Women in Data and Digital

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  • 1.  Leadership lessons from the Barbie movie

    Posted 01-08-2023 09:37 AM

    I sent this out as part of my newsletter this week, but thought it was apt to post here. 

    I finally got time to see Barbie last week. 

    Have you ever been to something that had been talked about and hyped up so much, that by the time you actually got to experience it for yourself it seemed like a big let-down? 

    I definitely have, and thankfully, this was not one of those times. 

    I did not have Barbies when I was young. The closest I got was a teddy bear I named Jessica. I did buy Barbie for my daughter – and well, she was the kid that turned her into 'weird Barbie' after cutting her hair off and drawing all over her face. 

    Regardless, I loved the movie. There were so many moments and lines within the movie that I resonated with (clearly America Ferrara's whole speech), that made me laugh out loud, cry (all of the montage scenes for a start), poke my husband (my husband ticked off the Duolingo scene, the and the guitar playing scene) and some that I need to go back to and spend some more time with. 

    Of course, being the leadership nerd I am, I had to look for leadership lessons from the movie 🤓. Here are a couple I got from it (without giving any spoilers):

    1. Don't take your support team for granted (aka Ken). Whether at work or at home, you can't be a leader on your own, and forgetting that is not only selfish, it can have serious consequences.
    2. Speak up, share your ideas, even if you're scared (as America Ferrara does towards the end). Not every idea is brilliant, but you never know which one will land, and which one will spark someone else's idea.
    3. Surround yourself with smart, competent women. Support each other through good times and bad. Remind them who they are if they're going astray from their values (all the Barbies)
    4. Own your greatness (and we all have greatness). One of my favourite parts of the movie was the Barbies being given awards, compliments etc and simply saying 'I know' (along with a special 'I know' appearance in the real world IYKYK)
    5. Being 'weird' (Barbie) or 'different' isn't a weakness - it's a strength

     

    I would love to hear your thoughts – what other leadership lessons could you find in the movie?



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    Rochelle Janssens
    Manager, Digital Capability
    QLD Government (State and Local)
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  • 2.  RE: Leadership lessons from the Barbie movie

    Posted 02-08-2023 11:20 AM

    This is awesome :) Thanks for sharing your thoughts. More determined to go and see the movie now.



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    Amanda Fitches
    HR Officer
    Australian Taxation Office
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  • 3.  RE: Leadership lessons from the Barbie movie

    Posted 03-08-2023 01:57 PM

    Love this! I've circulated your lessons around our office. Such a fab and empowering movie :)



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    Laura Exarhos
    UI/UX Designer
    IP Australia
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  • 4.  RE: Leadership lessons from the Barbie movie

    Posted 04-08-2023 08:46 AM

    It was a great movie (laughed uproariously a fair few times) with so many great messages for young girls and teenage women starting out in life. The one I would add is: 

    6. Everyone has value and valuable input no matter their age. Remind yourself of that regularly.

    :-)



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    Paula Halstead
    Product Manager
    Department of Education
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  • 5.  RE: Leadership lessons from the Barbie movie

    Posted 07-08-2023 12:31 PM

    I would also add no matter their gender...



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    Susannah Bacon
    Executive Officer
    Geoscience Australia
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  • 6.  RE: Leadership lessons from the Barbie movie

    Posted 21-08-2023 10:47 PM

    I finally saw the movie and got back to this post

    A couple of additions from me

    1. It is easy to assume you are making impact.  Take opportunities to change your world view - you might find out things you never knew.
    2. You are more than your role and what someone once may have told you your value was - embrace opportunities to change.
    3. Your title describes you - but it doesn't define you (all Barbies were Barbies, but they were all unique too)


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    Monica Kempster
    Executive Branch Manager, ACT Data Analytics
    ACT Government (Territory and Local)
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  • 7.  RE: Leadership lessons from the Barbie movie

    Posted 22-08-2023 08:06 AM

    Loving all of these additional lessons! I've pulled all of them together (with a couple of extra's from work) - this looks like a list to lead by!

    1.    Don't take your support team for granted (aka Ken). Whether at work or at home, you can't be a leader on your own, and forgetting that is not only selfish, it can have serious consequences.<o:p></o:p>

    2.    Speak up, share your ideas, even if you're scared (as America Ferrara does towards the end). Not every idea is brilliant, but you never know which one will land, and which one will spark someone else's idea.<o:p></o:p>

    3.    Surround yourself with smart, competent women. Support each other through good times and bad. Remind them who they are if they're going astray from their values (all the Barbies)<o:p></o:p>

    4.    Own your greatness (and we all have greatness). One of my favourite parts of the movie was the Barbies being given awards, compliments etc and simply saying 'I know' (along with a special 'I know' appearance in the real world IYKYK)<o:p></o:p>

    5.    Being 'weird' (Barbie) or 'different' isn't a weakness - it's a strength<o:p></o:p>

    6.    Everyone has value and valuable input no matter their age, or gender. Remind yourself of that regularly.<o:p></o:p>

    7.    It is easy to assume you are making impact.  Take opportunities to change your world view - you might find out things you never knew.<o:p></o:p>

    8.    You are more than your role and what someone once may have told you your value was - embrace opportunities to change.<o:p></o:p>

    9.    Your title describes you - but it doesn't define you (all Barbies were Barbies, but they were all unique too)<o:p></o:p>

    10.  Own your mistakes. We're human (+/- some plastic and chrome) and we all make mistakes. Acknowledging and apologising for them can build trust, openness and shows others you'll understand if they make mistakes too.<o:p></o:p>

    11.  Set, and stick to your, personal boundaries. It's ok to say 'No', and more than once if you need to. This helps you personally to balance your life, but also gives others the permission to do the same.<o:p></o:p>



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    Rochelle Janssens
    Manager, Digital Capability
    QLD Government (State and Local)
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