Brigadier Susan Coyle, CSC, DSM, commands the 6th Combat Support Brigade in the Australian Army.
An experienced military leader with more than 30 years of strategic, operational and policy experience, she has a reputation as a modern and inspirational leader who embodies values-based leadership.
Brigadier Susan Coyle, CSC, DSM |
Susan will deliver the keynote address at the 2018 Women in Tax National Congress, where she will share key aspects of her leadership philosophy with a primary focus on the importance of people and values-based leadership.
Susan has progressed in a field that some would view as challenging for a woman, and what has guided her over the period is a value system that aligns with the “Pathway to change: Evolving defence culture”.
We spoke to her about her values, her perspective on leadership, and her upcoming keynote address.
In her address, Susan will explain the background of her values-based leadership approach, including her four priority lines of operation: people first, leader development, strive for excellence, and modernisation.
Leader development: As Susan says above, Leader development is formal and informal, and should comprise education, training and experience. Development activities are easy to plan, but historically difficult to execute.
Strive for excellence: Susan points to the quote from Colin Powell, retired four-star general in the United States Army, and former US Secretary of State, who once said: “if you are going to achieve excellence in the big things, you must develop the habits in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude”.
Susan’s address will cover these four themes, as well as the positive results she expects from their implementation.
of themselves, knowing that how you lead and manage your team matters, and that
you must invest in mentoring and developing your people. Your people must also
acknowledge that they also have a role in developing themselves, and their
people.”
those already there, Susan said “Aim higher, and then aim higher! Everything is
an opportunity, be positive and see the bright side of every day. The more
senior you are, the more visible you are. Ensure that what you say and do is
considered, deliberate and intentional to have the most impact.”
experience in senior executive roles in Australia and overseas, with leadership
expertise gained from managing diverse teams in complex and demanding
environments.
her leadership philosophy has always been centred on putting people first, as
it is the people who drive change within an organisation.
to serve her nation. Someone who has balanced a career with being a wife and
mother, and seized opportunities to make a difference.”
the importance of leadership for emerging and aspiring leaders, and current
leaders keen to stay on the pulse for the future. Leadership is changing and we
all need to be ready.
Sydney, and features seven sessions across the day showcasing Australia's most
influential leaders offering their insights and sharing their experiences. Find
out more on our website.