Nice to meet you,
I'm Ros Cardinal
I'm the heart and soul behind Shaping Change. For over 30 years, I've been knee-deep in human resources and organisational development. But don't let those formal titles put you off—I'm all about energy, passion, and getting real results.
I wear many hats—I'm a facilitator, a leadership coach, a speaker, and so much more. What gets me out of bed every morning? It's the chance to dive into a lively workshop or coaching session, challenging people to stretch their boundaries. I'm not just here to talk; I'm here to spark transformation.
Over the years, I've gathered a toolkit filled with all sorts of certifications, licences and accreditations. To name a few, I'm versed in everything from emotional intelligence testing, personality instruments, human behaviour, human instincts, organisational culture, neuroscience to Lencioni's 5 Dysfunctions of a Team. But beyond all the paper, what truly excites me is translating all this knowledge into engaging, impactful initiatives that really transform organisations.
Besides my blog, you might have spotted my articles on platforms like Leaders in Heels, Huffington Post, and Thrive Global. Public speaking? That's another passion of mine. It's such an incredible feeling to be in the same room with like-minded people, sharing insights, and learning from each other. In 2016 I released my best-selling book “The Resilient Employee: The essential guide to coping with change and thriving in today’s workplace”.
Okay, let's talk accolades! My business has been a finalist in a ton of awards, I've won quite a few myself and in 2022, I received a career highlight—the World of Difference Award by The International Alliance for Women. This award honors those who've made significant contributions to the economic empowerment of women globally, and I'm humbled to be among those recognised.
If you would like to read the more formal version of my bio, with my full qualifications, you can find it over on the Shaping Change website here. I know some of you need to be assured you are in good hands!
How I Got Here
How It All Began
Let me pull back the curtain a bit and share the story behind the Women’s Leader Archetypes. Honestly, it all started with a burning question I had back in 2016: How do men and women lead differently? You see, this wasn't just idle curiosity. I wanted to dig deep and find some meaningful answers.
The First Steps
I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. After countless hours of research, the Women's Leader Archetypes (WLA) model was born, along with its assessment tool. But before launching anything, it needed a test drive. Enter 538 trailblazing women leaders from all around the world. They became my co-pilots, taking the assessment and sharing their insights through follow-up surveys and candid interviews. Trust me, their wisdom was pure gold!
Refining the Vision
Inspired by what I learned from these amazing women, I went back to the drawing board to fine-tune the WLA assessment. I wasn’t just going to launch something untested; it had to be right. And in 2018, it was finally ready for its big debut.
The Story So Far
Since then, you won't believe how much the community has grown! Over 10,000 women have now completed the assessment! This has allowed us to dive even deeper, setting benchmarks and fueling ongoing research that keeps making the WLA better and more relevant.
Let's Keep the Conversation Going
So, that's the short version of how the Women’s Leader Archetypes came to be. I'm super excited to have you on this journey, and I can't wait to see how the Archetypes empower you and the incredible women you’ll undoubtedly influence. Ready to jump in? I know I am!
Cheers to unlocking the unique power of female leadership together!
Why I Do It
More than a Mission, It's Personal
Ever since my daughter entered the workforce, this journey has taken on an even more personal dimension for me. Seeing her navigate the challenges that are all too familiar for many women in leadership roles has been both inspiring and, honestly, a bit disheartening.
Recognising the Patterns
Having coached thousands of leaders over the years, I can tell you that the hurdles women face in leadership are not isolated incidents. Whether it's balancing assertiveness with empathy, breaking through the proverbial glass ceiling, or dealing with unconscious bias, the issues are eerily similar across sectors and cultures. It's like we're all reading from the same script but hoping for a different ending.
A Notable Milestone
2022 was a massive highlight for me; I was awarded a "World of Difference Award" by The International Alliance for Women (TIAW). It's humbling to be recognized for my work in empowering women, but it also serves as a motivating reminder that there’s so much more to do.
So, Why Do I Do It?
Well, it’s simple. I want to rewrite that script—for my daughter, for the countless women I’ve coached, and for the many more that we, as a community, will uplift. By understanding ourselves through the lens of the Women’s Leader Archetypes, we’re not just learning to lead; we’re paving the way for a more inclusive, empowered future for all women.
Join me, won't you? Together, let's change the narrative and make a world of difference, one woman at a time.
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Fun Facts About Me
I'm a retired martial artist and kickboxing instructor. I actually met my husband at the club - Australian Freestyle Kickboxing (AFK), and he asked me out after I'd kicked him in the head.
I am the proud and rather doting grandma to twin boys. (Arthur and Owen). My husband and I are over the moon about being grandparents.
I created the very first part-time position for a woman returning to work after maternity leave in the Commonwealth Public Service in Canberra (back in the 80s)
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