Hunter Young Professionals (hyp) joined forces with Sparke Helmore last month to provide a new professional development event experience for the Hunter regions young professionals.
hyp President Lauren Armstrong said that the Board Ready Masterclass was designed to engage local young professionals, already in management or senior leadership positions, who are looking to take the next step in their careers.
“We discovered through our member survey last year that many members had already achieved progression in their careers, with more than half of respondents currently in a management or senior leadership position. As a result, this year we have actively sought ways to engage the senior segment of our membership with access to new skill and career development opportunities “, Lauren said.
The Board Ready Masterclass was sponsored by Sparke Helmore and hosted on the top floor of their newly refurbished office, overlooking the Newcastle harbour, on Tuesday 24 September.
Partner of Sparke Helmore and Director of Newcastle Golf Club, Alan McKelvey, presented on the essentials of corporate governance and how young professionals can navigate their future board room careers.
Alan believes being board ready comes down to being good at what you do and not being afraid of seeking opportunities to grow.
“The most crucial skill is to be the best you can be in your chosen discipline and to seek broad commercial experience that will allow you to add value at a strategic level,” Alan said.
Alan was joined by a panel of experienced company directors, including Kyle Loades FAICD, Samantha-Martin Williams FAICD and Claire Braund of Women on Boards, who collectively provide decades of insight and expertise behind the scenes of board rooms for leading organisations across the nation.
“We were fortunate to have a diverse and highly experienced panel that openly provided insights into their own career journeys, and where they have identified opportunities for young people to gain board experience and have a competitive advantage,” Lauren said.
80 young professionals and aspiring future company directors were in attendance for the sold out event.
IMAGE | hyp VP Madeleine Tiedeman, Alan McKelvey from Sparke Helmore and hyp President Lauren Armstrong (left-right)
