In episode 105 Leadership Mojo© I talk with Alison Flemming, (General Manager of Finance for Scentre Group) about bro code from a woman’s perspective.

As a GM in a highly commercial landscape we chat about how:

* diversity comes from within.* to navigate your way through a male dominated domain.* to deal with finding your space at work with accountability, integrity, honesty and confidence.

FCA, Advisory Board Member, CAANZ Regional Councillor, NSW Telstra Business Womens Award Finalist 2015 and Executive of the Year 2014, Alison is a proven leader with a passion for delivering results in a collaborative fashion.

With a technical background in accounting and commercial skills Alison’s passion lies in creating organisational value and developing people.

Before her current career in finance, she’s had many finance and management accounting roles, primarily in mining and manufacturing, before coming to Scentre Group almost 11 years ago.

Alison and Nikki

Alison is actively involved in many areas of the corporate diversity policy and I co-ordinate a development group for female leaders.

I firmly believe leaders have a huge ripple-effect on people. I wanted to find out from Alison is how she approaches diversity, empowerment and engagement for females in a male-dominated world.

First up the Lifeaholic – the woman behind the title?

I try and do a lot outside of work, because I’m a big believer in you’ve got to be interested and interesting, and I always worry that I’m going to be that person at a party that’s got nothing to talk about except work”.

I’m often confused as a workaholic, but a “lifeaholic” is a far better description. I squeeze as much into my life as possible, both personally and professionally. Alongside my job, I enjoy keeping fit, mediation, cooking and I’m a passionate traveller.Alison Flemming

Navigating Brocode – being female in a male dominated sector of finance

Passionate about mentoring and helping people to realise their full potential – Alison has a straight forward approach to leadership that is drive by people and performance combined.

In a perfect world there would be no need to focus on gender.

We don’t have parity in the workplace, and the pace of change is far too slow. But the reality is if you don’t focus on your gender, other people won’t.

* Focus on being the best candidate rather than being the best female candidate. That’s far less important than what you bring to the role.

Be the best person for the job – let your talents shineAlison Flemming

Developing people? What are Alison’s three values she applies at work?

* Lead your team in a way that will generate respect, although she admits she might be difficult to work for because of her extremely high standards. At the same time, this requires an approach of inclusiveness – to create a fun and learning environment.* Speak Up: Alison checks in on Role Enjoyment but that requires equal accountability: “If you’re not enjoying your role, and you don’t like it, please don’t complain to your friends. Come and tell your manager, because they are the best placed person to do something about that,