Jen Dalitz | Writer
Jen Dalitz
Phone: +61 437 646 664
Reviews
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24.01.2022 And so, maybe time does change some things. Or women do.
24.01.2022 This is what the future looks like, right here. Calling out the BS for what it is. Good luck to the young people of the United States of America in being forth this change.
24.01.2022 Seriously who makes these decisions? Do Australians realise they are paying a significant price premium on their fresh produce because of the waste that is created by the specifications imposed by our supermarket chains? Its basic supply and demand: artificially contract the supply with stupid rules like size limits for fruit and veg and the result is higher production costs, higher shelf price on the remaining stock, and higher waste levels. Everyone could change this by demanding more of our supermarkets. You can start by tagging #Woolworths and #Coles on social media. Absolutely disgraceful when Australian agriculture is on its knees.
23.01.2022 "The only moment we ever really have is this one - celebrate it. Happiness isn't in the future or the past but in the awareness of the present." - Anna McPhee Anna's words are how she lived her life. She has been an amazing inspiration, a wonderful support, a gracious mentor to me throughout my career. So many of us counted her as a girlfriend to look up to, and her legacy will live on in the many women she has inspired to live their very best life. I will miss her.... Sending condolences to Reggie, Anna's beautiful mum Trish and adoring sisters, and all of her extended family. Vale Anna Marsali McPhee (1970 - 2017)
23.01.2022 When all seems lost, there is always hope. And, its surely one day closer to rain. So painfully expressed by Kylie Arnold. Who would wish to stand in her shoes?
23.01.2022 Thought since it's too hot to ride today I'd write another post with some more insights from my equestrian adventures. This one is about the hogwash of goal setting and was inspired by the influx of deals in my inbox from so-called "experts" and "thought leaders" offering their services to assist me in setting goals for 2020. BREAKING NEWS: Setting goals won't of itself make change - it takes relentless hard work to turn a dream into reality and you have to be willing to sta...y the distance. Happy new year everyone, and may you stay the distance to achieve all the good things youre willing to work hard for. I can't wait to follow your success! #dreams #goalsetting #staythedistance #thisisleadership https://jendalitz.com/goals/will-you-stay-the-distance/
22.01.2022 Hello friends. You might have seen this on my LinkedIn... I'd love a few more responses for my new book. Just one question to answer: how likely do you think it is that a stranger would return your wallet and $1000 cash in it, if they found it on the street? A rating out of 0-100. Please follow the link to access the survey! And if you could share to your own friends I'd be ever grateful! Jen xo https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2QL7JKW
22.01.2022 How well do you understand your limitations? Two announcements caught my attention this week and inspired my latest blog post, not so much for their content but for the message that they offer: self-awareness is an absolutely critical foundation to any form of leadership. The first was news CEO of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, John Brogden, had resigned from the role leading Australia's peak body for corporate governance. The backstory, announced by his wife ...Lucy earlier in the day at luncheon for Lifeline (the Board of which he chairs), is that hes been on leave from his role for several months and is presently in hospital receiving treatment for a relapse of his depression. Brogdens history of mental illness and depression is well documented, and he has said experiences like mine show there is a way back for other like him. But that means understanding ones limitations. The second was an announcement from radio presenter, Em Rusciano, sharing her emotional overwhelm at having recently miscarried at 13 weeks. In mourning the loss of her baby boy, she was going to take some time off the radio, off performing, off social media, off life. Not for too long, but I need some time. I know youll all understand, she said. Russos honest appraisal of her ability to perform in a high-stakes, very public role as an entertainer while also navigating intense grief, struck a chord. And what really impressed me was her willingness to step away from a new job in an uber competitive environment to concentrate on self-healing. In reality, perhaps it was the only choice. Neither Brogden nor Russo were looking to impress me or anyone else in their announcements, yet at the very least they can be sure that many of us will relate. A couple of years ago, just one month into a new CEO contract, my father was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer that claimed his life after only three weeks. At the time, I felt intense pressure to push on, distract myself from the grief, and focus on delivering the business goals Id promised. For four months, I bobbed about in a sea of grief before the emotion eventually grabbed me by the ankles and pulled me under. By the time I called time out I was physically unable to get myself out of bed in the mornings. Clearly, I could not lead effectively in that state, nor do justice to the other responsibilities in my life. Its impossible to lead effectively when pushed beyond your limits. Thats why good leaders accept their limitations, but great leaders make choices that align with them. So, what choices have you made to align with your limitations? This first appeared on my blog www.jendalitz.com - you can find all the relevant sources via the link below: http://jendalitz.com//accept-limitations-then-make-choice/
22.01.2022 For the record, I stand with Amanda Vanstone #loveislove
20.01.2022 I remember Ash Wednesday like it was yesterday. The 16th of February 1983. It was my grandmothers 67th birthday. I rode my bike to school that day so when Mum walked into my year 6 classroom to collect me, I knew something must be wrong. Within twelve hours, more than 180 fires fanned by gale force winds had left a path of destruction spanning from South Australia where I grew up, right through to Victoria. Years of severe drought and extreme weather combined to create one o...Continue reading
20.01.2022 This is my current work project. It really is hard to fathom how a professional association can get their own compliance and governance so very, very wrong. Worth a read to see how NOT to act if your a company director. And for any accountants in public practise, there are things. you need to do to ensure you protect yourself and your business.
