Marching forward: Embracing change as a leader

For Rosalie, March Forward is a call to action.

“Change is constant, whether in IT, finance, or any industry. As leaders, it is our responsibility to not just embrace it but to take the lead in ensuring we drive the right change.”

Reflecting on gender equality, she believes the key is appointing the best person based on merit. Throughout her career, she reported to 12 different managers, only one of whom was a woman. Yet, she witnessed firsthand how strong leadership—regardless of gender—can deliver sustained success with courage, humility, and energy.

The role of mentorship, allies, and self-drive

Rosalie credits her success not to a single mentor but to a collective of supportive colleagues and a deep sense of self-motivation.

“If you want to succeed as a woman in leadership, it has to start from within. Encouragement is great, but self-belief and motivation are what truly drive progress.”

She also highlights the importance of skills development, lamenting that training is often compromised in favour of short-term profitability.

“Training should not just be accessible to women—it should be essential for all. Investing in skills development is investing in long-term success.”

Technology, innovation, and driving business growth

In the fast-evolving digital world, Rosalie remains a firm advocate for continuous learning and innovation.

“Technology advancements are coming thick and fast. Leaders must embrace lifelong learning to stay ahead and upskill their teams.”

During her time at Nestlé, she played a key role in driving strategic technology partnerships, including the company’s collaboration with Optus. She recalls three key reasons why Nestlé chose Optus as their telecommunications partner:

1. Reliable connectivity that ensured operational continuity.
2. A commitment to service beyond initial promises, ensuring long-term reliability.
3. Strong financial alignment that made business sense.

Beyond business decisions, what stood out to her was the collaborative relationship Nestlé had with Optus.

“Optus were easy to deal with—always proactive, always listening. If something needed improvement, they were open to feedback. That’s a true partnership.”

Advice for women in leadership

Recognised as one of Australia’s Top 50 CIOs in 2024, Rosalie continues to inspire the next generation of female leaders. Her advice?

• Believe in yourself and show courage.
• Be open to new experiences and continuous learning.
• Embrace change as an opportunity for growth.

For Rosalie, marching forward means recognising that change is inevitable and that leaders must learn to adapt, guide, and uplift others through transformation.

“The sooner you learn to be comfortable in your own skin, the happier and more effective you will be.”

As she embarks on new ventures in 2025 and beyond, Rosalie’s goal is to apply her vast experience to help other organisations navigate transformation. Her parting message to women striving to make an impact:

“Be professional, have integrity, and never stop believing in your ability to lead.”

March forward. The future of leadership is yours to shape. Learn more about Rosalie’s journey with Nestle here.