011: Creating Change to Elevate Women with Jen Wittwer

Raise 1000 Voices

Do what you can with what you have from where you are. Three elements that have the power to create the strongest waves of change - especially for women working in male dominated industries who have a higher risk of experiencing bullying, discrimination, and harassment, and often fewer opportunities.

In this episode of Raise 1000 Voices, we discover just how “do what you can with what you have from where you are” has created powerful change to elevate women - and claim their rightful place - in one of the most male dominated arenas in Australia, with Jen Wittwer CSM.

With more than forty years military experience Jen has led people through significant organisational change, culture, and workplace reform, with a laser focus on steering women into more powerful positions.

Despite landing in an environment that was not conducive to achieving her full potential, and a pivotal experience at just 19, Jen never lost her core belief she was capable of instilling change and adding value. She understood the importance of standing up and being heard to ensure other women have the space and place to realise their worth and gather the respect they deserve.

The changes Jen ignited demanded going up against an institution with deep-rooted cultural pillars that prevented women from stepping up. Working first within the Royal Australian Navy, then as the NATO Gender Advisor in Afghanistan, and broad ranging roles since including working with the UN in New York to create Gender Mainstreaming Policy, Jen’s commitment to elevating women shows grit, tenacity, and incredible grace.

Through her experiences in the Royal Australian Navy and her work in some of the most confrontational places in the world, Jen recognises the importance of women raising their voices, authentically, regardless of the environment they’re in. And in this episode she gives a very human, heart-led insight into just how much this really matters.

WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS EPISODE:

• Contemplating about contributions in this changing world (01:45)
• Who is Jen now and the circumstances that shaped her (04:42)
• Crucial factors that influence changes in women's roles (14:08)
• The impact of working with the new generation navy (17:05)
• Understanding arduous situations of women in conflict zones (25:50)
• What demonstrates a real activist heart? (28:22)
• What's heartbreaking about women not raising their voices? (31:29)
• How does Jen support women to be themselves (34:33)
• Female leaders who inspire her (37:40)
• What are Jen's superpower and kryptonite? (40:33)
• Rapid fire questions (48:08)
• The worst and best piece of advice she was given (53:01)

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BOOK A VISIBILITY BREAKTHROUGH CALL

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We'll work together to identify:

• What stops you from stepping into the full power of your voice
• Identify where you should be playing and how to play there to get what you want
• Identify your next best moves in the Visibility Breakthrough Canvas

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For full show notes visit: Raise 1000 Voices Podcast