The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on your personal and professional growth. Crafting intentional resolutions can help set the tone for a year of career advancement and meaningful impact. In 2025, why not focus on resolutions that not only propel your career forward but also contribute to creating a more inclusive and supportive professional landscape?

Make 2025 your year for growth. From enrolling in a leadership course to advocating for underrepresented groups, these 5 new year’s resolution ideas will help you turn aspirations into achievements.

Did one of the above ideas spark your interest? Read on for more guidance to help you set your professional New Year’s resolutions.

1. Expand Your Network

Why networking matters

Building a strong professional network can:

• Open doors to new career opportunities.
• Boost your confidence through idea exchange and collaboration.
• Provide insights into different industries and roles.
• Support your long-term career progression.

How to start networking in 2025

• Reach out to colleagues: Start conversations with teammates or professionals in other departments.
• Leverage LinkedIn: Connect with industry leaders or peers who inspire you.
• Attend events: Join professional gatherings like the Australian Women’s Leadership Symposium Series, Inspired Leadership Series webinars, or industry-specific summits.

Build your network in 2025 at The Australian Women’s Leadership Symposium Series

Our Symposiums bring together women leaders and senior decision makers from all sectors and industries for a powerful day of connection, inspiration and learning. You might just find your next collaboration partner during the lunch break.

Join Australia’s Premier Women’s Leadership Event. Book early for discounted tickets.

Find out more

2. Upskill with Professional Development Courses

Invest in your career growth by enrolling in a leadership program tailored to your goals. Whether you’re an emerging leader or a senior executive, there’s always room to sharpen your skills.

Benefits of leadership courses:

• Develop transferable skills (aka soft skills) like communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork.
• Build confidence to take on new challenges.
• Position yourself for promotions and leadership roles. Image Credit: Susan David Ph.D.

Our flagship courses offered in 2025:

• Impact Program: Perfect for women at all levels outside formal leadership
• Leading Edge Program: Designed for aspiring leaders
• Executive Ready Program: Tailored for experienced leaders
• Advanced Leadership Program: A career-defining course for senior executives.

Looking for a shorter commitment?

Discover our Vital Leadership Series masterclasses to boost specific leadership skills like resilience, decision-making, and team dynamics.

We also have programs for organisations looking to offer training to their staff, and for school leaders with programs to help schools thrive.

By creating dedicated spaces for networking, discussion and learning our graduates develop and master the essential leadership capabilities and workplace skills needed to achieve their goals.

👉 Find the right program for you with our program finder quiz tool

3. Embrace Mentorship

What is mentoring?

Mentoring is usually an unpaid/voluntary relationship between someone in a senior role, or with many years of experience, and someone earlier in their career. A mentor aims to support the mentee’s personal and professional development through coaching conversations and sharing experiences and knowledge.

Why mentorship matters:
Mentoring is a two-way street that benefits both mentees and mentors. It fosters personal and professional growth by:

• Expanding industry knowledge
• Enhancing goal-setting skills
• Validates ideas or allows for constructive criticism
• Building valuable professional connections
• Increases confidence

How to find a mentor:

• Ask a trusted colleague or supervisor.
• Reach out to professionals on LinkedIn.
• Have a look outside your professional network at friends, family or local businesses

It can feel daunting to reach out to someone for mentoring. Remember the people you’re approaching have likely had their own mentors throughout their life. The worst that can happen is they say no, so consider having a list of 2 or 3 potential mentors to go to.

How to become a mentor:

Consider joining Women & Leadership Australia’s Expert Mentor Program, a one-day interactive workshop designed to support leaders to maximise their ability to guide and develop others through mentoring. Participants learn to:

• Build successful mentoring partnerships.
• Support mentees effectively.
• Strengthen their mentoring mindset.

A mentoring relationship is truly a win-win experience.

4. Advocate for Others Through Inclusive Leadership

Inclusive leadership isn’t just about personal success—it’s about elevating those around you. Inclusive workplaces benefit everyone: staff feel valued and supported, team cohesion is strengthened, innovation thrives, and business outcomes improve.

How to advocate for others:

• Sponsor talented individuals by offering growth opportunities like stretch assignments.
• Promote their achievements when they aren’t in the room.
• Nominate them for awards or recognition programs.

Programs to foster inclusivity:

Our Inclusive Leadership in Action Program equips managers with tools to:

• Embrace diversity and foster collaboration.
• Create psychologically safe work environments.
• Drive innovation and team success.

As you set your career resolutions for 2025, consider how enhancing your inclusive leadership skills can not only advance your career but also create a lasting impact on those around you. Learn more about the transformative impact of inclusive leadership in our blog: The Benefits of Inclusive Leadership.

5. Join a Board or Committee

Why board representation matters

Despite progress, women remain underrepresented on boards. In Australia, women hold just 31% of board seats among employers reporting to WGEA, highlighting the need for more diverse leadership.

Recent initiatives, like the new national policy for sporting boards in Australia, are making strides to address this gap. The policy mandates that all National Sporting Organisations meet a minimum of 50% female representation on their boards for funded sports organisations by 2027. This is a significant step toward achieving gender equity in leadership.

As you consider joining a committee or board, taking small steps to build experience can help you contribute to these efforts. Here’s how you can get started:

Steps to Join a Committee

Start small: Gain experience through school or community committees, such as fundraising or facility maintenance.

Volunteer locally: Join a not-for-profit (NFP) organization or group and explore their committee roles.

Consumer Advisory Groups: Look for positions with large organizations like hospitals or community services.

Steps to Join a Board

Build experience: Ensure you have strong executive or management credentials.

Fill skill gaps: Develop expertise in areas like finance or marketing if needed.

Focus your search: Look for boards in industries or organizations you know well.

Seek mentorship: Find a mentor to guide and prepare you for board opportunities.

Your 2025 Career Goals Start Here

These resolutions aren’t just about ticking boxes—they’re about shaping a fulfilling and impactful career. Whether you’re growing your network, seeking mentorship, or advocating for inclusivity, 2025 is your year to grow.

Need support to achieve your goals?

👉 Contact us to explore how we can help you with courses, events, and resources designed to elevate your career.