Alicia's Blog

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2010-04-30T04:30:00.001+08:00

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Complimentary Mentoring

2010-02-17T10:19:00.007+08:00

I hope you've had a great start to the week. Just letting you know of a few updates that you might interest you.

Complimentary Mentoring Session

I'm hosting a mentoring session on the 16th March at the Botanicals Cafe in Kings Park. The session topic is Top 5 ways to Turbo-charge your Young Professionals and is open to both HR professionals and managers as well as young professionals themselves.

You can register for this event here at turbochargeyoungprofessionals.eventbrite.com

Please feel free to pass on this link to any colleagues who you think may benefit from attending this event.

Survey for HR Professionals

After the success of my first survey of a 170 young professionals, I'm conducting a follow up survey of HR professionals and managers of young professionals. I would really appreciate you taking the time to fill in the survey yourself if appropriate and/or passing it on to your contacts that could.

You can access the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/emergingleaders

The survey only takes 10 minutes to complete and all individual results are kept completely anonymous and confidential. For completing the survey, I will send you a copy of the survey results report when it's completed.

Emerging Leaders Report

Finally, if you didn’t receive the final report of my survey with 170 young professionals, you can download it at www.aliciacurtis.com/freereport.html

Interview with Glenn Capelli

2010-01-28T09:49:00.001+08:00

As the new State President for the National Speakers Association of Australia, I've just started my video interview series with interesting members within the association. This interview is with Glenn Capelli, a successful international speaker who is speaking at our first chapter meeting of the year on the 8th February. He is also facilitating a half day workshop on creative presentation skills on the 9th February. You can register your place at these events at http://www.nationalspeakers.com.au.

Emerging Leaders Survey Results

2010-01-26T09:53:00.001+08:00

Do you want to know what your emerging young leaders really think about their workplace at the moment? Have a look at these survey results.

Emerging Leaders Slideshow

View more documents from AliciaCurtis.

Engaged leadership motivates emerging young leaders

2010-01-16T08:22:00.001+08:00

In the blog post, Highly engaged leadership required to tap today's potential by Bruce Tulgan, he writes how leaders who are engaged with their young leaders often gets the best results.

In my own research and experience, highly engaged Generation Y professionals are looking for an empowering and consultative leadership style which focuses on growing their knowledge and skills.

During my Masters research, I along with my colleagues F. Grenfell and V. Miltrup looked at the top 10 questions that managers could ask themselves to motivate and retain their high performing employees under 30 years old. These were:

1. Do we provide a genuine leadership style that is empowering, inclusive and consultative?
2. Do we engage in open consultative processes, providing employees opportunities to listen and ask for their opinions?
3. Do we have a reward structure that is immediate and of interest to the employee, that recognises great behaviour and strong performance?
4. Do we offer continuous training and development opportunities that are stimulating and relevant to the Generation Y employee?
5. Do we provide regular social activities that all staff can participate in and provide opportunities for the young staff to come up with the ideas and organise these social activities?
6. Do we offer mentoring programs that offer regular feedback, support and advice for staff to be successful in their job?
7. Do we recognise effort through performance based pay?
8. Do we have a greater focus on outcomes and allow some flexibility around process, emphaisising the 'why' and not the 'how'?
9. Do we offer a career management plan including personal goals, clear career pathways, skills and experience they are seeking, formal and non-formal training and development and key learning to build their resume?
10. Do we provide work/life balance solutions and opportunities to juggle personal and professional goals?

These questions are extremely useful for managers in assessing their strengths and gaps when managing their younger employees.

Break the Patterns!

2009-10-29T23:56:00.002+08:00

Well it's coming to the end of October which means I've nearly completed my 3 month sojourn in Europe. My partner Shane and I have spent the last couple of months traveling throughout Italy and France. Traveling is such a fantastic way to remind yourself that every culture lives life quite differently, even Westernised countries! We have marveled at the differences in between Australia and France/Italy. For starters, Shane had to get used to driving on the right hand side of the road pretty quickly! We also had to remember that most shops closed everyday from 12 - 2 so that lunch could be enjoyed with friends and family. Of course, the types of foods were completely different too; no sliced bread here only long thin baguettes everyday and no regular cheddar cheese only guyere, emmental, goats cheese, blue cheese and so on!

The differences are great because it jolts your brain out of a pattern that you're used to and this jolt can spur on great creativity. So think about the routines that you follow everyday and try something different. It could be travelling a different way into work, adding a comment on a blog post, trying something new for breakfast, going to a different networking event or watching a movie from an unfamiliar genre! Break the patterns and try something new today.

