October Edition of Leading Edge with Margot Smith

For 75 years, the Australian Institute of Management has been helping people become better managers, and managers become great leaders. AIM would not be able to do this without you, our Members, so thank you for your loyalty, your involvement and your advocacy. Without you, AIM would not be able to deliver programs such as mentoring, have quality speakers at events, showcase forward thinking content in our magazine and in the LinkedIn discussion group, and the many other programs, products and events that AIM delivers.

Another major milestone AIM celebrated this week was the AIM Leadership Excellence Awards. Nominations closed on June 30 with over 1,000 nominations and 320 completed applications. The National Finals were held with 48 Finalists across six categories. Celebrating leadership excellence is such an important part of what we do here at AIM and as someone who read a large volume of the applications, I was truly blown away by the scale and range of achievements we received. I am humbled and delighted that we have the opportunity to recognise leadership at its best. Read more about the ALEAs and the winners here.

Also as part of the week’s celebrations and AIM’s commitment to leadership development, AIM’s National Conference was held in Brisbane this week with almost 200 in attendance. The sessions were very well received with so many program highlights! The topics ranged from setting strategy and culture, to leading people and inclusion, plus the hands-on networking lunch. Speakers delivered practical strategies that delegates could take away and implement straight away. Thank you to all Members who attended and those that brought along colleagues and their networks. If you have any feedback, please do not hesitate to contact me directly margot.smith@aim.com.au

Next year’s national conference is planned for Melbourne. Keep an eye out for details in 2017.

October has been such a monumental month here at AIM, and we’re also planning for a big finish to the year!

We have a last mentoring cohort coming up for the year – so if you have ever thought of being a Mentor, now is the time. AIM’s mentoring program has seen hundreds of mentors paired up with mentees, seeking guidance and support. We need 50 Mentors – don’t delay, apply today. Send your cv to mentoring@aim.com.au

Next month, Cairns will be gearing up for the Great Debate on 25 November. The Cairns Great Debate is a business event put on each year to examine a serious topic in a fun environment – all in support of a local charity. It pits two teams of local business personalities against each other in what has developed over the years into a comedy debate rather than serious discourse. This year’s topic: Money is the root of all evil, is sure to be a great conversation starter! If you are based in Cairns, be sure to join us. If not, why not consider coming on the Friday and stay for a weekend in tropical Cairns.

To celebrate the year that was, we are delighted to invite Members to our end of year events. Join us in one of 12 locations for a cocktail reception and networking with Members in your area. Some locations are almost booked out, so be sure to register soon to secure your place here.

Lastly, if you haven’t had a chance to check out AIM’s online professional development tool, Leadership Direct, log in today. This Member-only tool is a rich source or resources that you can access anytime, anywhere. Simply login to the Member portal here.