Unlocking Women's Potential
400+ testimonials from Women Rising Program participants
“I absolutely loved the journey of self-discovery and awareness, both in a professional and personal manner, that the Women Rising program provided. Do yourself a favour and gift yourself the time to sit back and look at where you are at in your career and personal life. It is a challenging but highly rewarding experience that helped me to find my voice, speak up, and be more authentic as a professional. The program provides a supportive community of like-minded women, expert coaching and great tools. I highly recommend Women Rising to any woman who is ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and unlock her true potential.”
Doris Marr
Digital Automation Advisor, Ricoh Australia
“Loved the course content - so much to take away and apply to my life. I'm a more confident leader empowered to see change in my workplace. Love connecting with other women and sharing our struggles and triumphs! Thanks Megan - recommend to all women in my life.”
Sarah B.
Project Manager, Kinetic IT
“I absolutely loved the program. I cannot emphasise enough how much depth and understanding I have now about myself. I didn't even know I had these many layers to my psyche. I once heard this statement- you need to take a pause once in a while to let your soul catch up with you. This journey was truly a soul catch up and just this realigning of purpose, tuning in past expectations, to present reality and better informing future vision. I cannot wait to see how the next few months will open up.”
Jaicy Mathew
Performance and Reporting Manager, Justice Health NSW
“The women rising program was a really positive experience and helped me grow, both professionally and personally. The structured program and activities made me take the time to work through my priorities, question my lack of confidence and provided clarity on the way forward. I felt supported by a wonderful network of women, which I previously did not have much exposure to, after working for many years in a male dominated industry. Thank you Megan.”
Angela
Senior Manager, Capgemini
“I started this program with a vision to 'find my voice'. I have a long way to go but finally have some tools and skills to better speak up and promote myself. If you are looking to start a journey of self-discovery, or if you are looking to grow your current journey, this program will help you to do that.”
Rebecca Wallace
Policy and Governance Adviser, ElectraNet
“I started this program with a vision to 'find my voice'. I have a long way to go but finally have some tools and skills to better speak up and promote myself. If you are looking to start a journey of self-discovery, or if you are looking to grow your current journey, this program will help you to do that.”
Rebecca Wallace
Policy and Governance Adviser, ElectraNet
“Words cannot express my gratitude for this absolutely brilliant program, I loved every single lesson, All women across the globe need to be part of this course, because it provides us with an essential ‘survival’ toolkit to have the courage and confidence to show up authentically.”
Kata Pagerne Bedo
Business Analyst, Fonterra Co-op - Farm Source
“This has been an amazing journey and I think every single person out there would benefit from this program! I am so grateful that I have lifetime access so I can re-do it, re-visit it and keep using this program as a tool to improve myself, my life, my values, visions and path.”
Lise Havn
Customer Success Account Manager, Microsoft
“The Women Rising programme is valuable to any and every individual to re examine how to get the most from yourself and others in a working environment, analyse and reset your goals (personal and career), increase your confidence by knowing how to use your strengths, as well as understanding the immense value that feminine traits have in the workplace. This is a thoroughly enjoyable, well paced course, where the value lies in doing the self-analysis and the personal growth that comes from those learnings and challenging your previous thinking. And finally having others to debate ideas and challenges and learnings from listening in others with similar journeys.”
Sheri Lynne Oerder
Programme Manager, CCL
“Taking regular time to invest in myself to complete modules in this course has helped me to embrace my strengths and re-evaluate my vision and purpose. I am even more driven to help other women and encourage male allies and through the community have seen how many organisations still have a long way to go. I want to give back even more than I already do, after 25 years in corporate life. Another thing to share, is that the content is yours forever and I can certainly see myself returning to some of the exercises that I carried out and doing them again at a different time to help reframe and set things in my mind. I can't recommend this program enough. For the guys? Please join up to the allies program as you will do is grow and learn and there is nothing to lose."
