WiT Board Readiness™ Program
The WiT Board Readiness™ Program is a 10-week practical program designed for female leaders from STEM disciplines to develop the skills, confidence and connections to take the next step towards taking your seat at the Board table- all within a safe, inclusive, down-to-earth and culturally diverse learning community.
Applications to join the 2024 Cohort are now open and the deadline to submit your application will be Thursday 16th August 2024.
The first Board Readiness Program in Australia specifically designed for female leaders in STEM disciplines
WiT’s Board Readiness™ Program takes a unique, holistic approach with:
- practical workshops led by highly experienced Board Directors and industry experts in personal branding and financial management.
- key sessions presented by the Australian Institute for Company Directors.
- mentoring and guidance from experienced Board Directors and executive leaders to create your unique executive profile and help you develop a longer-term strategy for securing board placements in private, public and not-for-profit sectors in alignment with your values, interests and aspirations.
The program culminates with an industry luncheon to introduce graduates into the business community and empower them with the opportunity to showcase their skills and expertise to some of Queensland’s highest profile organisations.
This introductory program is designed for female leaders who have the desire and drive to apply their unique combination of strengths, expertise, work experience, passions and skills to enhance their leadership capabilities and kick-start their board leadership career.
Take the next step towards becoming a future Board Director. Email [email protected] to enquire about joining the 2024 intake of the Women in Technology Board Readiness Program.
Transforming Boards to reflect the diverse community of people they serve
WiT believes that diversity in Boards brings out the best in thinking, work, and impact on the community. That’s why we’re unwavering in our commitment to empower more women with the opportunities to make a contribution as leaders and key decision makers in the community.
The WiT Board Readiness™ Program aims to lessen the gender divide at Board level by addressing the critical success factors for the appointment of women on boards, and recognising that science and technology-related expertise are critical skills for leaders at Board level.
“The Women in Technology (WiT) Board Readiness Program represents a unique and valuable pathway for STEM women to progress into board roles. Having been associated with WIT for many years I have witnessed first-hand the tremendous impact of this program on the lives of STEM women who have undertaken the program and in equipping them to be the key decision makers of tomorrow. For STEM women, this is the program of choice for your next career step.”
Dr Terry Fitzsimmons
Associate Professor in Leadership – UQ Business School
Board Member and Managing Director – Australian Gender Equality Council
Who is this course for?
This introductory, foundational program is best suited to female leaders from Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) disciplines who are committed to extending their impact and influence as a leader in a relevant and meaningful way. Ideally you:
- possess 5+ years leadership experience of a business or a component of a business relevant to your industry background, and
- aspire to join a Board within the next 5 years or
- are serving as a Board member in your first committee role.
Your sense of curiosity, work ethic and your strengths in problem solving, critical thinking and relationship-building will empower you to make the most of the opportunities this program offers.
Places are limited. Acceptance into the program is based on an assessment of your skills and expertise along with your suitability to take on Board roles in the future.
Download a copy of the 2024 Board Readiness Program Prospectus
Take the next step towards becoming a future Board Director.
Email [email protected] to enquire about joining the 2024 intake of the Women in Technology Board Readiness Program.
When you undertake WiT’s Board Readiness™ Program, you’ll gain more than just a Certificate.
You’ll also gain new friendships and a supportive network of inspiring leaders and experienced Board Directors from across STEM who’ve got your back, and will guide and cheer you on as you embark on your board career.
“The network that I have gained from this course is the most meaningful outcome for me. To have 20 trailblazing women who are willing to pay it forward and fuel the success of their peers is quite remarkable.”
Indi Tansey, 2019 WiT Board Readiness Program Participant and 2021-22 WiT Board Director
Read Indi’s full reflection of her experience on the Board Readiness Program
The inspiring women of the 2023 Cohort.
“The reason I chose to undertake the WiT Board Readiness Program is because it was one of the most practical courses I could find. The knowledge was shared in a way that was easy to understand and I could apply immediately. In my role as National Chair (Education & Skills) of the Australia India Business Council it gave me the structure needed for good governance and the confidence to focus on asking the right questions to drive forward mission at hand in the best way possible.
I am so grateful for the connections, learnings, and skills I gained from doing the program. Especially my cohort of brilliant women from 2021 who were a stellar group. During the program and after, as a group we were willing to talk about the difficult questions and learnt so much from each other. This is gold and not easy to come by!”
Amritha Zachariah
National Chair (Education and Skills) – Australia India Business Council
2021 WiT Board Readiness Graduate
What you’ll learn
Under the guidance of experienced board directors and industry experts, you’ll be equipped with the foundational knowledge, the skills, the connections, the voice and the confidence to become a highly skilled Board Director and take your seat at the Board table.
The program is also an excellent pathway into further study.
