On the 12th March 2025 we celebrated International Woman’s Day with two inspiring leaders. In this video, Keily Jordan-Jefferies of Unity Water talks to Sarah Foxe, of Reconstruction NSW about her leadership journey.
See below for an AI generated summary of the session.
Key Lessons and Moments
1. Pathfinders Set the Direction
- The webinar highlighted the importance of women paving the way for future generations in project management. The concept of “Pathfinders” was central—those who create opportunities and break barriers for others.
2. Leadership is About Growth, Courage, and Learning
- Sarah Foxe summarised her leadership journey in three words: Curious, Courageous, and Learning.
- These qualities have shaped her ability to adapt across different industries and drive impactful change.
3. Resilience Through Challenges
- Sarah shared intense experiences, including working in high-risk international projects, facing corruption, and being placed on a hit list for standing against unethical practices.
- Her ability to stay optimistic, understand different perspectives, and navigate pressure was key to overcoming challenges.
4. Stakeholder Management is the Core of Project Leadership
- Successful project leaders understand the importance of stakeholder engagement.
- Managing complex relationships, balancing priorities, and ensuring alignment with organisational goals were highlighted as essential skills.
5. Diversity and Inclusion in Project Management
- Sarah’s team at the NSW Reconstruction Authority is 70% women—a rare achievement in project leadership.
- The discussion highlighted that many organisations are still struggling with gender pay gaps and a lack of female representation in executive roles.
- A call to action: leaders must actively foster inclusive workplaces by measuring progress, advocating for equitable pay, and supporting diverse leadership styles.
6. Balancing Leadership, Career, and Personal Life
- There’s no perfect formula for work-life balance. Sarah emphasised the importance of:
- Weekly personal check-ins to track goals.
- Setting boundaries and knowing when to step back.
- Prioritising well-being through activities like meditation and exercise.
- Being realistic about expectations—balance is a long game, not a daily goal.
7. Advice for Future Leaders
- For women aiming for leadership: Advocate for yourself, don’t wait until you meet 100% of the qualifications before applying for roles.
- For new project managers: Focus on stakeholder engagement, understanding the project lifecycle, and gaining hands-on experience through community projects or volunteering.
- For organisations: Creating an inclusive and flexible work culture leads to better innovation and team performance.
Final Thought
This webinar wasn’t just about celebrating female talent—it was a powerful reminder that leadership is about adaptability, courage, and lifting others up. Whether it’s advocating for change, managing high-stakes projects, or balancing personal and professional responsibilities, the key takeaway is clear: leadership is about continuous learning and taking action.
