Former Sportsgirl chief talks leadership lessons after 13 years at the top
As the former CEO of Sportsgirl, Colleen Callander has had a remarkable rise to the highest echelon of leadership. From the shop floor at Just Jeans to standing at the helm of one of Australia’s most-loved fashion brands, Callander knows what it means to work her way to the top.
But when she reflects on the pride that comes with making it so far, becoming one of the less than 20% of female CEOs in Australia, she admits it’s a “double-edged sword”.
“In a sense I’m proud but I'm also really concerned about that figure and the lack of improvement in the number of female CEOs,” she told HRD. “I want to be really proud of it, but I would be much prouder if that number was higher.
“That’s why part of my purpose and mission now is to give women and the next generation of leaders the confidence to put their hand up, to ask for that promotion and to feel confident in stepping into a boardroom and just killing it.”
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Having stepped down as CEO of Sportsgirl last year after more than a decade in the role, Callander put pen to paper to reflect on her career and the leadership lessons that have stuck with her. In her book, Leader by Design, Callander said her ultimate goal was to inspire women to have a voice, live with purpose and become the leaders they’ve always wanted to be.
Part memoir, part toolbook, Leader By Design is filled with practical advice and real-life experience to inspire all women, regardless of their age or job title. Having left school in Geelong at 16, Callander said if she could go back, she’d believe in herself from the very start. It’s a message she wants all young people to hear, encouraging them to say yes to whatever opportunities come their way.
“You never know where you might end up if you have a goal,” she said. “When we try, we either succeed or we fail, but if we do fail, we’re also learning, building skills, competency and ultimately, confidence.”
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Throughout her career, Callander has experienced the value of being surrounded by great role models and being one herself, especially in the corporate world where traditional hierarchies and male-dominated styles of leadership have taken precedent. But now in a post-Covid world, many organisations are embracing new styles of leadership where EQ skills are just as vital as commercial prowess.
“Part of my success as a leader and one of the things I always talk about is kindness,” Callander said.
“That doesn't mean there are no rules, or people aren’t accountable. It doesn't mean that we have no boundaries or people can fly under the radar. What it means is that we set clear expectations, we give honest feedback. We encourage growth, build human connection, and we push people beyond where they think they can actually go – that is what kind leadership means.
“That's where I think so many leaders get it wrong. They think it’s a fluffy word that allows people to do whatever they like, and it is not at all. It’s a very, very integral word to great leadership.”
