Considering a career in politics but don't know where to start? In this insightful episode of the Female Executive Survival Guide, host Lauren Eyles speaks with Licia Heath, CEO of Women for Election, about the essential steps and mindset for aspiring female politicians. They dive deep into the journey of running for office, revealing what's involved, dispelling myths and highlighting transferrable skills.

Licia, a former candidate herself, shares invaluable advice on how to get started in politics and why "running is winning." They discuss the increasing trend of female candidates attracting more votes, the importance of recognizing your transferable skills, and why your lived experience is your greatest asset. If you've ever wondered how to transition from community involvement to public office, or whether you have what it takes to change the world, this episode is your roadmap.

Key Discussion Points

The Path to Politics: Licia demystifies the process of running for office and how to get started, from local to federal government.

Transferable Skills for a Political Career: Learn to recognize and leverage the skills you already have, from your career to your community involvement, to build a powerful political profile.

The Reality of Political Life: A candid conversation about the personal costs and benefits of a life in public service.

Overcoming Systemic Barriers: Insights into the trends in women's political representation and the systemic challenges that still exist.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Politics and Women in Leadership

02:55 The Journey of Running for Office

05:44 Trends in Women's Political Representation

08:21 Cultural Diversity and Systemic Barriers

11:28 Visibility and Personal Costs in Politics

14:13 Getting Started in Politics

16:54 Recognizing Transferable Skills

19:41 Encouragement for Aspiring Politicians

Bio: Licia Heath

Licia Heath is the CEO of the non-profit organisation, Women for Election, a non-partisan group committed to getting more women in public office at all levels of Australian government.

A self-professed “Queen Maker”, Licia and her team mentored 46 candidates in the recent Federal Election, across 11 parties, and 8 were elected or re-elected.

Licia has a unique perspective, having run as an independent candidate in the 2018 Wentworth by-election and she currently leads a community campaign for a new public high school in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.

For two decades she has worked in finance and asset management in the UK and Australia, and helped establish a $5 billion asset management business, Ironbark Asset Management.

You can connect with Licia via the Women for Election website or LinkedIn.  

Bio: Lauren Eyles

Lauren Eyles, Producer and Host of the Female Executive’s Survival Guide, inspires and supports women to thrive in leadership.

As an Executive Coach and Mentor she is a trusted guide to new and experienced Executives, helping them navigate times of growth and change.

She loves helping leaders find calm amid chaos, using her extensive experience as a Board Chair, Non Executive Director and Executive Leader.

Lauren started this podcast to support and inspire women in their first few years of executive leadership, as she found that being the only woman on the senior leadership team was a bit lonely.

Lauren is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has an MBA (Distinction), a Master of Sustainability and qualifications in coaching, change management, communication and project management.

Lauren would love to hear what you think of the podcast and what topics you'd like her to cover next. Please reach out via LinkedIn or Instagram.

Keywords

Women in Politics

Female Political Candidates

Run for Office

Licia Heath

Women for Election

Political Career

Leadership Skills

Transferable Skills

Gender Equality in Politics

Public Service

Lauren Eyles