30 under 30

2009-10-10T00:59:00.000+08:00

30 amazing young people across Australia have been recognised for their outstanding entrepreneurial achievements in the Australian Anthill's 30 under 30 awards. Check out their profiles at http://anthillonline.com/30under30-winners-2009-the-full-list/

The only disappointing things was that there weren't more profiled from Western Australia although we did have one shining star Tenille Bentley, who heads up the Global Good Foundation. I have met Tenille a couple of times and she is a dynamic young entrepreneur with great vision and determination. You can find out more about the Foundation at http://www.ggf.org.au/

Get young people to teach young people

2009-10-06T04:06:00.000+08:00

Today I read an interesting blog post highlighting the effectiveness of young teachers in engaging Generation Y learners. You can read the article here. Obviously this interested me because since I was 18 I've been developing and facilitating leadership workshops for young people at schools and in the community. I know that one of the reasons I'm booked is that I'm closer to the age of my audience participants and can develop rapport quickly as well as utilise innovative methods to teach and engage Generation Y audiences.

The article explores how young teachers know more about how young people learn, engage, interact and communicate through mechanisms such as social media, technology and the internet. Recently I've now started to present to teachers about how to engage Generation Y in the learning environment by using all the mediums that are usually banned in schools! Such as mobile phones, Youtube, Facebook, and Twitter. I hope schools will start to see the benefits of these tools to connect with their students. I've always found these technologies often ignite young learner's passion and enthusiasm for learning topics!

Check out the yGen club

2009-10-04T06:13:00.001+08:00

Thought Leaders Conference - Sydney, 10-11 December 2009

2009-09-30T22:47:00.000+08:00

The annual Thought Leaders conference, which is usually held in January or February, has been brought forward to December this year. This is a great event for business leaders, experts and the innovators within both public and private sector enterprise. I may even be presenting a table topic via webinar from Perth!

For more details, please go to: http://www.thoughtleaders.com.au/conference

The importance of Foresight

2009-09-11T18:59:00.000+08:00

I received an interesting email from Anita Kelleher from Designer Futures. She was passing on two quotes she had come across:

“Thought this group might be interested in some comments suggesting an awakening in big business - a realisation that Foresight is needed for organisations to realise their potential in the 21st century:

John Trotter (Deloittes) in Collier International publication:

"risk management didn't work for the GFC - the systems and processes didn't pick up change early enough..... we'll now be incorporating scenario planning into future frameworks. A lot of companies are saying we need to be more cognisant of risks by doing Scenario Planning"

same publication; Craig Bingham, CEO, Asia Pacific, Aviva Investors

"the need for Australian companies to reinvent themselves and invest in innovation is sharpened by a profound change in the world economy"”

Equal Pay Day – 1st September

2009-08-13T18:56:00.000+08:00

Just received the following fact sheet from BPW Australia on their Equal Pay day campaign.

Do you believe in equal pay for equal work? BPW Australia does.
But not everyone gets it. Here are the facts:

• Women working full-time, year-round in Australia are paid only about 83 cents for every dollar earned by men.

• Lower wages mean less lifetime earnings for women giving the a lifetime of fewer choices.

• Some women in CEO and finance positions earn less than half of their male equivalents.

• The pay gap for women key management personnel is on average 28.3%, 11% higher than the national average gender pay gap.

• The average superannuation payout to a woman is projected to be $150,000, that’s half of the average payout to a man in 2010-11.

• The 17% gender pay gap is a national average that opens up to over 30% in some industry sectors.

• Pay inequity reveals systemic discrimination and continued under-valuation of women’s work.

Equal pay for women raises family income which means more money to spend on food, housing and child care. Single mothers and working families lose thousands of dollars annually to the wage gap.

It’s time to stop shortchanging women

EQUAL PAY DAY
1 SEPTEMBER 2009

More information can be found at www.equalpayday.com.au

Thought Leaders Presentation on Foresight

2009-07-17T18:51:00.000+08:00

Today I presented on the importance of having foresight. You can see the slideshow I created on the topic here.

Foresight Slideshow
View more documents from AliciaCurtis.

You can find out more about Thought Leaders at www.thoughtleaders.com.au and if you’re interested in becoming a member, please contact me.

