Who inspires the women who inspire us?

At the third annual Women in Leadership Summit 2018 on 15-18th October, a collection of Australia’s most powerful female CEOs, entrepreneurs and business leaders shared insights from their journey to the top of industry, and the people who inspired them along the way.

Michelle Bridges

Motivational coach, entrepreneur & author

Now Australia’s most influential personal trainer, Michelle Bridges realised her purpose at the age of 14 – to transform lives through fitness and nutrition. Today, through her 16 books and 12 Week Body Transformation program, the former The Biggest Loser trainer has helped Australians lose more than 1.5 million kilograms. As well as drawing inspiration from her mum, her son Axel and partner Steve Willis, Michelle has always looked up to English superstar chef Jamie Oliver.

"When I was starting out, I’d tell people that I was going to be the health and fitness equivalent of what Jamie Oliver is to cooking," she laughs. "I love his passion, I love his drive, I love his irreverence, and I love that no matter what people say to him, he just blows it off and says, ‘This is who I am and this is what I’m doing so get on board or get over it.’"

Libby Lyons

Director of the Workplace Gender Equality Agency

Determined to change attitudes in workplaces throughout Australia, Libby Lyons is a formidable women with a passion for politics and the welfare of women – characteristics that are strikingly similar to those of her legendary late grandmother, Dame Enid Lyons.

"Dame Enid is a constant source of strength and inspiration for me. In 1943, she became the first woman elected to the House of Representatives and the first woman to serve in federal cabinet," Libby explains. "This incredible legacy left no doubt in my mind that I had to do something with my life that would make her proud."

"Women have special attributes, special insights of immense value. Of course, they also have special problems too. But these problems must be solved in partnership with men if women are to fulfil their public and private roles. I don’t think that we should lose those attributes and priorities that are natural to us as women… We shouldn’t imitate men, the world is far too male already." – Dame Enid Lyons

Janine Allis

Investor on Shark Tank Australia and Founder of Boost Juice

A familiar face on entrepreneurial investment show Shark Tank Australia, Janine Allis grew her juice and smoothie empire from her kitchen bench to an international success story. Today, there are more than 400 Boost Juice bars in 13 countries around the world. A working mother of four, Janine credits her success to sweat, tears, and a whole lot of hard work.

"For me, inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere – whether it’s big names like Jack Ma and Elon Musk or even a young entrepreneur telling me how they’re about to embark on an amazing journey," she explains. "You just have to open your eyes and ears."

At the Women in Leadership Summit 2018 The CEO Magazine also sat down with two-time Walkley Award-winning journalist and 7.30 host Leigh Sales to discuss her incredible career journey as a woman in the media.