Microsoft teams up with Women Rising coaching program

Microsoft Australia has partnered with Women Rising, a career and leadership coaching program for women, to help women at all stages in their career take their leadership to the next level.

The program will build on existing initiatives such as Champions of Change Coalition to support diversity and inclusion within the company. The program will be offered to both internal employees and to the wider partner ecosystem, helping to support Microsoft’s drive to change the face of the Australian technology industry.

Rachel Bondi, Chief Partner Officer at Microsoft, said diversity and inclusion is a key focus at Microsoft, evidenced by its internal and external programs, such as Champions of Change Coalition and Lead Like a Woman.

“We are conscious that the percentage of female leaders across the tech sector in Australia is still far from where we want it to be. Therefore, we have partnered with Megan Dalla-Camina, a world-leading expert in female leadership, wellbeing and empowerment to develop a fully customisable and scalable program that we are able to offer out on a broader scale to our Partners,” Bondi said.

The Women Rising Program will support women to authentically lead, thrive in their careers, develop confidence and build sustainable wellbeing. The six-month program combines evidence-based positive psychology, neuroscience and behavioural studies, merging science with gender research, leadership development, wellbeing principles and human flourishing.

“Our goal is to radically change the face of the tech industry by both attracting and retaining female talent and promoting existing and upcoming female leaders. As a business, we encourage all organisations within the industry to join us by enrolling their female leaders into the 2021 intake of the program, starting this February, to further build confidence and capability amongst our IT Partner sector,” Bondi said.

Attendees of the course will receive eight modules, including 32 masterclasses, live coaching sessions and will participate with an interactive community forum to encourage mentoring, community sharing and networking. The fully virtual course allows women to attend from any location and to integrate the development into their schedule.

Michelle Markham, Channel Manager Lead at Microsoft Australia, recently completed the Women Rising program and encourages Partners to sign up female employees.

“It has changed my mindset, the way I look at leadership and most importantly, it has made me realise what I am truly capable of as a female leader,” Markham said.

Megan Dalla-Camina, Founder and CEO of Women Rising, said the Women Rising Journey is a tested and proven method, having supported thousands of women with their development.

“I have drawn on decades of experience driving positive outcomes in women’s leadership, wellbeing and empowerment to develop a program that is proven to be effective at building talent pipelines, increasing retention, developing high-potential women into future leaders and supporting current female leaders with the knowledge, expertise and tools to lead their business into the future,” Dalla-Camina said.

The Women Rising Microsoft Partner Program will run from February–July 2021.

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