We need to be brave, not perfect

Change Our Game (COG): You were elected to the Swimming Victoria board in 2021 and were announced last year as President. Can you tell us more about the journey to this appointment and what it means to you to be on a sporting board?

Michelle Harris (MH): I have been involved in swimming for around 10 years. My children were swimming in their local Gippsland Club, and I joined the committee and became a technical official to support local participation. I became the club Secretary, after around 5 years I joined the District Committee as Vice President as a progression until I stepped down from this role to join the Swimming Victoria (SV) board. I gained significant local and regional experience and many years volunteering on the technical officiating pathway. When I was approached by an amazing woman in the industry and SV Board Director to consider joining the board, I felt confident and like I had a contribution to make.

Initially, I was passionate about sharing my regional experience and passion for gender equity and inclusion to the board. After my first year, I stepped into chairing the Technical Officials Development Committee which added to my leadership experience. When the former President stepped down from the role, I was honoured to receive support from the Board Directors to step into the role.

In all my volunteer committee roles, I have always been motivated to improve opportunities for more people to enjoy the sport, either as a participant, staff member or volunteer. However, on the SV Board we can lead and guide the sport on a broader and strategic scale. I have seen how our work is making a difference which is fulfilling.

COG: Is there a story or moment from your career that you'd like to share which you believe moved you closer towards a board position? Was it something individual or more a systemic change at Swimming Victoria?

MH: Despite volunteering extensively in the past at a community and regional level, I did not feel ready to step into the role of President.  I feel that having other women along with Board Members and the CEO reach out to me as a worthy candidate was a key turning point. My personal development has been rapid and enjoyable because of this reassurance and on-going support.

I have also been fortunate enough to be part of the Change Our Game Women in Governance program where we completed the AICD Foundations Course. This formalized my board knowledge and prepared me to join an SSA Level Board.  As I am employed by GippSport, a Regional Sports Assembly, I was also very fortunate to have support from my employer to step into a leadership position like this which does require some volunteer hours during traditional work hours.

COG: Recently there has been research that indicates having more women on boards leads to better outcomes and decision-making for the board. Have you had any experience with that? Why do you think gender balance on sporting boards is so important?

MH: Swimming Victoria has developed both a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategy as well as a Women & Girls Action Plan in my time on the Board. Our Board and executive team are committed to building diversity in everything we do as business as usual, which is reflected in our strategy and decision making. We have some outstanding women on the SV Board, who are experts in their own professional fields and who make significant contributions to the work we do.

Gender balance targets are critical on boards where these women might not have been given a chance to join. All voices are important to consider when discussing the many areas of the business that we need to develop, ranging from technological changes, pressures on aquatic facilities, high performance, or the changing nature of volunteering.

COG: What changes have you seen when a board is more diverse and represents a greater cross-section of our society?

I think it is really important to ensure that all issues are considered when making decisions. Our board members ask great questions to ensure we examine the reports and interrogate the reasons why we are progressing changes or if we can aim even higher.

Individually, we are not able to be subject matter experts in all board discussions. However, the wide range of skills and diversity of experience on our board assists us in understanding multiple perspectives and ultimately aids us in developing sound strategies.

COG: Are there any strategies you have seen or that you have employed to attract and retain women on boards?

Fortunately, there are high numbers of women and girls engaged in our sport through swimming, officiating, employment, commentating, and volunteering as evidenced by the data in our recently developed Women & Girls Action Plan. However, there is still work to do in women in senior committee roles or coaching positions. We have formed a women’s network and provide ongoing education opportunities in governance (The Boardroom School) as well as other areas to build skills, training and support to women stepping into new positions.

Another critical factor is responding to issues and complaints or poor behaviour and sexist attitudes promptly with clear alignment without SV policies.  We are committed to an inclusive culture and providing a safe and fun environment for all.

Personally, I have received enormous positive support and advice from former SV Presidents and Board Members as well as my peers in the industry which strengthens my confidence to find my own style of leadership.  A positive working relationship between the CEO and President is also critical and I have fantastic support from Jason and the executive team.

COG: In recent research they have found that having a critical mass of women assists with women feeling comfortable to share their perspective and opinion. Have you come across this in your various roles?

Both SV and GippSport have supported both myself and other women to attend Change Our Game events wherever possible too to ensure this networking and peer support amongst other women.  I wholeheartedly agree that it is critical.  The work to improve gender equality can be challenging, we need to be brave not perfect and can be filled with self-doubt at times.  Spending time with like-minded awesome women who share their vulnerabilities helps you to feel no longer alone and reenergized to jump over the next hurdle and lead to ensure the next generation of women has even more opportunities to shine.