Stand out and succeed: Leadership tips for Business and Technology Transformations- Emma Molloy

In our ongoing series of interviews with distinguished leaders, we are delighted to introduce Emma Molloy, a dynamic business leader specialising in business and technology transformation. Emma's career trajectory is a testament to her dedication, expertise, and exceptional leadership skills.

In this interview, Emma shares her journey, career insights, and valuable advice for those looking to advance their careers in the ever-evolving business and technology.

Expert in Business and Technology Transformations

Recently appointed General Manager at ICare NSW, Emma has proven her capability in steering complex initiatives and achieving remarkable outcomes. Her previous role as the Head of Information Technology Delivery saw her lead numerous transformative programmes, solidifying her reputation as a driving force in the industry. Her deep knowledge and strategic vision have influenced the Financial Services, Banking, and Insurance sectors.

Emma's academic accomplishments are equally impressive. She holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Australian Institute of Business and a Master of Psychology from the University of Newcastle.

What factors do you think have been critical to the success you have achieved?

I believe that success in life and career are deeply intertwined. To truly succeed, it's crucial to be brave and authentically yourself, even in the face of external pressures and prejudices. I come from humble beginnings and faced numerous challenges growing up in a very small town - My family was poor, I was bullied in school and being gay in the 90s was not easy. These experiences left me with a lot of emotional baggage.

As an individual, I often felt out of place, particularly when I first entered the corporate world. To fit in, I frequently altered my appearance, adjusted my behaviour, and modified my approach depending on the environment and people around me. This constant self-editing was exhausting and consumed much of my intellectual energy.

Eventually, I grew tired of this exhausting cycle and consciously decided to embrace my true self. The moment I chose authenticity, it felt like the world opened up for me personally and professionally. I became more confident in my achievements and felt deserving of my success, and my relationships with others strengthened. This newfound confidence and authenticity allowed me to take on more significant challenges at work without worrying about others' opinions, ultimately driving me to new heights in my career.

One critical factor in my success has been the courage to be different and embrace what makes me unique. Our differences are our strengths, and by being authentic, we can tap into our full potential and achieve remarkable success.

What's the most valuable advice you have received in your career, and how did it help you?

One of the valuable pieces of advice I received in my career is that "the higher up you go, the more the role is about managing different personalities, perspectives, and politics." not in a negative aspect but as an opportunity to bring people together and drive progress. Initially, I resisted this idea, wanting to focus solely on doing good work and being myself. However, I began to see managing different viewpoints once I embraced this advice. This shift in perspective helped me become a more effective leader.

Another piece of advice that has greatly influenced my career came from my time as a competitive boxer: "You spend a long time as a nail before you get to be the hammer." This taught me the importance of patience and learning before leading. When I started in a leadership role at 21, managing bank branches and teams, I initially thought being a leader meant being bossy and directing people.

Over time, I realised that authentic leadership is about guiding and supporting your team. I had to unlearn those early behaviours to adopt a more inclusive and adaptable leadership style. It's also crucial to recognise that the world is constantly changing, and what worked in leadership five to ten years ago may be ineffective today. Flexibility and a willingness to adapt are essential to being responsive to the needs and challenges of the modern workplace.

If you were starting your career now, what would you do differently?

If I were starting my career now, I would approach things differently. Reflecting on Steve Jobs' words, “You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards.” So, you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. I value being comfortable with uncertainty and trusting that things will work out. Early in my career, I was quite risk-averse and often tried to control every aspect of my journey. This cautious approach sometimes prevented me from taking advantage of valuable opportunities. If I could start over, I would embrace uncertainty and take more risks and chances.

Why did you choose to work in the technology space, and what would you say to other females considering a career in Technology?

I was drawn to the technology space not as a separate entity but as an integral part of organisations. To me, technology is an essential part of our daily lives. Entering this field didn't feel like embarking on something new; instead, it felt like embracing a crucial aspect of modern living. What intrigued me most was the opportunity to leverage my leadership skills within the dynamic realm of technology. For other females considering a career in technology, I would say: go for it! The tech sector thrives on diversity and needs voices like yours that understand and empathise with a broad spectrum of perspectives. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is the opportunity to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds, whether overseas or as part of the executive management team. Don’t be deterred by the perception that technology is too challenging. Every journey starts with curiosity and a willingness to learn. Never hesitate to ask questions or seek help when needed. Embrace the journey with confidence, knowing that your unique contributions are invaluable to the ever-evolving landscape of technology.

What would be your advice for women starting in a leadership role?

I believe in the power of humility and treating everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their position or background. Every individual brings unique experiences and perspectives; there's always something valuable to learn from each interaction. Ultimately, it's about balancing nurturing a collaborative and inclusive environment and driving towards concrete results. By embracing humility and a bias towards action, you can foster a culture of continuous learning, growth, and success for everyone involved.