Power Play: Breaking Through Bias, Barriers and Boys' Clubs

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Power Playis an honest guide for women who aspire to leadership in the workplace and in the world,from the trailblazing Julia Banks.

Having won the unwinnable seat that secured the Coalition Government majority in 2016, Julia Banks shocked Australia when she announced she would stand as an independent MP in 2018, having experienced a toxic workplace culture in the countrys centre of power designed by men for their dominance. Julia doesnt just know what power looks like in a political sense; she made it to the top of her game in the legal and corporate sectors before running for parliament. And at every level, she had to navigate through the bias, barriers and boys clubs that aim to silence women or deter them from leadership roles.

Power Play reveals the unvarnished realities of any workplace where power disparities and gender politics collide: from the unequal opportunities, casual sexism and systemic misogyny, to pressures around looks, age and family responsibilities, and the consequences of speaking out. Julia shares personal stories, practical advice, and a resounding argument for why women arent the problem but why more women in decision-making positions will help us find the solution.

For anyone who is aspiring to lead, this book will help you to navigate there. And for anyone who believes that womens voices need to be heard equally, it will inspire you to strive until that is our reality.

Reviews

'Brutal and astounding. I couldn't stop reading.' Rachel Griffiths

'Real, raw, human and forensic.' Malcolm Turnbull

Banks book is funny, harrowing ... worth reading.' Jenna Price, The Age

'Power Playis more than a takedown of some noxious men; its a thoughtful, honest, at times forensic examination of who wields power in the workplace, and what needs to happen for women to achieve the leadership positions they deserve.' Felicity Robinson,Primer

'... to the powerful cohort who run our major organisations (and they are just about all men) ... stop the diversity box ticking and read Power Play' Catherine Fox

Author Bio

Julia Bankshasunique leadership experience spanninga career in law, the corporate business world and as a Member of the Federal Parliament of Australia. Julia graduated in Arts and Law from Monash University, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Sheworked in globalcompanies for over twenty years,in senior executive director roles and as General Counsel. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 as the only candidate to win a seat from the Opposition, resultingin the Coalitionreturning to governmentwith a one-seat majority. Amidst controversy in 2018, she resigned from the Coalition Governments Liberal Party and stood as an independent MP.Julia is now the principal consultant in her own business and a public speaker in the areas of governance, workplace culture, and women in leadership.Julia lives in Melbourne with her husband and they have two children.