Taking Charge REPAY “I measure my success by the impact I make.” Rana Ghandour Salhab, Partner, Deloitte 30
Taking Charge REPAY 31 Repay No person is an island, and these women believe they owe a debt of gratitude to those that helped them to succeed. They have climbed the ranks thanks, in part, to the help and support of others – from family and friends to colleagues and mentors. For this reason, the women we interviewed all believed that it is necessary to REPAY this support and encourage others. Regardless of any of the usual competitiveness that often comes to the fore in business, repaying this favor and supporting others was a common and refreshing theme. From our research, it was clear that the women we interviewed are deeply invested in the success of their communities, team, customers and the next-generation of women leaders. To repay should not be dismissed as altruism; it has significant, long-term advantages for companies, given its role in providing opportunities for and the promotion of talented, committed and successful women. Importantly, for our executives, it is a key way they measure their success. Quite simply, it matters to them to make a difference: to help others succeed is a valued part of their legacy. As a rising woman leader, you certainly have many goals you want to achieve. But, it is not too early to start thinking about the legacy you want to leave and the impact you would like to make on the world around you. REPAY: Your Community ANZ’s Corporate Responsibility Framework centers on the tagline ‘We live in your world’. The exceptional women leaders at ANZ breathe life into this slogan, finding a deep sense of purpose in investing in the communities where the bank operates. Consider Susan Yuen, Chief Executive Officer for the Hong Kong branch of ANZ. Susan’s father was Chief of Police in Malaysia at a time when the country lucky enough to be sent to the UK for boarding school for security purposes. Even school was a risk because anyone could have kidnapped me or planted a bomb.” Such a childhood uncertainty brought many challenges, but had a “Success to me is about a legacy. The legacy may not necessarily be in monetary form. It can be in the form of: What do I add to the lives of the staff or to the community? How do I bring people along with me? ANZ has been a fantastic platform for me to be able to do this.” was in the midst of upheaval. She grew up in a world of power struggles, where violence was always a lingering possibility. She recalls, “My father’s life was threatened, as was mine. I was Susan Yuen, Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong, ANZ Susan Yuen ANZ profoundly-positive impact on Susan. “From a young age, my father instilled in me a sense of integrity, resilience and leadership. He taught me to always do what is right. These were