19.01.2022 My blog post this week is brought to you by the mavericks who dare to define their own destiny, and write their own rulebook. May they inspire you to challenge why you do what you do, and remind you that you always have choice. In a nutshell, here's Firstly, there's my friend who just accepted a job on a seven-day fortnight. Pretty good for a senior role in the cut-throat world of finance and equities, where he can also balance work with a desire to spend time his school ...aged sons. It took over a year (and a lot of soul searching) to find the right match, but he got there in the end. Secondly, the woman Ive mentored on and off for more than a decade. We met this week to talk strategy for her impending career comeback post-parenting. Since we first met, she's had a complete career change from management consulting to teaching, and to see how that has really ignited a fire in her belly is truly something to behold. Even if youre doing well in terms of meeting performance expectations (as she was in her consulting roles), that doesnt mean youre in the right job. What matters most is what lights you up. In other words, why you do what you do. Finally, its been a time of personal reflection as I work through my own personal plan for the new financial year. Should I continue with my own practise (work that inspires me, but I find a little lonely without a team around me), or start climbing the corporate ladder again (theres never been a better time for women with good corporate experience to find a great job). While the voices inside my head were shouting at each other, this LinkedIn recommendation just popped up on my feed and reminded me: this is why I do what I do. If the work isnt as sexy as the heady corporate days of past, its certainly more rewarding. (And Yvonne, well get that Champagne flowing now!) Does your work light you up? Is the job youre doing today the one you want to be doing next year, or the year after, or the one after that? Or is it time you made some changes? http://jendalitz.com/career/why-do-you-do-what-you-do/
19.01.2022 Friends I'm so cross about this issue I had to blog about it!!! You might have heard the news that the Premier of NSW has just approved the spending of $2bn of taxpayer funds to demolish and rebuild two sports stadiums in Sydney - the Olympic stadium that is just 17 years old and the Sydney Football Stadium that is 30 years old. Yes, $2bn, to replace two fine stadiums, at a time when the public has declared a war on waste and really has had a gutful of our politicians making... decisions like this, just because they can. Now I enjoy sport as much as anyone. But this obscene level of waste has to stop. $2bn of taxpayer funds, at at time when hospitals are understaffed and overflowing; public schools are underfunded; and two perfectly good (and high capacity) stadiums are being demolished to make way for slightly larger ones that would reach capacity at only a handful of events annually. Talk about madness! Mark my words: this will become a very serious election issue for the Berejiklian government. And we are watching her next move very closely. If sport is the goal, then there are better ways to engage the community in a healthy lifestyle, at a grass roots level. At the time of writing, a petition opposing the stadiums strategy on Change.org has garnered 112,140 signatures in just 3 days (you can follow the links in my blog post below to sign it). This is people rising up, finding their voice, and having their say. And what are they saying? Enough is enough. If you havent already done so, I encourage you to have your say too. Premier Berejiklian: Just because you can, doesnt mean you should. https://jendalitz.com/call_to_action/just-can-doesnt-mean/
18.01.2022 I havent been here in a while as the writing has been on hold. But I was reminded today that there are things in our life that light us up. That might take us out of our comfort zone but, once you sit with it, bring you both joy and a sense of I can do this achievement. These moments are such a gift. So Im curious, whats your special thing that lights you up? Despite (or in spit of) my professional career, these moments for me normally involve my horses. Ill never be a...n equestrian Olympian, but I take great pleasure in all the lessons my horses teach me. They remind me that its a team effort, were in it together, and that if Im prepared to give a little bit more, they will too. Thats true whether were on the ground taking care of their feet, or grooming, or when Im atop riding as one. Two hearts one team. Its hard to describe the adrenaline and joy they bring to my life. But Id love to know, what lights you up?? See more
16.01.2022 The horrors of Brisbane yesterday have really pissed me off. How dare he? How? I need to channel the rage into action. We all do. In honour of #HannahClarke, Laianah, Aaliyah & Trey & all the other victims of #familyviolence Open to suggestions - what would make a difference?
