Women in Print has completed its first Executive Leadership Program and held its inaugural Annual Leadership Dinner, bringing together leaders from the print community in South Melbourne.
The two-day program, guided by Master Certified Executive Coach Jo Wise, focused on developing leadership skills through workshops and peer collaboration. Participants defined personal leadership styles, created action plans, and worked on strategies to implement in their workplaces.
Stephanie Gaddin, chair of Women in Print Australia, said, “We set out to create a program for leaders already in motion, and to see them connect, share, and grow has been a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together.”
Rita Karagiannis, deputy chair of Women in Print Australia and patron for Victoria, described the course as “very practical and engaging,” noting that the smaller group allowed for discussion of real-life scenarios and the application of leadership strategies.
Participants praised the facilitation, with Marisa Smyrneos, sales executive, Sign, Display & Digital Solutions at Ball & Doggett, saying the program “provided the tools and confidence to grow” and helped her recognise leadership habits she hadn’t noticed before.
Gaddin thanked companies that supported their employees to attend, particularly those who travelled interstate. She said the backing of businesses “is an investment in the future of our entire industry.”
Following the event, Women in Print plans to expand its leadership and networking activities nationwide in 2026. Upcoming events include the Print & Prosecco casual evening networking sessions in September and October.