Michelle Simpson
Executive Director, Freelance (ex IBM)
“I usually tend to suffer imposter syndrome, but the program and particularly the coaching sessions encouraged us to open up and share not just our success stories but also our challenges and how we can let go of perfectionism and strive to break-down our goals to get more fulfilment and achieve them. I highly recommend the program to anyone who is looking to be intentional with their overall growth.”
Brynnel Dubey
Marketing Advisor, Microsoft
“This program has been an amazing learning experience. To know that as a woman we are strong, we are together and how we show up is not wrong, was invaluable.”
Robyn Stacey
Key Account Manager, Dicker Data NZ Ltd
“What a great program to take on for self-confidence, motivation, to learn more about your personal strengths and have the confidence and tools in leading change to make your workplace a more inclusive and diverse place no matter what your position in the organization is."
Tatiana Whitney
Talent Acquisition Specialist, Insight
“What a wonderful experience is to be part of this program! When you grow up in an environment where women are not allowed to do or be part of some activities, you have thousands of doubts, and this program guides you step by step to change your mindset. I recommend this program to anyone that wants a change of life or to be a leader."
Martha Pulido Heath
Owner, Glam Beauty SPA
“By investing in yourself with this training, you will be empowered. This is an amazing journey of self awareness, growth and development. Highly recommend this training!"
Racheal A Briscoe
Client Executive, Strategic Accounts, Microsoft Canada
“Such a worthwhile investment. Really helped me get back on track after I became a mother, and I worked out very quickly which direction I wanted to go. I was not where I wanted to be and I have since resigned from my role. I start my new role, a more senior role (because, why not!) in May! Thank you Women Rising team!"
Katie
Customer & Supply Chain Coordinator, Lyttelton Port Company
“If there is only one course that you do this year this would have to be it! It can be confronting at times but also empowering and promotes change. Thank you to everyone involved for sharing the stories and support that you guys have given one another."
Karina Huntley
IT Support Officer, Department Of Education
“Before I began the women rising program I had never really written down my career and life goals. I had a vague idea of what they were in my head but writing them down in detail was not something I had done before. At first it was quite a challenge but once I had thought about it and listened to other women's thoughts I found it easier to complete. I found the program to be valuable as it gave me a clearer understanding of my goals both personal and career.”
Kristin Pisaniello
Enterprise Resources Planning Consultant, Walkerscott
“This course really changed my life! I have created more time for myself and feel refreshed and confident. Learning about managing stress and leading change was the most impactful areas for me and I have shared these tips with other female colleagues. Thank you so much for the coaching along the way.”
Tracey Connor
Digital Test and Release Manager, Fonterra
“This course has been amazing - I am glad I have completed it and it is so suited for women in all stages of their career. You will find through this course that you are not alone - there are many people in your situation. What a great way to learn and invest in yourself. This course has given me more confidence in myself and I am finding my voice to speak up.”
Divya Sangar
Enterprise Channel Sales - Security, Microsoft
“This program has made me see quite a few things - minor and major, from different perspective. Doing playsheet in some sessions was challenging, however, once done it gave a new sense of clarity and understanding of some of the deeper subjects which otherwise go unnoticed in daily work-life activities. I will certainly be using the techniques and tools this program has provided me to shape my skills and become the leader that the team would love to work with.”
Milisha Patel
Senior Consultant, Versor (Fujitsu)
“I feel like I not only have a sense of direction that encompasses my whole life rather than just parts of it, but I also know the practical steps I need to take on a daily basis to move towards my goals and look after myself.”
Donna Grewal
Team Manager, Fujitsu
“Uncomfortable at times with self-reflection, however somehow liberating knowing I am not alone on this journey. Definitely a thought-provoking process, honest and raw if you immerse yourself properly. Highly recommend being a part of the Women Rising program.”
Deborah Nelson
Customer Success Account Manager - Education, Microsoft
“I was enrolled in this program right when I needed it the most. It helped me grow and build my confidence and discover things that little did I know will matter. Thank you!”