15.01.2022 This is a case study I've started writing on making change happen. Changing jobs, moving house, relationship changes, role changes at work. Navigating the first steps of the change process can be daunting, I get it. I've been "doing" change as a job for 17 years and deciding what to do first isn't always easy. If you're up against it and trying to figure out what step to take first in changing , the first place is always acceptance.... - Accept there is a need for change, to capture opportunity, or address real or perceived weaknesses or threats. - Accept that there are things you can control, and things that you cant, and the place to focus is on the things that are moveable. The past is history; all that matters now is what happens into the future. - Accept there are choices and trade-offs to any decision. Just because you can do something, it doesnt mean you should. Understanding the why will help navigate these challenges. - Accept that change is a doing word. Take responsibility for your role in making change happen then do your bit, understanding theres no place for egos in getting the job done. - Accept that you wont always get it right. Even if you start off down a particular pathway, if it becomes too treacherous its better to turn around and find a better route than soldier on into oblivion. The case study and examples are the topic of this week's blog: You cannot change until you accept. http://jendalitz.com/change/cannot-change-accept/
14.01.2022 My blog post this week inspired by a whistleblower who discovered he was part of a team of rogue traders who cost their employer $360m. When he spoke out, four of his colleagues ended up in jail and various other senior managers lost their job. Back at the time he gave evidence on the witness stand, the whistleblower spoke of a dysfunctional and fearful desk that was dominated by the forceful personality of its leader. In his book about ethical failings in business, the ...whistleblower talks about the importance of creating a "speak up culture". Often easier said than done. My blog post talks about what happens when the opposite is the case. It's not a good look, as the CEO of Australia's largest professional body is coming to realise. http://jendalitz.com/leadership/change-comes-people-speak/
13.01.2022 This is an important pivot point in the CPA Australia story. The Modernisation Bill proposed by Senator Xenaphon has the power to enable member-to-member communications within the Member Register functions of the Corporations Act. I'm proud to be on the forefront of this important change, and to be advocating on behalf of members of my professional body, CPA Australia. Members deserve a lot better than our board and executive have delivered, and it's been a pleasure and a privilege to hold them to account. We're not there yet, but days like today make it a little easier to keep pushing.
13.01.2022 I always admired Martina Navratilova for her tennis, and now she's elevated to superhero status for her compassion, intelligence and wit. This page is where I celebrate writing - my own and that of others - and I just ADORE this letter from a true great of the sport. Thanks Martina for bringing some empathy and compassion to the debate.
