Are soft skills the mark of a successful leader? This was the topic of debate at the Women of Influence Annual Great Debate 2019 held at RACV Royal Pines Thursday 13 June.
The event was a sell out once again and as is evidenced by the photos from the day, there were many laughs and even a standing ovation!
This year we considered what are the key traits of a successful leader; and influenced by our “South Eastern Island” Prime Minister Jacinda Adern, we settled on the topic “That soft skills are the mark of a successful leader”.
The opposing team had a true challenge on their hands, particularly coming from industries where soft skills are vitally important!
Emily Kucukalic, Founder and MD of Australia’s leading Personal Branding company Brand New You (BNY), recalled historical facts and influential figures to deliver her team’s closing address.
Together with team members Claire Thurwood, CEO of Robina Private Hospital and Scott Lyall, COO of Burleigh Brewing Co. they posed the question: “Do you prefer it soft or hard?”
Claire Thurwood 
Scott Lyall 
Emily Kucukalic
The affirmative team delivered images of leaders, emotional, heartfelt stories and hilarious (and often controversial) arguments to demonstrate the importance of EQ – despite their banking and legal backgrounds.
Private Banker Jamie Preston, from Westpac Private Bank, gave an impression of Donald Trump and Domestic violence advocate Kathleen Simpson of DV Lawyers, delivered a story so moving the time-keeper forgot her role.
But it was Lawyer/Stand-up comedian Petrina Macpherson (Minter Ellison) who was the final speaker on the affirmative team who delivering the funniest presentation we have heard in years resulting in a standing ovation from many of the entire 200 guests.
Jamie Preston 
Kathleen Simpson 
Petrina Macpherson
The official Judge – John Morris General Manager of RACV QLD Resorts did his best efforts to cover all bases but found the scores to be even – so it was up to the audience to decide and the decision was made in favour of the affirmative team.
Georgia Lane and official Judge John Morris 
Nicola Buchanan and Jodi Robertson thank our sponsors and draw raffle prizes
Well done to the WOI committee who put on another wonderful event, which ran smoothly, finished on time and treated guests to fabulous food, brilliant entertainment and wonderful prizes.
Local charity partner RADFLY launched their Christmas in July campaign and were presented with a $10,000 cheque which was from proceeds of previous events raised with the support of sponsors and raffle ticket sales.
Naomi Middlebrook 
Presenting the big cheque to RADFLY
Plus, we heard from Year 12 school student Tayla Forbes, winner of the International Women’s Day Youth Leadership award in IT Innovation, about her business Funky Fuel Caps. Tayla’s Mum Nina is the founder of Women in Finance and has been a huge supporter of Women of Influence.
Connecting, motivating and entertaining businesswomen is what these events are all about!
Mark your diary for the next exciting Women of Influence event, Friday 20 September.