Learning outcomes include:
- Examining the responsibilities of boards and directors, and the main components of directorship – including governance, strategy, risk and finance.
- Learning the language of financial statements to enhance your financial literacy and financial management capabilities with practical tips and strategies you can apply for critically analysing financial statements.
- Deepening your understanding of your leadership expertise and the value you bring to an organisation.
- Creating your unique executive profile that clearly articulates your unique passions, interests, skills, expertise and leadership capabilities.
- Reflecting on ways you can continue to enhance your leadership capabilities to improve board and organisational outcomes and performance.
- Developing a future-focused, strategic approach for securing board placements in private, public and not-for-profit sectors that align with your values, interests, skillset, expertise and aspirations.
You’ll also have the opportunity to learn alongside fellow STEM leaders, grow your professional network, learn the latest insights from the Australian Institute for Company Directors and hear thought-provoking honest stories from inspiring, experienced board directors about how they became curious in board leadership as well as the highs and lows of their board careers.
Download a copy of the 2024 Board Readiness Program Prospectus
Take the next step towards becoming a future Board Director.
Email [email protected] to enquire about joining the 2024 intake of the Women in Technology Board Readiness Program.
Read Lisa Deveraux’s story
Lisa Devereaux believes that stepping up into Board leadership takes courage and honour.
Learn about Lisa’s experiences completing WiT’s Board Readiness Program in 2016 and the pivotal lessons she’s learned throughout her Board Leadership to date – including why it’s so important to seek guidance from mentors and trusted support networks to navigate difficult decisions and guide you through challenging periods throughout your leadership career (and life).
2016 WiT Board Readiness Graduate Lisa Deveraux
2024 Program Overview and Course Outline
Download a copy of the 2024 Board Readiness Program Prospectus
The 2024 Program runs from 30th April – 20th June 2024 and most weekly workshops will be held on Thursday evenings from 5.30pm-8.30pm. Commitment to attend each weekly workshop is required. As the saying goes ‘you only get out what you put in’.
The program kicks off with a virtual session in week 1 to give the cohort the opportunity to meet and get an understanding of the journey which lies ahead.
The course is then delivered over a series of in-person and virtual workshops, and culminates with an industry luncheon to introduce graduates into the business community and empower them with the opportunity to showcase their skills and expertise to some of Queensland’s highest profile organisations.
All in-person workshops will be held at:
An inner-city Brisbane location – Shine Lawyers, Level 13, 160 Ann St, Brisbane
2024 Course Outline
| Prep Session
Introduction to the program (virtual) |
1 October 2024 |
| Workshop 1
The Role of the Director and the Board |
3 October 2024 |
| Workshop 2
Panel Discussion with experienced Board Directors |
10 October 2024 |
| Workshop 3a
Building your Brand: Profile development Recruitment Online brand |
15 October 2024 |
| Workshop 4
Introduction to the Strategic Role of the Director |
24 October 2024 |
| Workshop 5
Panel Discussion with experienced Board Directors |
29 October 2024 |
| Workshop 6a
Foundations of Finance (Virtual) |
5 November 2024 |
| Workshop 6b
Finance for Directors |
7 November 2024 |
| Workshop 3b
Profile review and complete |
13 June 2024 |
| Workshop 7
Sharing experiences: Mock Board + Analysis |
12 November 2024 |
Want to learn more about our Board Readiness Program?
Email [email protected] for further information and how to apply for the 2024 intake.
Ready to take the next step towards becoming a future Board Director?
Email [email protected] to enquire about joining the 2024 intake of the Women in Technology Board Readiness Program.
“I was privileged to be part of the Board Readiness course in 2009. This course gave me the confidence to be a board member on a Government owned Board (as a Non-Executive Director) – including understanding the role and its responsibilities but also being able to contribute into Board subcommittees such as renumeration.
“The networking developed through participation in the course was really valuable. The course also gave me a deep understanding of the expectations, roles and responsibilities of various roles in the governance structure – including secretary and Chair.
I have subsequently become executive director and then Chair of a not for profit Board – the WIT experience has been invaluable in giving me confidence to seek support where needed and make sure that any Board I am involved in promotes – and is seen to promote – equity on all counts. Thank you WIT!!”
Nicky Vaisey
Chair Constructionarium Australia
2009 WiT Board Readiness Program graduate
Your investment
The 2024 Board ReadinessTM Program course fee is $2,250 for WiT members and $2,500 for non-members.
Course fees includes attendance at VIP Industry luncheon, all workshops, support materials and production of professional profiles. All prices inc GST.
Note: You do not need to pay for the course until you have been officially accepted into the program.
Take the next step towards becoming a future Board Director.
Email [email protected] to enquire about joining the 2024 intake of the Women in Technology Board Readiness Program.
The Board Readiness Program is proudly sponsored by:
