June 5 2011
For Immediate Release
New Thinking Theme of Global Women’s Forum
Cracking Google’s formula for innovation and hearing IBM’s vision for a future in which technology will transform the
way we live and work will be highlights of New Zealand Global Women’s third annual forum being held in Auckland on June
28.
Business leaders from China, The United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, and representing some of the world’s top
companies including Google, IBM, Saatchi & Saatchi, Microsoft and Westpac will be sharing their stories and experiences.
The speakers include Nicola Bell, the CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi New Zealand; UK–based New Zealander Katherine Corich who created global consulting firm Systoc, which is
regarded as a world-leading innovator; IBM’s Australasian Managing Partner for Global business Sarah Adam-Gedge; Helen
Robinson who founded the world’s leading environmental markets registry and Google Australia’s Melanie Silva.
Global Women is New Zealand’s top network of businesswomen, and networking is an integral part of the day, as are
practical breakout sessions led by Microsoft on getting integrated; Vodafone on maximising social media and Westpac on
women, money and leadership.
The theme of the forum is “New Thinking and the Levers of Change” and it will help enable women to make the journey into
the new thinking landscape.
To register for the forum go to www.globalwomen.org.nz
About NZGW
New Zealand Global Women connects New Zealand’s top businesswomen – both here and offshore.
Since being launched by Prime Minister John Key in July 2009, the invitation-only network has grown to more than 120
senior women CEOs, directors and managers; connecting them across businesses, sectors and international borders.
NZGW come from across the private and public sectors; from the sciences, arts and not-for-profit enterprises. They are
based in New Zealand, the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and China.
Members must have demonstrated thought leadership and vision and have a track record of supporting other women to
leadership positions.
Demonstrating that commitment, NZGW runs the Women in Leadership Breakthrough Leaders Programme. It is a 12 month course
specifically tailored for emerging women leaders. The programme offers a unique combination of specific leadership and
skills development and customised mentoring and coaching from some of New Zealand’s most senior women leaders.
London School of Business research identifies that creating supportive networks is critical to advancing talented women.
Interviews during the development of NZGW revealed that even high-achieving women under-invest in their social capital,
often due to multiple demands on their time.
The high–powered board of Global Women is chaired by Mai Chen, the founding partner of public law specialists Chen
Palmer and comprises former Prime Minister the Rt. Hon Dame Jenny Shipley; Sarah Kennedy, Sloan Fellow 2010/2011, MIT,
Boston; Bridget Liddell, Managing Principal, Fahrenheit Ventures; Jenny Morel, Managing Partner, No 8 Ventures; Wendy
Pye, Managing Director, Wendy Pye Publishing; Katrina Troughton, director, IBM’s WebSphere division; Annah Stretton,
CEO, Stretton Clothing & Stretton Publishing; Sue Sheldon Independent Director; Amanda Ellis, Deputy Secretary, International Development
Ministry Foreign Affairs and Trade and Joanne McCrae, Partner Tax, Deloitte.