Department of Finance director general Jodi Cant has been recognised for her work in government, winning the Telstra Business Woman of the Year award for WA.
Department of Finance director general Jodi Cant has been recognised for her work in government, winning the Telstra Business Woman of the Year award for WA.
Ms Cant, who leads more than 1,000 staff in her role at the department, also won the public sector and academic award.
She said a progressive workplace is the key to her leadership approach and she has led her department through several innovation initiatives.
“Finance isn’t necessarily the place people think of when they talk outcomes, however everything we do can impact so many,” Ms Cant said.
“I enjoy knowing that our hard work and planning can make a big difference to supporting everyone.”
Telstra Business Women’s Awards ambassador Alex Badenoch said she commended Ms Cant for being a personable, humble and authentic leader.
“She demonstrates outstanding insightfulness and maturity, while leading projects that have national and international impact, and emphasises the importance of listening as a leader,” Ms Badenoch said.
Indigenous Psychological Services managing director and 40under40 winner Tracy Westerman received the small business award.
Ms Westerman founded her organisation in 1998 to address the significant gaps in treatment and intervention into suicide and mental health in Aboriginal populations.
The medium and large business award was won by Selina Torrance (formerly Selina Duncalf), the executive general manager member experience at HBF.
Founder of ySafe Jordan Foster was the winner of the emerging leader award.
Ms Foster is an expert in the field of cyber safety and a specialist in the treatment of gaming addiction in Australia and leads an all-female executive team at ySafe.
Kim Marie Smith received the for purpose and social enterprise award for her work as founder and chief executive of Standing Strong International, where her mission is to help children build strong minds, strong bodies and strong hearts.
Ms Badenoch said the awards advocated for women in business, helped to promote gender equality in the workplace and recognised the women who were paving the way for future generations.
“These women are setting new benchmarks for what it means to be a successful business person, championing inclusion and innovation as they do so,” she said.
