![Women need to get a mentor, find their passion and be authentic.](/content/dam/images/g/r/c/f/a/3/image.related.afrArticleLead.620x350.gq4s6t.png/1473378876847.jpg)
Australia's most influential leaders shared their wisdom for the emerging female leaders of the future in a new book, The World We See. Here are the top three most popular recommendations.
Be authentic
Rob Goudswaard, chief executive Credit Union Australia
Bring your real self to work. It's a phrase many of you have probably heard before, but how is it relevant to you as the leaders of tomorrow? For me, it remains as relevant now, 35 years into my career, as it did back then.
Many of you will have been through a time, or may in the future go through a time, where you feel like you have to be someone you are not.
I think this is often true for young women, who may have a perception that they need to compete with their male peers and conform to particular expectations held by their CEO, their colleagues, their industry peers. But in reality, the anxiety created by trying to play the part is a handbrake to performing at our best and realising our potential.
It's not optimal for your organisation or for you as a talented professional with ambitions of a great career and becoming a leader.
I began my career at ANZ and during my time there I participated in their Breakout program. Being authentic and bringing your real self to work each and every day was encouraged. It's shaped my own career and the type of leader I've become.
Get a mentor
Pippa Grange, global general manager culture, leadership and ethics, Cotton On Group
Never grow out of role models. In the early stages of your career it can seem obvious and important to seek out role models and mentors, people to shape your world view in some way and offer encouragement and expertise.
As you progress, however, and particularly as you become the expert yourself, it's easy to de-prioritise your own inspiration and guidance and forget how much those small gems of wisdom or positive example could re-ignite your passion to lead. What a loss!
Nothing is finished or perfect when it comes to leadership, and it seems to me that the time spent learning from others is simply a smart investment in yourself and in your business.
The best leaders I have ever seen have been learning leaders, incomplete and fallible, always curious about the impact they have, and never too old for a role model.
Find your passion
Peter Bosilkovski, chief executive Leo Burnett Sydney
Passion crushes fear. Passion builds conviction and confidence. Passion makes you feel a little less rational, and allows you to go above and beyond what is expected of you. Passion allows you to do things that seem impossible. I've learnt that things start to happen when you give as much energy to the things you are passionate about as you do to your fears.
Passion doesn't judge, it's inclusive at its core. Passion shines the light on you and all the great things about you. Passion sets you apart from the others. Your passion becomes contagious and spreads like wildfire. People feel it and get inspired. They want passion around them.
You can't put a price tag or value on passion. It's what every employee, employer or investor wants in individuals. Passion allows you to face adversity, and it's what drives you to pick yourself up and rise again when you fall. You don't need to be the smartest person to succeed.
If you have passion and aren't afraid to take risks, you will succeed. Passion cannot be taught or bought. And no one can ever take it from you. It's your competitive advantage in life and business."
Extracted from The World We See by The Dream Collective (on sale August 25, $34.95).
AFR Contributor