An exciting program for women at work
Many good ideas that could benefit organisations and the communities they serve never see the light of day. Research shows that women’s ideas get less attention than men’s. This practical program provides new ways of thinking to help develop and realise the potential of women’s ideas and projects.
The program has been developed and organised by Ruth Spielman and Belgin Besim. Ruth is a Partner at Ideas at Work and Belgin is an Associate. The program will be facilitated by Ruth and Belgin, together with three highly skilled women:
Sandy McDonald, the Story Whisperer
Dr Desley Lodwick, GAICD, Coach and Adult Educator
Claire Edwards, Strategist, Designer and Futurist
This acclaimed program was conducted with local government participants in 2023 in Melbourne and 2024 in Central NSW.
What we are offering
Participants will learn about:
- dealing with complexity
- the importance of context
- explaining an idea or project through storytelling
- the value of positive deviance
- making a compelling proposal
Options for Your Organisation
If you would like to discuss how the Program could be adapted to your organisation’s needs, please contact us at info@ideasatwork.com.au or by phone on:
Ruth 0407324178
Belgin 0409519184
Here is what participants have said about the Program:
“It’s been truly inspiring to be a part of these series of workshops together with female leaders across different local governments.
The guest speakers each had their individual story and theory to share and they shared their wisdom by engaging and gently challenging their audience.
I participated in these series of workshops to get an idea off the ground, and with the support and wisdom from this group of people, my idea is now coming to fruition.”
Karin Johnson, Team Leader Family Support Services, City of Port Phillip, participant
“Participating in the Good Ideas put to Good Use program proved to be an immensely positive experience. It broadened my toolkit for addressing challenges and reinforced my ability to navigate intricate scenarios with strategic and innovative solutions. One application, from the storytelling component, enabled me to craft a compelling outline for a strategic report I was writing at the time.
This program nurtured big-picture thinking, empowering me to apply innovative approaches, share learnings and newfound insights with my team, and instil a heightened confidence in making a meaningful impact.”
Wendy Castles – Project Manager – City of Whittlesea (participant)
“The skills and frameworks I learnt in the Good Ideas Put to Good Use Program have really helped me to develop more confidence in presenting my ideas at work. I felt that the concepts and frameworks were really easy to apply and ‘made sense’ to me.
I learnt new ways of talking and thinking about my projects and ideas which helped me to better communicate them to others. I’ve used the skills in day to day conversations and in more formal presentations and settings. It was a really welcoming space, it was fun and the presenters were really intelligent. I definitely recommend this program to others!”
Liz Carroll – Social Planning and Policy Projects Officer – Shire of Mitchell (participant)
“In 2023 I participated in the Good Ideas Put to Good Use program. The program allowed me to engage with like-minded women in leadership positions in local government. The program focused on multifaceted approaches to problem solving big or small within the work place. The personalised, small group training created an environment to share our experiences and collaboratively workshop our learnings. The presenters were engaging and relevant to my work bringing energy and clarity to each forum. I left each session feeling inquisitive, energised and empowered. The program was really beneficial for me and I would highly recommend it to my peers.”
Meagan Merritt – Acting Manager of City Strategy – Melton City Council (participant)
“I participated in the Good Ideas Put to Good Use program in 2024. It was an incredibly engaging, insightful and collaborative workshop which provided an excellent opportunity to network with other like-minded female leaders within the Local Government space. It’s rare for a program to have an immediate, lasting impact on the way one operates at work. The tools and frameworks discussed throughout the sessions have reframed the way I approach communication and problem solving in my role at Council.
In addition, the learnings from these sessions have given me the confidence to shift the perspectives of my team. It was honestly a breath of fresh air – a method of mind-shift that I’d recommend to any senior, or emerging female leader.”
Erin Edgecombe, Human Resources Manager, Lithgow City Council (participant)