You can find amazing talent when you step outside of Capital Cities: Q&A with Michelle Blicavs

Michelle Blicavs has not slowed down since leaving the board of Local Government Super; in fact, she's hungry for more! We speak with Michelle about some of her many passion projects, including Unique Leaders Network, a program aimed at connecting and supporting female leaders living in regional Australia, and Top Blokes, an organisation designed to inspire young men. She also shares her views on board diversity, the stellar advice she'd give her 21-year-old self, and why she doesn't believe in work/life balance.

MICHELLE BLICAVS

Michelle Blicavs has not slowed down since leaving the board of Local Government Super; in fact, she's hungry for more! We speak with Michelle about some of her many passion projects, including Unique Leaders Network, a program aimed at connecting and supporting female leaders living in regional Australia, and Top Blokes, an organisation designed to inspire young men. She also shares her views on board diversity, the stellar advice she'd give her 21-year-old self, and why she doesn't believe in work/life balance.

Can you tell us a little about the Unique Leaders Network and what the impetus was for setting it up?

Unique Leaders started out of a desire to see women in regional areas being supported. I was told by one leading Director that I would struggle to get board appointments because I lived in Wollongong. Our regions are filled with amazing leaders - both men and women - who often don't have the networks and connections because of the challenge of distance and being unable to attend all of the Sydney-based events.

Unique Leaders is designed for women aspiring to achieve more whilst staying based in their region. Members of our Network hold senior positions and are at the peak of their careers (most of us over 40!). We also have a number of 'older' women who still have much to contribute to business and society and we want to make sure they have a platform and are not overlooked.

In your opinion, what are the key qualities that make for an effective, and 'unique', leader?

We define Unique Leaders as that special someone who can influence a group with a clear vision, someone who is able to think and act creatively in all situations, providing direction and guidance to others.

As I travel to regional centres and I come across so many amazing women who are often not recognised for the contribution they make to our nation - each one makes a difference where they are further afield. For me personally, I was a CEO, Director and Councillor but in Wollongong, nobody really knows, or understands, the level of my involvements. I'm okay with that, but I think when it comes to boards we are missing a huge talent pool because we are not looking beyond our capital cities.

You are also the chair of Top Blokes Foundation, an organisation designed to inspire young men through local school programs and building projects. What tools/ strategies are used to inspire these young men?

Top Blokes is unique because it's delivered over 16 weeks to a small group of boys in each program. We don't come into a school for one day, run a big event in the hall and then leave. We've found those sessions, whilst inspirational, don't have a life beyond the excitement of the day. Our focus is on the time spent building relationships and trust with often troubled kids - seeking to show them their life has meaning, they are important and they can achieve more. We talk about the topics no one else wants to talk about, but are necessary, especially for kids often from difficult home situations.

"I think when it comes to boards we are missing a huge talent pool because we are not looking beyond our capital cities."

What is your opinion on the diversity of boards in the finance industry? Do you feel more needs to be done to reflect Australia's population - i.e. gender, age, culture?

I think the finance industry is doing better than most, particularly in superannuation, I think we've come a long way. But we're not there yet. My biggest concern about boards is that we seem to be pulling from the same pool. 20% of the women are doing 80% of the work! Some boards are able to look beyond their own style and choose women who are unique and truly bring a different perspective, but for many, that is still a challenge. And yes, I think we need to start talking about diversity of culture, particularly in finance, although LGS recently appointed an Italian!

"My biggest concern about boards is that we seem to be pulling from the same pool. 20% of the women are doing 80% of the work!"

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

My first boss, Nadine Thorburn, who ran a family bus business by herself. She saw something in me and gave me the opportunity to move up in management with increasing responsibility. After selling her business, Nadine went on to gain an accounting degree and became a doctor at the age of 57! She remains a mentor of mine today and I ask her advice on all the roles I apply for.

What advice would you offer to your 21-year-old self?

Travel the world before you settle down! (I married at 19). I would say, don't be afraid to apply for any position that interests you.You might not have all the criteria they're looking for, but you might be the right person at the right time for the position. Rejection is a part of the learning, don't take it personally! Find that inner-confidence in your abilities and skills and go for it! And don't do it alone. Our slogan for Unique Leaders is "On the Journey Together". Too often I've found women struggle alone and don't talk about the opportunity or challenge before them, they just feel like they have to muddle through on their own. That's not the case - there's someone out there who'll be happy to be your sounding board - just give me a call!

Where did you grow up and what was it like?

I grew up in the Blue Mountains with a single mum and a sister. My father died when I was six and my amazing mother raised us both on her own. She worked really long hours in law firms so that we could have the best schooling possible and the advantages she didn't have. Today, at the age of 71, she is still a Practice Manager at a law firm in Lithgow with no thought of retiring!

I was a pretty wild teenager, but became a Christian in my late teens and I truly believe that decision of faith set me on a path towards a successful future. I married whilst in Bible College. I did my Masters degree much later, whilst holding down a full-time management position. I was appointed to my first board at 38 which seemed quite young at the time!

Between your work at Unique Leaders Network, your recent job as CEO of Consulting Surveyors NSW and National, plus your other board positions, how do you maintain a work/life balance?

I think my training in the bus company with Nadine prepared me to work very long hours. We were always on the go making sure kids got to and from school and commuters to and from work. My days started at 5am and finished at 11pm back then. So I've always had plenty on my plate.

When I was elected to Wollongong Council, I applied for my position as CEO with IAP2 and Director of LGS thinking I'd only get one of them. Of course, I got both! So then I had 3 jobs plus 2 volunteer board positions. That went on for about 5 years. Nothing has really changed, though now I have one less board position, but I'm looking to fill that slot!

I don't actually believe in work/life balance. My life is balanced - I have a wonderful husband (of 28 years) and 2 amazing teenagers (1 doing HSC this year) who appreciate the contribution I can make to the world through the roles I hold. For me, the positions I hold need to be connected to my passions and that means they don't drain my energy. Unique Leaders ignites my passion because I love seeing women recognized and growing in their own confidence as they are successfully appointed or start new businesses. I am loving ACS because Surveyors are critical to our economy - all those infrastructure and building projects around the country wouldn't be possible without them!

It all fits. As long as I keep my diary in order - I am an avid tech geek with all things Apple, Alexa, Yoga - anything electronic to keep it all together! I confess to absolutely trying to switch off on weekends and just enjoy my family (and a novel and Netflix) - I do have boundaries and family is always first.

As part of the Unique Leaders Network, you curate a book club. What was the last good book on the list?

Game of Inches, by Nigel Collins, was the last one we read. His interviews with entrepreneurs and business people, from those very regions I love, was inspiring - anything really is possible and it's amazing what you find when you step outside those capital cities!