Gail Kelly
Gail Kelly
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Gail Hoatson Kelly is a renowned Australian businesswoman who has been widely recognized for her exceptional leadership skills and commitment to corporate social responsibility.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on July 25, 1953 (information about passing not available)
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: Australian
Profession: Businesswoman, Banker, Executive
Early Life and Background
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Gail Kelly was born in South Africa to a family of modest means. She grew up with a strong sense of social responsibility and a passion for education. Kelly's early life experiences instilled in her the importance of hard work, resilience, and determination.
Kelly pursued higher education at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, where she earned an undergraduate degree in economics. Her academic achievements and dedication to community service earned her a scholarship to study abroad in the United States.
Upon completing her studies, Kelly embarked on a career in banking, starting as a teller and gradually working her way up to senior management positions. Her rapid rise through the corporate ladder was largely due to her exceptional leadership skills, business acumen, and ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.
Major Accomplishments
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Kelly's professional journey has been marked by numerous milestones and achievements that have cemented her status as a respected leader in the banking industry. Some of her notable accomplishments include:
First Female CEO of a Major Bank: Kelly became the first female chief executive officer (CEO) of St George Bank, a position she held from 2001 to 2008. During her tenure, she successfully transformed the bank into one of Australia's leading financial institutions.
International Recognition: Kelly has received numerous international awards and recognition for her outstanding leadership and commitment to corporate social responsibility. She was named "Global Businesswoman of the Year" by the Financial Times in 2007.
Notable Works or Actions
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Kelly's career has been characterized by a strong focus on community development, diversity, and inclusion. Some notable initiatives she has championed include:
Community Development Programs: Kelly has been instrumental in launching various community development programs aimed at promoting financial literacy, education, and economic empowerment among underprivileged communities.
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: She has advocated for greater diversity and inclusion within the banking industry, recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives in driving business success.
Impact and Legacy
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Gail Kelly's impact on the banking industry extends far beyond her numerous awards and accolades. Her leadership style, which emphasizes collaboration, empathy, and a commitment to social responsibility, has inspired countless professionals worldwide.
Kelly's legacy serves as a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and compassion in achieving success. Her influence continues to be felt through various initiatives and programs that promote financial inclusion, education, and community development.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Gail Kelly is widely quoted and remembered for her exceptional leadership skills, commitment to corporate social responsibility, and passion for promoting diversity and inclusion. Her unwavering dedication to creating positive change has earned her a reputation as one of the most respected business leaders in the world.
Throughout her career, Kelly has demonstrated a unique ability to balance financial acumen with a deep understanding of the social and emotional needs of her community. This rare combination of skills has enabled her to build strong relationships with stakeholders, foster a culture of inclusivity, and drive business growth while making a lasting impact on society.
Quotes by Gail Kelly
42% of our management team are women. So we've reset the goal to 50% by 2017. Because that's when Westpac becomes 200 years old as an institution - the oldest bank, and indeed the oldest company in Australia. So that's a lovely point to reflect on.
If I’m watching my son play soccer, that’s what I’m doing. If I’m going to a school concert, that’s what I’m doing. I turn the phone off. I actively tune into whatever I’m doing. I walk every evening with one of my sons and for that half an hour, 45 minutes, that’s what I’m doing.
We’ve all seen the same situation happen to two people. One looks for the lesson, sets their shoulders back and presses on while the other asks ‘why does it always happen to me?’ You can choose not to sit on the fence. You can choose not to criticise. You must stand as guard at the door of your own mind and choose to be positive.
You should choose organisations that are going to be flexible and supportive and recognise people are going through different stages in their careers and actually need different sorts of support.
Often really what you need is someone who will believe in you, who will encourage you to believe in yourself.
If I'm watching my son play soccer, that's what I'm doing. If I'm going to a school concert, that's what I'm doing. I turn the phone off. I actively tune into whatever I'm doing. I walk every evening with one of my sons and for that half an hour, 45 minutes, that's what I'm doing.
If you believe in practising generosity of spirit, at heart you believe in the power of an individual to make a difference and at heart you treat individuals with deep respect and want to see others flourish.
I don’t waste time. I move. I finish things. I don’t try and do things to the nth degree. I know what’s important and what’s not. I’ve really learned that. That’s a judgement I’ve learned, what really matters.
I have certainly been very front footed about increasing our gender representation at Westpac.