NEXT NETWORK FOR FUTURE LEADERS
Diversity = Dividends
The most important investment your business can make
The results are in; diversity within teams brings productivity and innovation!
Having the benefit of a variety of different experiences, backgrounds and understandings, leads teams to come up with innovative solutions to problems within the workplace. So, what can we do to effectively shift the needle on diversity?
Join our panel to hear how they are driving diversity within their organisations and why they think we should all be doing the same.
There will also be plenty of time to network with other industry professionals over drinks and canapes.
Panel of speakers:
Matthew Hough, Diversity Manager, GM Holden
Matthew is part of the team that’s reinventing one of the most quintessential Australian brands into one which resonates with a more diverse Australia.
Holden is increasingly weighing in on social issues, particularly around challenging outdated gender and racial stereotypes, and has been active in promoting positive role models for today’s Australia. Holden has a special place in the hearts of many Australians and Matthew and his colleagues aim to continue leveraging that brand strength to influence positive change in Australia –not just at Holden.
This year alone; Holden has been out and proud as an official sponsor of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras; they have publically announced that they’re on track to achieving a gender-balanced workforce within the next 5-years; and, they boldly partnered with SBS to profile a diverse group of Australians who are driving change in their local communities.
Previously, Matthew has worked for some of the retail industry’s biggest brands, and immediately before joining Holden he spent two years with the Cotton On Group driving the creation and enhancement of talent practices across their global operation.
In addition to his role as Diversity Manager, Matthew is also Vice-Chair of the General Motors International Women’s Council and an active volunteer for a number of LGBT+ organisations
Matthew Rowe, Customer Product Team Manager, S.E. Asia, Operations Manager, RAAF F404/414 Program, GE
Prior to joining GE, Matt spent 11 years in the Royal Australian Air Force as an Aircraft Technician on the F/A-18 Hornet Fleet, based at RAAF Base Williamtown. In 2009, Matt took the opportunity to join GE as the F404 Lead Field Engineer, as a part of the GE Total Logistic Support (TLS) Program supporting the F/A-18 Hornet Fleet. Over his 6 years in this role, Matt provided technical support for the RAAF F404, ensuring safety, capability and reliability for the RAAF Hornet fleet. Under the TLS program, Matt led the technical strategies that have seen the RAAF F404 fleet reach its optimal safety and reliability status and assert its position as the world’s best performing F404 fleet. During this time, Matt completed his Masters in Aviation Management, and in 2016 was promoted to his current role as the Field Services lead for the S.E Asia region and Operations Manager for the RAAF TLS program. This saw Matt’s product support coverage grow to also include F414, F110 & T700 military engine lines.
Over his years in GE, Matt has also had significant involvement in Commercial Derivative engines, supporting entry into service, and ongoing support, for both CFM56 & CF6 powered platforms for the respective RAAF Wedgetail and Multi Role Tanker/Transport platforms.
Matt is a keen supporter of workplace diversity, and is a current member of the GE Women’s Network. In support of driving greater gender diversity, Matt leads the “Mend the Gap” initiative, which is a grassroots movement, encouraging men to actively stand up and support women in the drive for social and organizational change.
Dr Gabrielle Suder is Professorial Fellow at Melbourne Business School, and most recently served as Director of International Relations for the University of Melbourne.
Her areas of research expertise include cross-cultural communication and international investment, and she has written several books on global business issues. Gabriele has served as an advisor to a number of multinational companies and diplomatic corps, and has appeared as a commentator on current affairs in outlets such as ABC, SBS, SkyNews, Le Figaro and The Hindu.
The 'NEXT' series of events is designed by our NEXT Network for Future Leaders Committee specifically for attendees up to the age of 35 years. If you fit the demographic, we encourage you to register. If not, please forward this invitation onto your colleagues who will benefit from participation in this initiative.
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