Women leaders from across the world came together in the Monash campus in Prato Italy, where they were empowered and inspired with new skills and learnings to boost their leadership capacity and capability.
The Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI) and Advancing Women in Healthcare Leadership (AWHL) initiative hosted the Women in Leadership Programs in Monash University, Prato for groups of inspiring women in early July.
These evidence-based, evaluated programs are embedded in the NHMRC-funded AWHL initiative, and were led by expert facilitators Prof Helena Teede, Tracey Ezard, Dr Belinda Garth and Dr Jenny Proimos.
Director of MCHRI, Professor Helena Teede, said the Women In Leadership Program supports women to maximise their leadership inspiration, confidence and capability for greater influence and impact in their workplaces.
“Women are consistently underrepresented in leadership, mainly because of the organisational cultural and systems barriers. We provide insights into these barriers, how to navigate them and ultimately how to change them and affect change.”
“Here, in a relaxed and unique environment, we work with women to generate an understanding of their values, while empowering them with the skills and enabling them to lead with purpose,” she said.
These programs create opportunities for upskilling and networking in healthcare, government, research and education, and for the first time, was held at the Monash University Prato campus this year.
A Nurse and Improvement Lead reflected, “It’s not often we get to truly step out of the day-to-day and be fully present in our professional development. This reminded me of the value in being intentional with our learning, to disconnect and throw yourself into the deep end (or Tuscany). Participating in the program pushed me out into my growth zone – full of vulnerable conversations, new insights and learnings. I leave Prato with new connections, fresh perspectives and a renewed pep in my step. Looking forward to putting theory to practice.”
One of the attending medical doctors shared, “I definitely feel more confident in myself and my ability to lead as well as plan for my professional future.”
Another participant reflected on the powerful sense of community, highlighting the richness of perspectives of the women involved, “It was such a privilege to be part of a community of women with incredibly diverse knowledge, expertise, skills and passion for leadership and healthcare. The very act of taking time to intensely focus on our own leadership journey was a rare and profound experience.”
Prof Helena Teede has been facilitating this program for 10 years and takes participants on a journey through their capacity, capability and credibility, their values and purpose, and the evidence around barriers, enablers and effective change on a personal and organisational level.
Tracy Ezard, an experienced leadership facilitator, walks women through their own journey around leadership preferences, strengths, weaknesses and balancing both the people (heart) and logistics (head) of authentic leadership.
Dr Belinda Garth, facilitates the mentoring sessions and highlighted the key role in mentoring and leadership development and access to valuable networks. These elements are proven to enhance growth and access to leadership opportunities.
Dr Jenny Proimos, a paediatrician with prominent roles in policy and healthcare, explores leadership styles, and potential leadership roles.
The program is designed to be highly engaging and interactive, with reflective discussions that encourage deep personal and professional insight. Participants explore power, merit, imposter syndrome, purpose-driven leadership, team culture and other key skills. Complementing the learning experience, cultural activities to situate the experience in Tuscany also offer opportunities for connection, inspiration, and an enduring network.
Dates for next year’s program which will be held in May will be released soon. Join the waitlist for 2026 here to be the first to find out the details as soon as they are released. Find out more about Women in Leadership Prato here.
Contact: info.mchri@monash.edu
