As CEO of Cancer Council SA, Kerry Rowlands is deeply honoured to lead an organisation that has the power to transform the lives of so many affected by cancer.
In her words, “the opportunity to serve in this role is a privilege and a responsibility I approach with unwavering dedication and a deep commitment.”
We sat down with her to discuss what shaped how she leads, how to further women’s leadership in Australia and how asking for help isn’t a weakness.
Tell us about your career background and experience
My journey to this point has been shaped by a diverse array of experiences, each one contributing to the person I am today.
I began my career as an accountant, where I had the privilege of learning the intricacies of business operations. It was a role that provided me with a solid foundation, helping me understand the critical drivers of business performance and the levers I can pull.
As I grew in my career, I transitioned into commercial management and business development, where I honed my ability to think strategically and build meaningful relationships. With each step forward, I embraced new challenges, which eventually led me to executive roles. In these positions, I’ve had the honour of leading large teams across a diverse range of disciplines—from commercial and customer operations to field operations, from people and culture to major business transformation initiatives.
Throughout my career, I’ve led large, complex organisations and alliances, many of which have been male-dominated and where I have often been the only women in the room. I have always sought to challenge the status quo, push boundaries and break down barriers.
What drives me however, is the opportunity to truly make a difference. It’s not just about leading an organisation or achieving business success—it’s about using my position to create positive change, whether within the teams I lead or the communities we serve, and importantly role modelling and empowering other women to reach their full potential.
Can you share a defining moment in your journey that has shaped how you lead?
A defining moment in my journey that shaped how I lead comes from growing up in an all-female household led by my strong, independent mother. She was a pillar of resilience and strength and in our home there were no defined gender roles. My mother’s unwavering belief in her abilities and the absence of limitations based on gender gave me a clear understanding that leadership is about one’s determination, values and the ability to adapt—not about conforming to societal expectations.
However, I understand that not all women have had the same experience. Not everyone is raised in an environment that encourages them to challenge these norms and believe in their potential without limits. As a senior leader and role model, I recognise that I have a responsibility to help instil that same courage and self-belief in others. I strive to lead by example, demonstrating that it is possible to thrive and lead without being confined by societal constraints.
My goal is to empower the women around me by creating spaces where they can see beyond these limitations and find the strength to lead with confidence. Leadership for me is about fostering an environment where people—particularly women—can step into their power, transcend the barriers placed before them, and lead with authenticity and confidence. By acting as a role model, I hope to inspire others to believe in their own potential and lead in their own unique, powerful ways.
What do you think we can do to further women’s leadership in Australia today?
To further women’s leadership in Australia today, we need to focus on increasing representation across all sectors and levels of leadership. Women must see themselves in roles they aspire to, and this requires not just a seat at the table but an active role in decision-making. It’s important that we challenge the stereotypes that limit women’s potential and create environments where women of all backgrounds feel supported and empowered to lead.
We can also invest in mentorship programs, where experienced leaders can guide the next generation, and create networks that celebrate and uplift women in leadership. By amplifying diverse voices and fostering inclusive leadership, we can create a society where every woman has the opportunity to ‘be what she sees’.
What self-care or personal development habits have been crucial to your success?
A key factor in my success has been cultivating a strong sense of balance in both my career and personal life. I’ve always been clear about what balance looks like for me—honouring my professional ambitions while remaining present as a wife, mother and in more recent years daughter to aging parents. This clarity allowed me to communicate my boundaries and needs effectively, ensuring that I don’t sacrifice one aspect of my life for another. I work hard, approach challenges with courage and never shy away from seizing opportunities, but I’ve also learned that I don’t have to do everything on my own. Embracing the support of others has been crucial—I lean on my team, my family and my network. Asking for help isn’t a weakness, it’s a strength that allows me to focus on what truly matters and gives me the strength to keep pushing forward.
How can organisations better sustain and support women to pursue leadership roles?
Organisations play a pivotal role in creating an environment where women feel supported and empowered to pursue leadership roles. Based on my experiences, there are many actions organisations can take to better sustain and support women in leadership, here are a few I have led:
- Establish and Lead Supportive Networks: In 2013, I played a pivotal role in establishing the Women in SA Water Network, an initiative aimed at supporting and empowering women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. As the inaugural co-executive sponsor, I led the network in creating a platform for women to share their experiences, access mentorship and gain professional development opportunities. By fostering such networks, organisations can encourage women to take on leadership roles, knowing they have a supportive community behind them.
- Implement Flexible Work Arrangements and Family-Friendly Policies: A critical step I championed at SA Water & Cancer Council SA was the introduction of flexible work arrangements, such as job-sharing, which allowed women to balance their professional careers with family responsibilities. This policy change was groundbreaking when I first introduced it and helped retain and support women in the workplace. My advocacy for flexible work arrangements helped tap into a broader talent pool, providing opportunities for women to lead without having to sacrifice their personal lives.
- Supporting Women to Grow Their Careers: One of the most important ways organisations can support women in leadership is by helping them build the courage and self-belief to take on challenges that might seem unreachable. Throughout my career, I’ve made it a priority to mentor and uplift women, providing them with the support and confidence to step outside their comfort zones and embrace new opportunities. Many women may struggle with self-doubt or feel hesitant about taking on roles with greater responsibility, so I focus on encouraging them to believe in their abilities, even when the path ahead seems difficult. By offering constructive feedback, reassurance and a strong belief in their potential, I empower women to pursue ambitious goals and push past perceived limitations.
Please connect with Kerry on LinkedIn to continue the conversation – Kerry Rowlands
