Sydney’s Olivia Shah Awarded behind closed doors Professional Development Scholarship

Olivia Shah, National Director – Fundraising for Autism Spectrum Australia, has been announced recipient of Behind Closed Doors’ (BCD) 2019 “Profit for Purpose” Scholarship in Sydney providing 12-months fully funded access to BCD’s Executive Membership.

Founder and Managing Director of the respected peer coaching & mentoring company, Donny Walford, said the Scholarship was awarded to a female executive in the Profit for Purpose sector to further expand and challenge current leadership and business practices.

“Participation in BCD’s Executive membership provides an opportunity for personal and professional development to the benefit of both the individual and their organisation. behind closed doors is delighted to offer the complimentary membership to a female executive working in the profit for purpose sector.” Ms Walford said.

Olivia has been in a senior leadership role for a number of years at Autism Spectrum Australia, one of the largest disability organisations in Australia that is undergoing the biggest changes it has seen in the past 50 years.

In application for the Scholarship, Olivia said she would relish the time to invest in her own personal growth which to date has mostly been achieved “on the job” and is excited to work with the support of structured external mentors or coaching over the coming year.

“I want to gain a better understanding of my own leadership style and how this can be improved with a view to developing a team of people and supporters all whom have the common goal of creating a world where no one on the autism spectrum is left behind.” Olivia said.

Ms Walford said “The BCD Executive membership will provide Olivia with a professional sounding board of peers to help mentor and coach her both professionally and personally.”

BCD Executive Members meet with a small cohort of like-minded women 11 times a year with a highly skilled and experienced Facilitator. Members are challenged to set goals, be held accountable and aspire for greater levels of achievement in both their professional and personal life.

The award recipient receives a 12-month fully funded behind closed doors membership valued at more than $7,500.

Two runner-up awards providing a complimentary one-hour mentoring session were awarded to Helen Bouropoulos of National Disability Services and Sally Dillon of Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries NSW.

Behind closed doors, celebrating 10 years of supporting women in 2018, has awarded some $350,000 in scholarships to women since awarding the first scholarship to Adelaide Entrepreneur Anna Dimond of Palas Jewellery in 2012.

 Issued by: Penny Reidy, Marketing Manager, Behind Closed Doors on 8333 4303 or 0401 349 791 www.behindcloseddoors.com