When women come together to share their stories, the result is more than conversation - it’s connection, courage, and collective growth. The latest Women Who Rokt event, held in partnership with Forbes Australia at Sydney’s Bennelong Restaurant, celebrated this spirit through an inspiring dialogue on leadership, innovation, and the evolving role of women in technology and business.
Celebrating collaboration and leadership
The afternoon brought together an intimate group of senior executives and innovators across tech, retail, and finance. Hosted by Sarah O’Carroll, Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Australia, the event featured a dynamic fireside discussion with Claire Southey, Chief AI Officer at Rokt, and Joanna Robinson, Chief Marketing Officer at THE ICONIC. The conversation explored how women leaders are driving transformation, embracing emerging technologies, and empowering others to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Turning opportunities into impact
Kicking off the discussion, speakers reflected on pivotal moments that shaped their careers - those turning points where courage and opportunity met. Both Southey and Robinson spoke to the power of saying yes to new challenges, even when the path forward isn’t fully clear. Their journeys underscored a universal truth: confidence grows from action, and real progress happens when women back themselves and each other.
Balancing innovation and intention
As the conversation turned to AI, Southey highlighted how curiosity drives innovation at Rokt. By pairing exploration with intentionality - clear goals, responsible experimentation, and ethical design - technology becomes a means to unlock potential rather than replace human creativity. Robinson echoed this sentiment from a marketing perspective, emphasising that while AI can personalise and scale, human connection remains irreplaceable. The future, they agreed, belongs to those who can balance data-driven insight with empathy.
Redefining mentorship and community
Throughout the event, one message resonated above all: leadership is a team sport. Both panelists credited mentors, sponsors, and supportive communities for helping them grow. And reminded attendees that success multiplies when shared. Networks like Women Who Rokt transform inspiration into action by connecting women across industries and empowering them to advocate for one another.
Lessons for leaders everywhere
The discussion left guests with tangible insights for building stronger, more inclusive organisations:
- Lead with curiosity: Stay open to new ideas and technologies, but be intentional about the problems you’re solving.
- Say yes with confidence: Embrace stretch opportunities and trust that growth follows action.
- Champion others: Create opportunities for rising talent and advocate for peers behind closed doors.
- Balance progress with pace: Drive innovation sustainably - celebrating experimentation without burnout.
Building the future - together
As lunch concluded overlooking Sydney Harbour, the energy in the room was one of optimism and purpose. The Women Who Rokt and Forbes Australia partnership proved the power of collaboration: when women unite to share their experiences, they don’t just inspire - they lead transformation.
This event is part of Rokt’s continued commitment to fostering inclusion and belonging, creating spaces where every voice is heard and every leader is empowered to rise. Because when women lift each other, the entire industry moves forward.
Learn more about Rokt’s culture and how we’re building a future where innovation, leadership, and equity go hand in hand.