Angie Lou Futol Banez
Supervisor, DXC Technology
“Before this program, I was in a crossroad situation. Not knowing how to or what to choose as a path ahead. Too many factors were intruding, like not able to identify a clear path, not able to present myself and make others see the way i want to be seen and accepted. Handling stress and having a good work life balance were also issues. With this program, there is a clarity in what I need to see, learn and make changes where necessary. It has helped me see things in a different light and feel more courageous to take up new opportunities. Thank you for the excellent program, this is indeed a real rising!!”
PREETI MENON
Business Analyst, Application Services
“This programme is a great challenge really pushes you out of your comfort zone.”
Deborah Kelly
Product Owner, ANZ
“I've described Women Rising as a mini-MBA, leadership coaching, and group therapy session all rolled into one - Such an impactful program with career. mind, body and spirit impact. I moved through some big changes personally through the course of the program, with the lessons feeling like wise counsel to help me navigate these career moves thoughtfully. The beauty of the program is the timelessness of the themes and the new perspectives/vision you can bring to these as your work and life circumstances change - Following a job change halfway through the program, I did the first half of the program again and found so much clarity and energy in this new view on the programs learnings as I set a new vision and plan for my career journey ahead. Megan calls this Women Rising a movement, and one I can wholeheartedly recommend you join!”
Sarah Creelman
Freelancer (former Microsoft and Amazon)
“I came into the course apprehensive about everything to do with myself, scared and worried about what I would find when I started to peel back the layers of me, and some of it was hard but the way I feel now compared to then is a full 360. I am gritty, I am powerful, confident and assertive, and I can and will succeed at whatever I put my mind to. I would not have even thought about myself this way 6 months ago when I felt I had hit rock bottom and was feeling overly sorry for myself, but I am glad I made the decision to join the program and see it through, as this has been fantastic. Highly recommend, like galactic level recommend, (if not demand this is a must do course!) more women and male supporters, to attend!”
Vicky McIndoe
Service Delivery Manager, Vodafone NZ
“This program has truly influenced me. I have attended different management and growth programs and workshops throughout my career and I can honestly say that Women Rising has had a wonderful impact. The foundations and learnings are with me in everything I do. Which has helped me be more conscious of my choices, my mindset, and my direction. I look forward to redoing the different modules and truly embedding all the different facets into my life. Thank you team.”
Joanna Killalea-Walford
Customer Success Account Manager, Microsoft
“I was hesitant as to what this program would do for me as I have been working for more than 30 years. However this program has provided me with a greater understanding of myself, what I need to succeed and how to work with the people in my organization. Thank you. I have already shared many of these learnings with my daughter and other colleagues.”
Dinah Bezuidenhout
Program Lead, Rio Tinto
“The Women Rising Program provides a journey of self awareness, building self confidence and leadership skills. I have thoroughly enjoyed being about of such and inspirational collaborative group of women.”
Christine Jones
Senior Recruitment Consultant / Delivery Lead, Modis
“I am the Marketing and Communications Manager at Emmanuel College on the Gold Coast. I have been at the school for almost 9 years and I love what I do. This year we expanded our team so whilst I was not looking to 'advance' in my career, I feel like I have advanced in my leadership skills as a result of this program. Thank you.”
Julie Scott
Marketing and Communications Manager, Emmanuel College, UQ
“If you are confused in your career or life, that you are seeking for answers on some of the challenges you are facing and wouldn't solve them by yourself, please join this program.”
Diana Zeng
Adoption Consultant, DocuSign
“This program will blow your mind! Its good to know you are not alone and we are in this together. You will draw so much inspiration from this program and the coaching calls. This program will help you be more informed about yourself and help you navigate through good and bad times.”
neha bharuka
Senior Technical Consultant, FiveP
“This program has been an amazing journey of self discovery. It has helped me with my imposter syndrome, and has enabled me with the tools and knowledge to live by design and own my worth. It was amazing sharing this journey with so many other women and hearing their stories and similarities in experiences. This time to focus on myself and my leadership journey has been invaluable, I am so grateful to my leaders for investing in me attending this program.”
