The advantages of working with well networked individuals is backed by global research. In one such study from the University of Virginia, the researchers found that the leaders who excel are those who can use their networks to compensate for “weaknesses in formal structures”. It found that just 3% to 5% of the people in a network account for up to 35% of the valued-added ties. The key networkers drive a good chunk of the deals, source the talent, inspire innovation and come across efficiency gains.
The super connectors have a lot to offer, but do they hinder or promote board diversity? These 10 women hold a large number of the available board positions for starters – so that doesn’t help in getting new individuals onto ASX-listed entities. But while these female super connectors share a few things in common, they do bring a wide range of industry experience to their positions and can use their broad spread of networks to make new introductions across the ASX.
The 10 leading super connectors cover different industries. They’re mostly in their 50s, and have held positions like managing director, chief legal officer, chief financial officer, finance director and CEO before racking up the board positions. A background in finance or law appears particularly useful for becoming a female super connector, with Sandra McPhee’s experience standing out from the rest on this. The former group general manager of Alliances at Qantas has extensive experience in sales and marketing.
Most of these women have also assisted in shifting the gender balance on the ASX 200; the percentage of board positions has increased slightly from around 10% in 2010 to 16.5% today.
So it’s no surprise that some have shifted up into super connector status fairly quickly – like IIana Atlasa, who joined the boards of Coca Cola and Suncorp in 2011, after being mentored by David Gonski. Shannon Coates, meanwhile, may be the most connected female board member in mining. The lawyer sits on the 10 boards in the mining and resources sector and she also appears to be the youngest of the 10 super connectors. Emma Stein also makes the list, having only arrived in Australia in 2003 from France where her career spanned utilities, energy and resources.
So should companies rush to get these women on their own boards? As the research suggests, getting individuals from the super connector ranks can aid performance.
But these women are busy enough. It may be the next generation of super connectors who can really help.
See how the connections of the 10 female super connectors compare at Women’s Agenda.
Angela Priestley is the publisher and founding editor of Women’s Agenda. She’s an author, journalist and passionate advocate for workplace gender equality and diversity. Her first book is Women Who Seize the Moment.
