the Following leader

Once a month some of Australia’s most influential businesspeople arise from their slumber, grab a pair of comfortable walking shoes, and make their way out the door. Counting among their number some of the most accomplished commercial brains the country has to offer, they switch off their phones, go off the digital grid and turn their attention to the carefully curated groups gathered in front of them with pen and notebook poised. And together they stroll. Part of a popular new initiative called Mentor Walks, the series brings together leading executives and emerging female leaders for the chance to connect, support and learn from one another while enjoying a time-limited open airwalk. The initiative – launched three years ago by STM Brands co-owner Adina Jacobs and head of Mahlab content marketing agency Bobbi Mahlab – aims to help more women advance their careers by getting advice for challenges they’re facing, whether it’s requesting a pay rise, influencing executive teams or achieving buy-in from overseas investors. In the time it has been running, more than 240 mentors –including Red Balloon founder Naomi Simpson, Carnival Australia executive chairman Ann Sherry and former ABC MD Michelle