Tamara Haskins
Product Manager, Capgemini
“The experience of the Women Rising program has been hugely beneficial not only in my professional life but in all aspects of life, how I am a wife, mother, daughter, sibling and friend to all those I interact with. Little changes I've made in how I approach things from managing my stress levels to how I approach each working day and setting my boundaries have all had positive impacts. I will keep slowly building my backpack of skills and implementing them piece by piece, learning more as I go what will work for me and what doesn't. Not everything will work for everyone because we are all different people but we can take something from every session and slowly grow our skills to help us navigate the world. I have thoroughly appreciated my time and will come back to the play sheets and some of the video lessons time and again to remind and reset myself from time to time.”
Jane Goddard
Service Delivery Manager, PwC
“The program is highly engaging, very informative, establishes good networking and sets a strong foundation for resiliency, wellbeing while creating confidence and impact. I highly recommend the program as one that creates incredible transformation for women globally.”
Gaynelle D'souza
HR Leader India Sub Region, DXC Technology
“This investment of time has truly been worthwhile and I would recommend the journey to every person.”
Anica Kvesic
National Bid Manager, Modis Consulting
“I believe that things come into your life when you are receptive to them. This is one of those programs that is both life changing, life reaffirming and so discreetly powerful that it gives you the permission to take your power back. With a simple step by step process on how to achieve it, it shows you how to use your own inner strength to re-establish what's important. We are always too busy in life existing and getting through each day. It is time to invest in yourself to evaluate those paths and choices you are currently taking and reset for a much more fulfilling and purposeful life.”
Andrea Downey
Design Team Lead, Water Corporation
“Women Rising has been pivotal in helping shape my future with strategies to excel in my personal & professional life. The modules are insightful and give real world practical tools, which are combined with excellent support through hands on coaching calls with Megan and an in-depth cohort circle for active mentoring and group connection”
ANU SUBBA
Head of Customer Success, Archistar
“Women Rising has been pivotal in helping shape my future with strategies to excel in my personal & professional life. The modules are insightful and give real world practical tools, which are combined with excellent support through hands on coaching calls with Megan and an in-depth cohort circle for active mentoring and group connection”
ANU SUBBA
Head of Customer Success, Archistar
“This is an amazing program and the experience of doing this program was overwhelmingly positive. The program is really an eye opener to many, regardless of their job level and experience. It helps you to overcome your challenges and develop your career!!!"
Vardhini Sriraman
Human Resources Manager, DXC Technology
“The strongest value in this program for me is having on-going access to the resources that help me "pay it forward". I've already started."
Joy Woodford
Delivery and SRE Manager, AGL
“The program really helped with soft skill building and covered a broad amount of topics that I have found would not have been covered by other training courses I've done in the past. I especially enjoyed the Leading Change topic at the end of the course it really did open my eyes a bit more to gender diversity and how I can make a difference in celebrating Women. Thank you, Women Rising."
Luana Taouma
Senior Business Analyst, Fonterra
JOIN THE WOMEN RISING SEPTEMBER 2023 PROGRAM
“Anyone considering this program who is a little unsure, I would say jump in and give it your all. I've learnt so much about me and what I really want from life (not just my career). The other women in this program are all amazing and super supportive. Sharing life experiences is eye opening and made me feel that I'm not alone in some of the situations I've dealt with in the past. This is not a once and done program but something I will take with me and revisit regularly over the coming months and years. No matter where you are in your career this is a program for you.”