12.01.2022 My blog post this week... Change is a journey. And isn't it just? This post came off the back of recording a video for The Change Challenge (my free coaching program) and then realising on edit that I looked like a right tosser with my airpod wedged firmly into my right ear!... The backstory is that I swore (a lot!!) when Apple released the iPhone 7 without the audio jack that it was a BIG MISTAKE. Big. Mistake. And of course I (obviously) eventually came around to their thinking. So much so I don't even notice now when I'm wearing them. The perfectionist in me wanted to re-cut the video so it didn't look so naff... but I didn't have time... and then I realised I should keep that video "as is" anyway as a reminder to myself that change is a journey. Sometimes, we dont know what we want or need til its thrust upon us. (Thats actually the whole premise behind marketing focus groups and user experience reviews). And sometimes, we dont know what were looking for til we find it. Love to hear if you've had a journey like this too? And I'd love you to read the full story here and share your thoughts: https://jendalitz.com/change/change-is-a-journey/
12.01.2022 What are the lessons youre teaching your kids? We took the opportunity of a holiday long weekend to visit my mum interstate as the timing of the trip coincided with my sons favourite AFL team battling it out against my mums beloved team. Perhaps only those of you with the love for AFL will appreciate why wed plan a long distance trip around a game of footy, but suffice to say it was a passion project! With every ounce of anticipation, the game was a tough, tight duel and ...could easily have gone either way. Yet when the final siren sounded, it wasnt our team that was smiling. It sure is tough for a 10 year old boy to sit within a crowd 41,000+ people all cheering for the opposite side. It was tough for him to see the exhaustion and disappointment on the faces of the players he adores. And yet, its so important for him to learn that his team wont always win. Theres so many lessons in that, but the one I chose to instil is that you wont always back the team that wins but youll always back the team that you love. Thats why I asked him to wear his team colours home the next day, and show his support even when the chips are down. Thats the kind of commitment I want my son to learn and the kind of team player I want him to be. PS. #gotheGiants @GWSGiants #neversurrender See more
12.01.2022 Great to see a business leader giving back in this way. Education truly is the gift that keeps on giving, kudos to Gail Kelly.
12.01.2022 This looks interesting. It's free but you need to register.
09.01.2022 Mary mother of Jesus. The busiest time of year on my work calendar just happens to coincide with back to school. Which finally happened last week after EIGHT. WEEKS. of school holidays. Back to school. Not a moment too soon. But not all week of course, because student-free days!!! And no holiday camps because its back-to-school week. Except when its not. Fly grandma in from interstate. She covers Week 8 and the not-back-to-school day....Continue reading
08.01.2022 Like I need any encouragement!!!! In fact I'm very sure I've contributed to that statistical shift referenced towards the end of the article.
07.01.2022 Finally a political suggestion that makes good sense. After all, what lessons can't be taught by The Castle? But agreement in the Houses? Tell ' em they're dreaming?
06.01.2022 26,500 farmers who are potentially eligible have not applied, with just 2000 farmers and their families currently receiving the FInancial Hardship Assistance package. Isnt it time our political leaders looked at cutting through the red tape?!?
06.01.2022 Oh dear. Poor Leigh Sales. For many women though, the business kiss is an increasingly frequent occurrence. So, is there ever a place for it? My thoughts on the matter here... and what managers and people leaders should do now.
06.01.2022 Well. Can I just say 'hats off' to Margaret Court. I don't share her views on same sex marriage but I do think good on her for standing up and standing by her opinion. It's a good reminder that a bit more work is required to ensure all Australians understand equality and so are willing to embrace it.
