More than 30 women leaders progress with AIS Talent Programs

14 November 2022

More than 30 women leaders have progressed their leadership roles in sport after completing an intensive six-month program with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).

Sixteen Executives undertook an intensive six-month program with the AIS.

The AIS Talent Program was conducted in two cohorts, one focused on Executives and the other on High Performance Coaching.  Sixteen Executives and 15 coaches took part in the program, designed to increase the presence and influence of women leaders in sport by leveraging their current strengths and skills.

For Rachel Ratini the career development opportunity came at the perfect time after starting a new role as General Manager for Equestrian Australia at the beginning of 2022.

“The program has helped immensely in my role at Equestrian Australia. It has helped me to develop a greater sense of self and to lean into my strengths as a senior leader in the organisation.

“Learning about team dynamics and building trust through authenticity, capability and connection has made a difference in the way I interact with my team,” Rachel said.

The two cohorts each came together three times in person while also undertaking online workshops focused on navigating the system as leaders, conscious connections and diversity as a leader for change.

Cricket Australia’s Women’s Team Head Coach Shelley Nitschke said the coach-focused program strengthened her leadership skills and created invaluable connections.

“The program provided me with some excellent tools to help me become a better leader and has influenced the way I look at challenges and subsequently deal with those challenges.

“It has also given me a new network of coaches who I know I can reach out to at any time,’’ Shelley said.

Golf Australia’s Women and Girls Operations Manager Megan Carr echoed this: “I have been able to reflect on the role that I play within golf and have been able to sharpen my focus with what I want to achieve.

“This group became so close that I feel like I could call any one of them for support, advice or a chat and they would be there for me,” Megan said.

The AIS Talent Programs form part of a suite of Australian Government-funded programs aimed at ensuring women working in sport have the opportunity to maximise their full potential and feel supported in the process.

The $3.4 million in funding spanning over four years also supports the long-running Women Leaders in Sport (WLIS) program and the AIS Accelerate Program, focused on helping elite women athletes secure careers within the sport sector.

More information about the AIS Talent Programs can be found here.