Following the success of its inaugural Executive Leadership Program event, expertly delivered through Master Certified Executive Coach, Jo Wise, the Women in Print Board is looking to include a broader series of similar events across the country in 2026. Stephanie Gaddin, Chair of Women in Print Australia, says: “We set out to create a program for leaders already in motion. To see them connect, share, and grow has been a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together.”
The Executive Leadership Program dinner was enjoyed by (left to right) Brooke Schade (Ball & Doggett), Irene Daws (WINC and Women in Print Australia Secretar), Rita Karagiannis (IVE Group and Women in Print Deputy Chair), Tamara Hodgkinson (Myer), Stephanie Gaddin (Rocking Rose and Women in Print Chair), Sam Rogers (Drive Creative), Kirsten Taylor (Taylor’d Press and PacPrint 2025 Board), Marisa Smyrneos (Ball & Doggett), Kerrie Alcock (Labels Plus and Jo Wise (Jo Wise Leadership and program facilitator).
Gaddin was speaking at a special dinner to celebrate the conclusion of the leadership program – in the Mallouff Boardroom of Melbourne’s O’Connell’s Hotel. She acknowledged: “What an incredible couple of days! The energy and engagement from this pioneering group of ambitious leaders has been truly inspiring.
“We are so grateful for the incredible guidance of Jo Wise, whose expertise and passion were instrumental in the success of this inaugural program. She created a space where our attendees could be vulnerable, courageous, and truly step into their power as leaders.”
Wise led the cohort through interactive workshops and peer collaboration, helping each participant to define and workshop their personal leadership styles, create a personal leadership action plan, and integrate the many discussions, conversations and workshop outcomes into actionable strategies to take back to the working environment immediately.
Marisa Smyrneos, Sales Executive – Sign, Display & Digital Solutions Ball & Doggett, who flew in from Adelaide to attend the course, added: “This program has given me a reality check on my leadership, helping me recognise the habits I didn’t even realise I had. It has provided me with the tools and confidence I need to grow, whilst also showing me that I’m already leading in ways I hadn’t noticed. It has truly shaped how I see myself as a leader.”
Women in Print invites its members to look out for news of local Print & Prosecco casual networking evenings in the coming months.
