AUT women of influence
AUT University’s Professor Marilyn Waring from the School of Social Sciences and Public Policy, and Director of Business Relations – International and Engagement, Sarah Trotman have been named as finalists in the inaugural New Zealand Women of Influence Awards. Winners are due to be announced on 23 October.
Professor Marilyn Waring
Professor Waring, who has been named a finalist in the Innovation/Science category, says she was nominated by a young feminist who felt her generation didn’t know enough about what the feminists of Waring’s generation had achieved.
Waring says her early experience of male leadership models, which often utilised bullying to enforce power and control, gave her an appreciation of the different way women exercise influence.
“In all of my years of acting nationally and internationally in the women’s movement, we have played to skills as needed. We are interested in power with people, not power over people.”
The recognition of emerging women of influence, not only ‘headliners’ in the Awards is important, says Waring. She encourages emerging women of influence to stay true to themselves: “At the end of every day be able to look at yourself straight in the mirror. Act in accordance with your own integrity and principles, even if you’re the last woman standing.”
Sarah Trotman
Sarah Trotman was nominated by Sir Peter Blake Trust CEO Shelley Campbell for her support in the establishment of Lifewise BigSleepout, her contribution to business support in New Zealand and her work as a CEO of a free business mentor programme.
Trotman, who also brought New Zealand’s Excellence in Business Support Awards to the AUT Business School in 2012, and contributes to student leadership initiatives including Shadow a Leader Day, says with this recognition comes a responsibility to push beyond.
“Great leadership in New Zealand often rests on the shoulders of those prepared to fulfil their potential.”
Trotman says her advice to emerging women leaders and influencers is “be intolerant of average, build a strong network, be generous, build a strong sense of self, ensure you support the next generation of women coming through and be careful who you choose as a life partner.”
Women of Influence Awards
The Women of Influence Awards have been established by Westpac and Fairfax Media to ‘support, promote and celebrate diversity and the invaluable contribution women make to New Zealand.’