3 minute read
25 YEARS OF SPAN
by sceggs
25 Years of SPAN
This year marks the 25th anniversary of SPAN, the SCEGGS Professional Alumni Network. Inaugurated to provide career-focused networking opportunities for Old Girls, the SPAN community now brings together current students, parents, staff and friends of SCEGGS in professional settings to participate in career-focused discussions, access mentors and connect with like-minded peers.
During its history, SPAN has hosted over 50 events ranging from topics such as “What does success look like?” to “Media matters show and tell” as well as networking evenings in industries such as law, finance, STEM and others. SPAN’s accompanying publication, SPAN News, was launched in 2004.
SPAN’s first dinner was held on 12 March, 25 years ago in 1998 with former SCEGGS Economics teacher turned corporate leader Merle Cockerill as the keynote speaker. At the time, Merle was working for UBS in the Asset Management division in Sydney and shortly after transferred to Tokyo. At the dinner, Merle spoke of the importance of possessing both professional intelligence
(qualifications and technical expertise) and emotional intelligence to build relationships, work in teams, negotiate and problem-solve. She also advised the audience, many of whom were her former students, to promote themselves with confidence, but not to oversell what they have achieved.
In keeping with this issue’s international focus, Merle, now retired, reflects on the exciting opportunities working abroad afforded her:
Working and living in Japan, where I didn’t speak the language and in an environment which operates differently both professionally and culturally, was both challenging and intriguing.
I was Vice President of UBS Asset Management,
Japan, the most senior non-Japanese executive and a woman, something that was unprecedented in Japan at that time. This experience taught me to work outside my comfort zone, be flexible, embrace change and to work closely with people, particularly under stressful situations. These were qualities that helped as I progressed in my career. After two years, I transferred to the London headquarters of UBS Asset Management where I was
25 Years of SPAN
continued
The Inaugural SPAN Dinner, 12 March 1998 L-R: Kerrie Holmes, Anne Titterton, Suellen Cornell, Janet Lean and Merle Cockerill
appointed the Global Head of Communications and Consultant Relations. This role had a number of facets including being responsible for all communications including external messaging, media and investor relations, employee communications, branding, advertising and sponsorship. In addition, I managed a global team that was responsible for the relationship with investment consultants who select the appointment of investment managers like UBS to manage their institutional clients’ superannuation/pension funds. While in London, I was appointed to the Global Executive Committee of UBS Asset Management. This Committee made all the key management, financial and strategic decisions. It was an honour and at that time, I was the first and only female appointed to the Executive Committee. After 20 odd years at UBS, I returned to Australia to manage an acquisition and merger for UBS.
This was my last job. I would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to work overseas to take it and be open to new ideas and challenges.
Merle believes that SPAN has withstood the test of time due to the hard work, skill and motivation provided by many dedicated people. “What sets SCEGGS apart as a school is its positive and open environment that encourages independent thinking and respect for the view and opinion of others and these qualities are reflected in the ethos of SPAN,” said Merle and we couldn’t agree more!
Looking to the future, it is hoped that SPAN will continue to facilitate conversations, connections and reinforce that Once a SCEGGS Girl, Always a SCEGGS Girl!
