through a crisis, focusing on culture and employee empowerment for recovery.
- Despite women being the majority of university graduates, they remain underrepresented in top executive roles, highlighting the need for more women to step into leadership positions.
Background
Christine Holgate, one of Australia’s top business leaders, turned a tough time in her life into a story of strength and recovery. At the Women Unlimited conference, the former Australia Post CEO shared her leadership journey and explained how she overcame public and political challenges to regain her voice and purpose.
Holgate admitted that the Cartier watch scandal, which drew national attention, was one of the toughest moments of her life. Yet, she emerged stronger, supported by therapy, letters from community members, and the loyalty of post office licensees who rallied in her defence. “I learnt that resilience comes from connection, not just toughness,” she told the audience.
Her comeback has been marked by a focus on values-driven leadership. She introduced profit-sharing at Blackmores and helped employees in 17 countries benefit from it. At Team Global Express, she took charge of a company in crisis and is now leading it toward recovery, believing that protecting culture and empowering employees leads to lasting change.
Holgate also delivered a powerful message on women in leadership. Despite women making up the majority of university graduates, they remain underrepresented in top executive roles. “Define who you are as a leader. Own you. Don’t let bullies define you,” she urged.
Her call to action was clear: women must step up to executive leadership, where real impact and influence are made. “If we all stand up, we will change our country,” she said.
The experience of Holgate demonstrates that even failures can be stepping stones and with determination, support, and good morals, misfortune can become empowering.