Speaking at the NSAA WA Chapter

2009-07-14T18:54:00.001+08:00

Last night, I presented at the National Speakers Association WA Chapter. I spoke on the importance of knowing who is sitting in your audience – in particular the new Generation Y audience members. Generation Y audience has slightly different expectations of speakers and are slightly different audience members. They may tweet while you are speaking, use their phone to take notes and they’ve probably googled you before you arrived.

Here are three techniques when communicating to a younger audience:

1. Use technology to connect

The number one word in teaching research as it pertains to Generation Y is technology. This generation expects it and wants it in the learning environment. This goes far beyond fancy graphics on PowerPoint presentation. It means exploring the opportunities to go tech whenever and wherever possible, including using a variety of learning mediums like podcasts, blogs, RSS feeds, and online interaction in and out of the presentation room. For example, a professor in America encouraged his students to twitter about the lecture topic while he presented the lecture. He argues that the communication adds an extra layer of learning to the classroom.

2. Immerse them in the learning

We live in a world of Edu-tainment – internet, MTV, video games, 24-hour news, mobile phones, blogs, podcasts, reality TV. With such an array of multimedia stimulation it is no surprise that it has become increasingly difficult for educators to hold the attention of Generation Y audiences. Immersive learning is a great way to involve them in the learning. For example, one teacher in America would use the format of TV talk shows during her class to harness her Gen Y audience’s strengths. The team-oriented and dynamic atmosphere which played on the students’ personal experiences resulted in highly motivated and engaged participants.

3. Be inspiring

I know, easier said than done right? Generation Y audiences are looking for presenters that are inspired and passionate about their topic. That’s not hard, is it? They want presenters who will provoke and challenge them in their learning, who are honest with their progress and tell them the truth about their learning needs in a caring way. Above all, they are looking for presenters who are authentic – who walk their own talk. You will connect with them and their needs.

What percentage of your clients, colleagues or audiences are Generation Y? Isn’t it time to look at the way you communicate to this generation?

National Institute for Dramatic Arts Acting Course

2009-07-10T18:53:00.000+08:00

This week, I’m participated in a week long Acting course by National Institute for Dramatic Arts (NIDA). I did a lot of drama many years ago before becoming serious about my speaking and training business. It was interesting to remind myself of all the techniques that actors use to get into character, approach text and look after their instrument (their body and voice) as well as the similarities between presenting as a speaker and as an actor.

Webinar on yGen club

2009-07-02T18:38:00.000+08:00

Tomorrow, we hold our first webinar for the yGen club. My guest is Anders Sorman-Nilsson, a true Generation Y spokesman (some say a Generation Y Devil’s Advocate). Anders is the thinking person's motivational speaker. Anders helps upgrade your business brains to operate on thinking software that is compatible with the whacky world that we are currently living in, and the post-recession era we will be entering into.

In an economic downturn, the funkiest thinking, the most profound connection and most innovative communication skills will determine whether your leadership will be defunct, dysfunctional or funky.

This webinar will explore:
- How to funky up your thinking
- How to become indispensable by polishing your personal leadership brand

Register today for the webinar by joining the yGen club at ygenclub.com

Join the yGen Club

2009-06-23T18:27:00.000+08:00

yGen Club

View more documents from AliciaCurtis.

What are your favourite books?

2009-06-04T18:33:00.000+08:00

Recently I was featured in the West Australia in the On my Beside Table section. It’s a weekly section featuring people’s favourite books.

My favourite books were:

Eat, Pray, Love
Elizabeth Gilbert

This is a wonderful travel memoir tracking the journey of a writer who travels for a year trying to figure her life out. I love this book as it reminds me how much I love to travel and experience new cultures. It was a great book to escape to on the weekend as well. This book helps me to remember to take time out for yourself occasionally.

The Alchemist
Paulo Coelho

Ever since I read this book years ago, I’m continually inspired by Coelho’s words. I base a lot of my life mantras on the themes of this book, for example if you believe in your dreams, the whole world will conspire to help you achieve them. I think this is a book that every young person should read.

Wild Swans
Jung Chang

After having this book recommended to me before, I finally got motivated to read it on a trip to China last year. Documenting the brave lives of three generations of women in China, it is the most amazing personal history book I’ve read. It reminds me of the strength we all possess to deal with challenging times.

Business as Unusual
Anita Roddick

This book inspired me to start my own business at 19. Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop, shares her experiences about starting a ‘new kind’ of business to fuel social and environmental change as well as make a profit. She inspired me not only with her business prowess but also as a social advocate for positive change. I often refer back to this book when I’m in need of inspiration.

