After three years in the role, Min Swan has stepped down as president of the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network, making way for a new president in Paula Williamson at the network’s recent AGM.
Min Swan, owner of White House International and a recent Sunshine Coast mayoral candidate, shared that she knew it was the right time to move on having guided the network in many successes and with a strong team ready to take up the reins.
“My conviction on making this my last AGM as President comes from the incredible committee that succeeds me and my absolute confidence that they are ready for the next chapter and to take the network to the next evolution.
“Having been supported by Vice President Paula Williamson, Treasurer Anita Cunningham, and Secretary Jaymee Morrison, alongside the other 8 committee members has been an absolute dream, with each person stepping up to the plate and making the network revered for its progress, leadership and action, despite the usual time constraints of a volunteer organisation,” Ms Swan said.
With close to 400 members in the network, the SCBWN is amongst the largest member associations on the Sunshine Coast.
Under Min Swan’s leadership, the group has proudly:
● Grown in size and reach with a diverse membership spanning sole traders to corporates and covering almost every industry
● Become renowned for monthly sell-out events from intimate coffee catch-ups to 300+ seated events with famed guest speakers.
● Launched the podcast “I Don’t Know How She Does It” that achieves international reach with 12 episodes released to date.
● Celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the official incorporation of the Network with recognition of all past presidents and committees.
● Continued the annual awards, now in their 25th year.
● Expanded the Community portfolio with the Empower Program to support members with professional development in addition to the bursaries for students and support for women in shelters.
While reflecting on the successes of the Network over the last few years, Ms Swan shared that what matters most to her is the positive feedback the Network receives
about members and guests feeling welcome and supported, and the opportunities afforded to members.
“The network has seen its membership work through many challenges and celebrated many successes. From emerging out of the depths of COVID restrictions and navigating new ways of doing business to celebrating our region being chosen for the Olympics and Paralympics and preparing our businesses to be on the world stage. While all of these, and so many in between, are great accomplishments, what I really love to see is the growth in confidence in our membership and the welcoming environment we’ve created to lift others up.
“We all need support as we go through our business and personal lives and I’m really proud that this network is a safe space where many find ‘their people’ and are encouraged and cheered on to achieve incredible things.
“I saw firsthand this year the collective outcomes of great people being prepared to step outside of themselves, fight for what they believe in and work hard for the benefit of all. As a network, we have firmly planted ourselves at the tables where the big topics are handled, and the committee represents members’ voices for a future that allows them to be anything and everything they wish to be,” shared Ms Swan.
Stepping into the role as President, Paula Williamson will bring a different perspective to the Network with her corporate background and change-leadership focus.
“I’m a change leader at heart, and I’m looking forward to leading this extraordinary network, I feel an immense sense of pride and responsibility. I’ve always said that regional communities thrive when people chip in and volunteer their time, and I’ve been fortunate to work within the Network for some years. I’m particularly committed to helping women connect with opportunities for their future selves, all whilst managing the challenges of a fast-paced world and motherhood,” shared Ms Williamson.
“In the coming weeks, you’ll hear more from me and see what the next chapter looks like, the new executive committee and I are delighted to design and define the forward agenda and we truly hope you feel part of the exciting journey ahead,” she added.