Mandy Richards
Associate Director, KPMG
“This has been an enlightening & inclusive programme. I just wish I could have attended more of the coaching calls; the couple I did attend allowed me to see other perspectives & actions. I will be going back to review each of the coaching calls next month. This has been well worth the effort however real change, within the organisation / industry I work for, also needs to come from upper management. The "middle" cant make all the change! I understand several of our senior management are attending the next intake & if that is the case I hope they embrace the learnings & be brave enough to instigate change."
Donna Brooking
Reporting & Analysis Specialist, Datacom NZ
“Women Rising was just the program I needed to actually take time out of my schedule and focus on me. I've never been diligent in this regard and have always put myself second. By doing this program I am now putting myself first so I can be the best version of myself, for others."
Kelly Savannah
Sales Specialist, Microsoft
“I wish my younger self was given access to this program."
Cara Fitzgerald
Director, Department of Education
“This has been an enlightening & inclusive programme. I just wish I could have attended more of the coaching calls; the couple I did attend allowed me to see other perspectives & actions. I will be going back to review each of the coaching calls next month. This has been well worth the effort however real change, within the organisation / industry I work for, also needs to come from upper management. The "middle" cant make all the change! I understand several of our senior management are attending the next intake & if that is the case I hope they embrace the learnings & be brave enough to instigate change."
Donna Brooking
Reporting & Analysis Specialist, Datacom NZ
“I came to Women Rising program after experiencing all the "joys" of impostor syndrome, feeling "I am not good enough", and "I don't belong". I just didn't realise at that point that those sentiments are quite commonly experienced by women in predominantly male industries. Women Rising helped to focus on the reasons we feel this way and cultivation of the new traits, perspectives and power inside ourselves. To be honest, most of the modules can apply to everyone, regardless of the gender. My main take from the program which I have started actively implementing in my work life is sharing. Openly sharing my vulnerabilities, doubts, thoughts and admitting to mistakes. I hope me being open, honest, authentic, and supportive will encourage other people in the workplace not to hide in themselves, but be confident they are valued and accepted just the way they are."
Lana Absaliamova
Manager, Capgemini
“This program has been a great experience for me. Having recently completed the program, it has given me insight to invaluable lessons and a change of mindset of how to be that female leader to lead authentically. I have also learnt new ways of working and look at life from a different perspective, how important wellbeing is and how to be more resilient and confident, not just in your career but in your personal life. A wonderful course that I'd highly recommend and promote amongst other women."
Cheer Lin
Solution Designer, Telstra
“I'm a technical software consultant and being in this industry for 17 years. Most of my career I usually do the work behind the scenes. Mostly because I thought I'm not a native English speaker, female who do not have a strong/loud voice and also got nervous and stressed to speak in front of many people. Early this year I took a senior role which involves more consulting, negotiating and public facing role. I am very grateful to be enrolled in this program for the right timing and to my manager for his support and approval. After doing this program, I gained confidence, I'm equipped with variety of tools and techniques to experiment and improve my personal and professional skills. There are a lot of areas that I need to work on and keep practicing. Above all, I can assure to myself that I'm on the right track to fulfil my ambitions."
Moe Pwint Oo
Principal Consultant, Atturra (Former Microsoft)
“It's important for people to feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to work. This course is helpful in giving people tangible skills in how to do that."
Pip Lowe
Principal Consultant - CX research & strategy, Datacom
“The Women Rising Program has been an enriching experience for me. It helped me become a better person, a better worker and a better leader. Creating the awareness of the environment in which we operate, how then to show up, building on your brand, working with coaches, mentors and identifying sponsors. How to deal with conflicts, act firmly and with grace. How to present ideas and opinions in a concise & compelling way to be heard and create a positive outcome. I would recommend this training to more women so that we can become the leaders of tomorrow and not only have a seat at the table but be heard and lead the change.”
Anazia Farla
DER Product Owner, Synergy
“I really appreciated the opportunity to participate in this program. Having a chance to sit back and look at how the world treats women and how I interact with that world is a huge gift. I am so glad MIcrosoft found this program valuable and that I was able to go through it. Participating in this course has already helped me feel more confident and clarify what I want as next steps in my career. I think it makes me a better employee too!”