Next Generation of Leadership

2009-05-25T18:24:00.000+08:00

Last week I spoke to a group of young professionals in the finance industry at the CPA Next Generations conference. The topic of my presentation was building leadership capacity in tough economic times. I developed a framework for building on your leadership skills.

Here is a snapshot of some of the slides I showed throughout my presentation.

Leadership For Gen Y

View more documents from AliciaCurtis.

Creative Thinking mentoring session at yGen Club

2009-05-07T18:30:00.000+08:00

Have you heard of the livescribe pens? They are pens that records your writing as well as audio. Check out my last mentoring session for yGen. It was recorded by my friend Gihan Perera, a mentor on the yGen club who attended the session.

Thought Leaders in WA

2009-04-25T19:29:00.000+08:00

Thought Leaders has arrived in Perth!

If you want an opportunity to learn new and exciting business strategies to excel in today's market and talk to Thought Leaders with exceptional ideas on a monthly basis. Then you need to join Thought Leaders - check out www.thoughtleaders.com.au for more information or contact myself if you would like to become a members.

Here is a photo below of Gihan Perera and myself - 2 of the 3 Thought Leaders mentors in Perth after our first monthly mentoring breakfast for members.

"Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people."

— Eleanor Roosevelt.

Employee Engagement in Turbulent Times

2009-04-24T08:20:00.001+08:00

Please have a listen to this fantastic podcast about Employee Engagement in Turbulent Times. It was hosted by one of my colleagues, Gihan Perera, interviewing four Employee Engagement experts, including myself.

How quick are you on your feet?

2009-04-10T18:19:00.000+08:00

I’ve just completed a 10 week Improvisation course, with Improv master, Sam Longley at Black Swan Theatre. I wanted to do the course to improve my quick thinking skills. The program was fantastic. Firstly, Sam is not only a talented improv player but a very good teacher. The class was really enjoyable to participate in and I think I developed a few skills too. One of the greatest learnings of the course was always accept the offer that someone gives you in an improvisation. It seems that we all have a natural tendency to say ‘no’ and it does take practice to learn to say yes and build the story on. I would highly recommend the course to anyone.

Webinar on Presenting to Modern Audiences

2009-04-05T18:25:00.000+08:00

I was a guest presenter in an Australia-wide webinar on Presenting to Modern Audiences, hosted by Gihan Perera. You can watch and listen to the recording of the presentation here.

Presenting To Modern Audiences

View more documents from Gihan Perera.

What do Gen Y want in the workplace?

2009-03-12T19:21:00.000+09:00

Earlier this week, I spoke at the Chamber of Minerals and Energy conference about the needs of Generation Y employees in the workplace. I spoke about the MAGIC formula for keeping Generation Y happy in the workplace and it has nothing to do with money.

1. Motivated by Technology

How do you utilize technology in the workplace? Updates via blogs, training via podcasts, workplace feedback through online surveys. Most of these technologies are easy to use and free on the web. Most young people have a natural affinity with online technologies, so how can you utilize this talent in the workplace.

2. Authentic Leaders

Gone are the days of the autocratic boss instead Gen Y’s are responding to consultative and empowering leaders who inspire and motivates. Gen Y’s are attracted to highly motivated teams that have a clear direction. Tall hierarchies are unappealing to Gen Y, as most of the hierarchies reward people for years spent in the organisation instead of outcomes produced. Gen Y’s respond to their bosses mentoring them in their areas of need and treating them like a team player.

3. Get them Involved

Get your Gen Y staff involved in the workplace through ownership of projects, mentoring new staff or getting them involved in your industry association. Gen Y’s are looking for constant and continuous learning opportunities; mentoring, inspiring role models, networking, soft skills training and access to advisors. Alicia Curtis Leadership has developed a specialized online support program for young professionals called the yGen club. It provides inspiration, direction and connection with others. It’s an exclusive network of the brightest young professionals from around Australia, assisting them with the most cutting edge tools and resources to build their career.

4. Interesting Workplace

Gen Y see the workplace as an extension of their social network so the more you can enhance this, the more likely they are to stay. Businesses can create a community atmosphere through developing their workplace culture, job variety and professional development. Some questions to ask yourself: How do we recognise staff? What competitions would make the workplace fun? What non cash benefits to we provide for outcomes achieved? What flexibility do we offer? How would we describe our workplace culture?

5. Career Pathway

Gen Y appreciate managers that are interested in developing their careers. Therefore career development is seen as a huge motivator or reward in the workplace. Gen Y have grown up hearing about life long learning and therefore expect this in the workplace.