Harrison selected for national sport leadership programThursday, May 11, 2017 - 1:11 PM

West Australian Football Commission Goldfields Regional Manager Gemma Harrison has been recognised nationally for her quality leadership skills and positive impact on WA football after being selected for the Australian Sports Commission’s inaugural Stepping In program.

The Stepping In program is a new component of the Women Leaders in Sport (WLIS) program and aims to provide intensive targeted leadership development opportunities for identified women leaders in sport.

Gemma is one of 18 successful applicants selected from an outstanding field who will take part in the intensive 12-month program, delivered by the Melbourne Business School, through a series of face-to-face residential labs, immersive experiences, executive coaching, individual assessment and regular feedback and reflection.

Program participants come from 14 sports, including national and state sporting organisations, with Gemma being the sole representative for Australian Football.

“It is a true honor to represent football within this setting. There are many sports that are not represented and a notable number of applicants who missed out,” Harrison said.

“I am very grateful for the support of the West Australian Football Commission, in particular, Participation Manager Troy Kirkham and Chief Executive Officer Gavin Taylor, and the Australian Institute of Sport for allowing me to pursue this amazing opportunity.”

The program commenced early March and since then Gemma has fully immersed herself in workshops and all leadership opportunities.

“The residential lab in March was extremely thought-provoking and intriguing. We spent three days delving into our past and discussing how it has shaped us as leaders. We also discussed the leaders that we aspire to be and shared experiences of leaders who we look up to,” Harrison said.

“I have learnt a huge amount from not only the presenters, educational and leadership models but also from the other participants. We are already a very close group who are open to sharing and challenging each other. So far it has been such an amazing experience and I couldn’t be more thankful to be a part of it.”

WAFC Chief Executive Gavin Taylor said it was a significant achievement for Gemma to be selected as one of 18 women nationwide to take part in the WLIS program and a true credit to the hard work, dedication and leadership she displays in her role as Goldfields Regional Manager.

“This is a new and exciting opportunity for Gemma to further strengthen and develop her skills as an active female leader in the WA football community and in turn, ensure the delivery of high quality outcomes today and into the future,” Taylor said.

“Gemma is an important contributor to the success of football in regional WA, in particular the growth of female participation. This national program will enable Gemma to build on her leadership skills and continue to encourage more girls to take part in sport and physical activity.”

Gemma said she is looking to strengthen her leadership skills including her communication techniques.

“Firstly, I am keen to uncover some of my strengths and weaknesses in the area of leadership through careful self-analysis and colleague feedback. I am specifically looking to increase my level of self-awareness and various forms of communication techniques,” Harrison said.

“I also wish to play a higher role in leadership within the football industry. At this time, this is within my region although I also believe that I can influence the bigger picture.”