Brief Summary
The event hosted by UNSW Business School features Attila Brungs, Vice Chancellor, introducing the "Meet the CEO" series and acknowledging the contributions of alumni and industry partners. Deanne Stewart, CEO of Aware Super, shares her career journey, insights on leadership, and advocacy for diversity, sustainability, and responsible investing. David Gonski, the Chancellor of UNSW, conducts a conversation with Stewart, where they discuss challenges, the importance of education and values, and her vision for the future.
- Attila Brungs acknowledges the contributions of the Gadigal people and highlights the role of UNSW alumni.
- Deanne Stewart discusses her background, leadership experiences, and commitment to social good.
- The significance of diversity, sustainability, and responsible investing in business is highlighted.
Welcome and Introduction
Attila Brungs welcomes guests to the event, acknowledging the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation and emphasizing the importance of knowledge in the university's mission. He reflects on the "Meet the CEO" series and its role in connecting industry leaders with the UNSW community. The event celebrates the achievement of alumni and the Business School's commitment to excellence in education, research, and community engagement.
Recognition and Overview of Aware Super
Deanne Stewart, the CEO of Aware Super, is introduced as a notable advocate for financial inclusion and sustainability. She discusses her background in superannuation and her leadership in Aware Super, which aims to benefit its members and support the community. Stewart highlights her advocacy for gender equality and how her experiences shape her leadership style and organizational goals.
Deanne Stewart's Background and Education
Stewart shares her childhood experiences growing up in Bathurst, where she was influenced by her parents' teaching careers. She explains her decision to study finance at UNSW, driven by her interest in human behavior and commerce. Stewart pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Yale University, motivated by a desire to gain broad perspectives while traveling.
Leadership Experience and Challenges
Stewart reflects on becoming a CEO at a young age and the blend of hard work and luck that led to her success. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and coping strategies when faced with pressures and expectations in high-level roles. Deanne discusses personal challenges and the significance of maintaining energy and connection to values.
Insights on Diversity and Inclusion
Stewart expresses her belief in the necessity of diversity and inclusion in organizational structures. She addresses the existing gender gap in retirement savings and the benefits of diverse teams in driving better business performance. Stewart outlines how Aware Super strives to reflect its member base and advocate for social and environmental responsibility.
Environmental Sustainability Focus
Stewart discusses Aware Super's decision to divest from thermal coal, emphasizing the long-term financial risks of climate change. She highlights the necessity of sustainable investing strategies and the responsibility of organizations to consider environmental impacts in their portfolios.
Cybersecurity and Risk Management
Stewart addresses the importance of cybersecurity for organizations and acknowledges that achieving perfection is unrealistic. Emphasizing a proactive approach, she advocates for continued investment in security measures and coordination across the industry to protect members' savings.
The Balance between Risk and Reward
Stewart speaks on the importance of risk assessment in investment decisions. She explains how Aware Super balances risk levels depending on members' stages of life, ensuring proper portfolio diversification to achieve optimal returns without jeopardizing their long-term savings.
Charitable Engagement and Personal Values
Stewart reflects on her involvement with the Red Kite charity, which supports families affected by childhood cancer. She discusses the impact of her personal experiences on her commitment to giving back and how her current life stage allows her to engage more deeply in charitable work.
Trust in Business
Stewart addresses the crisis of trust in large organizations and parallels this with personal authenticity. She believes that demonstrating strong values, integrity, and accountability is essential for organizations to build and maintain trust with the public.
Conclusion and Future Vision
Gonski concludes the event, praising Stewart's insights and contributions. He acknowledges the significance of leadership and the influence of UNSW graduates in the professional world, leaving the audience with a call to continue engaging in meaningful discussions on the future of business.