Jane Todd
Busienss Executive - Dynamics, Microsoft
“This was an eye-opening, reflective program that helped me realise how far I had ventured from what was important to me. I loved the community of women who I got to share this experience with in a safe and supportive environment. I have already taken the plunge in the next stage of my career and I highly recommend women at all levels consider raising their hand to attend the next program.”
Sophia Vahry
Associate Director, PwC
“Please don't think "I know this stuff about confidence, leadership, wellbeing, etc". If you come into this program with a growth mindset you will find that there is always new things to learn. Also, learning things through books or conferences etc is one thing, but because there is so much opportunity to interact with peers across multiple companies, from all different age groups, cultural backgrounds and walks of life, you will find that the human interaction with amazing women is impossible to put a value on. I enjoyed the program very much and would highly recommend it to anyone, no matter the stage of their career.”
Candice Murray
Ex Microsoft
“I would recommend this program to everyone, men and women. It is thought provoking in discovering your own leadership style and strengths, reinforces some of what you may already know but also encourages you to reflect on that knowledge with a different lens. It gives you the confidence in yourself to be the leader you want to be.”
Amanda Bond
Manager, Australian Retirement Trust
“This program paired well with my strengths of self development, I gained new insight into myself and my workplace habits and the habits other people around me in my workplace. One of my favourite quotes is "Feminism isn't about making women stronger. Women are already strong, it's about changing the way the world perceives that strength'. I felt this program really dived into a better understanding of this thought pattern & changing the way women think about themselves and where they fit in.”
Tara Simpson
Senior Finance Manager, Cognizant
“I always thought: "What if the world was different, and we were choosing leaders for the ability to communicate, deliver, be compassionate, and resilient, instead of choosing leaders who fit into the usual "masculine leader' frame."
The Women Rising Program gave me not only the understanding, that so many other people ask the same question, but also the tools and experience to be ready to make these necessary changes. I would say it was the most important piece of education I have had so far, and the most useful. I wish to thank Microsoft for this program and for making the world a better place to live in.”
Galina Romantsova
Automation Test Lead, Telstra
“I always thought: "What if the world was different, and we were choosing leaders for the ability to communicate, deliver, be compassionate, and resilient, instead of choosing leaders who fit into the usual "masculine leader' frame."
The Women Rising Program gave me not only the understanding, that so many other people ask the same question, but also the tools and experience to be ready to make these necessary changes. I would say it was the most important piece of education I have had so far, and the most useful. I wish to thank Microsoft for this program and for making the world a better place to live in.”
Galina Romantsova
Automation Test Lead, Telstra
“I was unsure what the program was going to be about when I first started it. It was extremely beneficial for my development as I have been in a bit of a rut for a few years now. Lost in my way. This program has allowed me to refocus and have a very strong vision looking forward. Congratulations on producing such a successful and empowering course.”
Libby Haynes
IT Manager, GHD Pty Ltd
“Thank you for the Women Rising program, it's a life long asset.”
Hina Sobti
Senior Manager Financial Planning Analysis, BMW India Financial Services
“I thoroughly enjoyed my experience in the Women Rising Program. I highly recommend this program, I have learned and grown professionally since starting this program.”
Elizabeth Limn
Incident Coordinator, Project Coordinator, Kinetic IT
“I loved the Vision & Purpose module. Connection calls were valuable as it helped see you were not alone in this journey.”
Claire Sanchez
Cruise Coordinator, Lyttelton Port Company
THESE WOMEN HAVE TRANSFORMED THEIR LIVES AND CAREERS.
Tools for Rising
CAREER, LIFE AND LEADERSHIP EMPOWERMENT
RESOURCES FOR WOMEN, ALLIES AND ORGANISATIONAL LEADERS
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