05.01.2022 Theres a saying in the equestrian world that the horse always comes first. That means, amongst other things, that in the morning the horse gets breakfast before you even put the coffee on to brew; when you arrive at an outing you set up base camp in a safe place with a fresh supply of water and tether your steed before setting up your own swag; and when you get home in the dark after hours of driving and the adrenaline of competing has long evaporated, its the horse that ge...Continue reading
05.01.2022 Are expectations changing on executive remuneration? I wrote this post to explore some contrasts in executive rem between the public service, private sector, charity and membership associations. A few observations:... - The CEO of Australia Post earned $5.6m last year, a figure our Prime Minister declared was "too high". - The top five executives of Australia Post earned more than $1.25m each. - the Commonwealth Bank was the first big four bank to have a "first strike" recorded last year against its executive remuneration and this has been credited for the "tough stance" taken in the fallout of the latest compliance scandals there (we shall see). - Very few charities report their CEO salaries. Why the secrecy when these organisations exist purely through the trust and generosity of their supporters? - Not-for-profit membership associations have been in the spotlight lately for their exec remuneration. Is it what members expect? For example: - The now-terminated CEO of accounting membership association CPA Australia was paid $1.8m in 2016. - The incoming CEO of competitor membership association Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand is earning $750,000 plus potential bonus of up to 33%, (meaning Mr Ellis can earn just shy of $1 million). - The incoming CEO of membership body Australian Institute of Company Directors is earning $525,000 (including superannuation) plus potential bonus of up to 40% (meaning Mr Armour can earn up to $735,000) Fair game or fairly gamed? Before you form an opinion, consider this: - Full-time earnings in Australia currently average A$80,236 per annum; or $83,616 if overtime and bonuses are included. - Salaries for degree-qualified Australian public school teachers begin at $66k and the highest paid principals responsible for the largest schools in the system earn up to $160k. For shaping future generations. - Salaries for degree-qualified registered nurses in public hospitals start at $60k and the highest paid surgeon in an Australian public hospital gets paid $240k per annum. For saving lives. - The Prime Minister of Australia earns a salary of $522k. For steering the country. So what are your expectations of executive salaries? In your industry? Or in other sectors you support? Do they inspire you or ire you? Or send you completely postal? I'd love to hear your opinions on this, are our expectations changing? http://jendalitz.com/c/expectations-changing-executive-pay/
04.01.2022 This page is a writing place for important messages. Like this one, from my friend David Williams who explains better than I can why "yes" is the right option for everyone. #SSM #loveislove
04.01.2022 Great move by Reserve Bank of Australia in appointing Carol Schwartz to the board. Her perspectives on property, small business and gender diversity will be a valuable addition. Carol is one of the most supportive advocates of women in leadership not just in Australia but globally too. She invests heavily in the advancement of women not only in business but also our communities and she is despite her heavy business schedule she always finds time to mentor other aspiring leaders and give back to the community in so many ways. This is one woman who walks the talk and is a fabulous Australian (although you won't find her here on Facebook - she blacklisted the platform years ago when they went to IPO with no women on the Board!)
02.01.2022 Integrity. It's what i've been fighting for over the past 4 months, on behalf of CPA Australia members. Here's an insight on why the board had to go. So... what does integrity mean to you?
02.01.2022 I remember Ash Wednesday like it was yesterday. The 16th of February 1983. It was my grandmother’s 67th birthday. I rode my bike to school that day so when Mum walked into my year 6 classroom to collect me, I knew something must be wrong. Within twelve hours, more than 180 fires fanned by gale force winds had left a path of destruction spanning from South Australia where I grew up, right through to Victoria. Years of severe drought and extreme weather combined to create one o...Continue reading
02.01.2022 I read this story yesterday and its haunted me ever since. Glen Smith was murdered simply for helping a victim of domestic violence - a stranger, it seems. Im fed up with the aggression by murdering men, inflicted on women like Aiia, Eurydice and Jill. Ive read the public demands for men to step up and address violence against women. I understand that sentiment but I think its only part of the puzzle and that theres a flaw in that argument: it ignores all the good thing...s that good men do, day in and day out, and that they are unfortunately victims of these abhorrent monsters too. Id like to propose an alternative: that we bring back the death penalty for violent murders, and sterilise sexual predators who inflict rape and assault. No doubt Ill be attacked for my view, but this is not just a random thought bubble. As a farmer, I know the difference that a faulty gene pool can make on the herd. If theres a particularly aggressive bull or cow, or a sick or compromised one, we make the difficult but necessary decision to eliminate that animal from the herd. Its important to ensure the long term resilience and temperament of the herd. Why would we treat humans any differently? What is the advantage in allowing an aggressive and destructive human to live (even in the confines of prison) and potentially reproduce on release back into the community, to the detriment of the herd? Why not eradicate their gene pool and be done with it? See more
02.01.2022 Oh yes. This is a great ad. Thinking of my fabulous farming girlfriends! You're welcome!
01.01.2022 Penny Wong there are conservative voters (with a little c) who stand with you on this one. These statements by a so-called Christian lobby are abhorrent. An absolute disgrace on our government to allow children in same sex families to be referred to as stolen. These are children, who are wanted so much their parents have been through hell to have them. They are more than loved, they are cherished and nurtured and deserve to be left out of this dreadful plebiscite debate. Enough is enough. #loveislove
