She Leads College – 5 quick questions with Farz Edraki

20 July 2016

The She Leads College Conference, taking place on Tuesday 26 July, is a one-day event for girls in Years 11 and 12, equipping participants with the practical skills and knowledge they need to become confident leaders. This year, we have an amazing line-up of inspiring young women who will share their leadership journeys with participants. We’ll be featuring 5 quick questions with each speaker in the lead up to the Conference. Today, we chat to Farz Edraki.

Describe yourself in 30 words or less.

Radio and podcast nerd, sometimes writer, co-founder of Canberra writers’ festival, Noted, and independent publishing outfit, rip publishing.  Always within eating distance of tahini and/or medjool dates.

What’s one thing about your life now that you never would have predicted when you were at school?

Other than outgrowing my embarrassing obsession with bands like Evanescence,* I never would have predicted I’d be working at the ABC — or in radio at all, for that matter. As a shy sixteen-year-old, I spent more time on LiveJournal** and reading in the school library at lunchtime, than in other people’s company.  I’d like to tell that teenager there’s more to life than school. That her days will be full and varied, including everything from covering federal elections to dancing dog competitions to organising outside broadcasts.

*That’s not to say I have good taste in music now. My current playlist is dominated by Destiny’s Child and Shaggy.
**The whole Evanescence thing is starting to make more sense, isn’t it?

What is a book that has influenced your leadership journey?

Pippi Longstocking was an early favourite. I loved her character: the go-get-‘em rebel, who made me think girls going do anything, including fighting off bullies and drinking lemonade out of jugs at lunch.

Why are you excited to be part of the She Leads College Conference?

I’m very excited to meet young women in the community and learn about their backgrounds and ambitions. Also eager to hear from the other speakers.

What piece of advice would you most like to give to young women just starting their leadership journeys?

Finding your voice and place in your chosen field of work can be a difficult path to navigate as a woman. It’s easy to feel insecure, uncertain or inadequate — but here’s the kicker: almost every single woman around you has likely experienced similar feelings of self-doubt.

Band together. I’ve been lucky enough to have wise, supportive female role-models at the ABC, who I look up to (Alex Sloan and Michelle Ainsworth in particular). If you can find an equivalent mentorship program to Women In Media, whether it’s at school or uni, grab that opportunity.

Find out more about our exciting program and register to attend the She Leads College Conference here!

Tags: gender equality, she leads, Women's leadership