The Veuve Clic quot Bu siness Woman Award 2009
2009 celebrates the 150th anniversary of Veuve Clicquot in Australia and the fifth consecutive year of the distinguished Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award. Each year the Award honours an outstanding Australian business woman who embodies the values of Madame Clicquot; entrepreneurial drive, charisma, leadership, innovation and tenacity.
Who will you nominate?
150 years of veuve clicquot in australia
Australia’s love affair with Veuve Clicquot has a long and well documented history. 2009 celebrates 150 years since Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin champagne was first shipped to Australia. In January 1859, 180 bottles of champagne were dispatched to Melbourne. After a nine month journey, the champagne arrived in September and marked the first shipment of Veuve Clicquot to Australia. Shipping to the other side of the world was not without its dangers as many losses were sustained on such voyages, through leakage, breakage and what was commonly known as ‘surreptitious consumption’. Over the decades, Australia continued to receive shipments of many exceptional vintages and limited edition bottles at the same time as markets such as Europe and America. In 1876 Veuve Clicquot launched Dry 1874, and the delivery of this remarkable vintage to the ‘new world’ marked the first Australian shipment of Veuve Clicquot champagne bearing the patented yellow label.
Veuve Clicquot continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Australians and in 1988 a commemorative label designed by the House was produced exclusively for the bicentenary of Australia. In 2009 Veuve Clicquot is proud to celebrate both 150 years of Veuve Clicquot champagne in Australia and the fifth consecutive year of one of our most important global initiatives, the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award.
the inspiration behind the award
The Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award was established in 1972 as a tribute to Madame Clicquot. The Award champions the success of women worldwide in the field of business. It reflects the qualities of Madame Clicquot; her spirit of enterprise, her courage, her confidence in spite of adversity, her style and her tenacity. Widowed with a young daughter at only 27 years old, Barbe Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin took over the family business in 1805, in an environment that was very much a man’s world. She was a successful entrepreneur and an adventurous pioneer who contributed to processes that perfected the world’s most exciting drink, becoming one of the world’s first female entrepreneurs. With courage and fortitude, she overcame the Napoleonic trade blockade, opening up a profitable market at the Imperial Russian Court and constantly expanded her distribution network in other European countries.
She became known as ‘la grande dame de la Champagne’ for her incredible contribution to champagne, including the invention of the ‘table de remuage’, intrinsic to the riddling process which leaves champagne so brilliantly clear. Her invention was subsequently adopted by all champagne houses. Over two centuries of passion for quality have given Veuve Clicquot a reputation for unrivalled excellence recognised throughout the world.
Onl y one quality, the finest.
a prestigious award
Cécile Bonnefond President and CEO of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin
In 2009, the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award is particularly special. Not only do we celebrate the fifth consecutive year the Award has been held in Australia, but we also celebrate 150 years of Veuve Clicquot in Australia. Established in 1972 (initially for 1772–1972 bicentenary), the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award commemorates Barbe Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin who put our name on the world map. The Award recognises the extraordinary achievements of women who, like her, have excelled in business; innovators and visionaries, risk takers and leaders. We reward women who are enterprising, charismatic and dynamic, and who have played a key role in the enduring success of their organisations. The Award pays tribute to their talent and achievements, affording them the esteemed recognition within their industry and the broader community. I am delighted to say that the past nine Australian Award winners have all possessed these qualities plus that additional ‘je ne sais quoi’ that makes them so unique. In 2007, we added another essential criterion to the selection of our candidates worldwide: a commitment to corporate social responsibility. You can not be successful in business today if you don’t take into consideration this issue, which includes economic growth, social progress, financial ethics and respect for natural resources. Veuve Clicquot is particularly sensitive to this issue, since environmental awareness is an integral part of our business activity – after all, champagne starts in the vineyard.
All human activities have an effect on nature and preserving the planet and the quality of life in the future is a responsibility that corporate citizens can no longer ignore. To reinforce our commitment, in 2007 we launched the Veuve Clicquot Initiative for Economic Development. Now in its second year, we recognise three business women working in emerging countries who contribute to the social and economic development of their countries. The Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award remains consistent with our brand’s values; luxury, creativity, daring and innovation. It also echoes the concerns of our times; the quest for performance, meaning, emotion, harmony and pleasure. It bears pointing out that it is women, whose influence grows steadily in society, who convey and strive to fulfil these desires. Our Award reflects their vital impact on society and the economy.
an international accolade
The Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award is a truly international affair honouring a woman who had such a significant global influence. Revered by women worldwide and the business community as a whole, the number of countries now participating in the Award has grown to seventeen. The Australian Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award was first celebrated in 1978 and in the 150th year Veuve Clicquot pays tribute to these past winners: Vera Randall 1978; Elisabeth Manley OBE 1979; Elizabeth Alexander AM 1981; Penny Carl 1982; Jacqueline Huie 1983; Wendy Erhart 2005; Sarina Bratton 2006; Suzannah Vaughan 2007 and Elizabeth Ann Macgregor 2008. In 2009 Australia proudly celebrates its fifth consecutive year. The 2009 Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award will be announced in Sydney on March 11, 2009. The winner will be presented with the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award silver trophy and will attend the 2009 Veuve Clicquot Business Women’s meeting in Champagne, France. There, each laureate will gather to share their considerable experiences among the famous Veuve Clicquot vineyards and cellars at Reims.
A vine will be christened in the winner’s name and she will become a ‘Friend of the Widow’, joining a select international group of past winners. Each year thereafter, on Madame Clicquot’s birthday, the winner will receive a gift of Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame champagne to celebrate in style. The nominator of the winner is not forgotten and will receive a gift of a dozen magnums of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut. More than 300 women now belong to the impressive global Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award network, which provides outstanding business women with the opportunity to share experiences and forge lasting friendships.
five que
Our four recent winners, who all exemplify the characteristics of Madame Clic quot, answer five questions...
estions
five questions
Wendy Erhart
Co-Founder of Withcott Seedlings Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award Winner 2005
Wendy grew up on a rural property in Southern Queensland, developing an appreciation of Australia’s harsh weather conditions that inspired many of her future business endeavours. Today, her Erhart Group of companies is at the forefront of horticultural change and innovation, experiencing almost 30% growth annually for twenty years. The core business, Withcott Seedlings Qld, is Australia’s largest fruit and vegetable seedling nursery, producing 380 million seedlings annually. Wendy credits her strength to her journey of growing a business amidst the Australian drought. By turning risks into opportunities, focusing on continual learning and utilising a hands-on approach, Wendy has enriched her own nature, while instilling positive and innovative change for those involved in her team and the horticultural industry at large. Wendy’s success has been recognised with appointments to the National Food Industry Council of Australia and many Federal and State committees including the Queensland Ministerial Board for Workplace Health and Safety. She won the Premier of Queensland Smart Business Award for Agribusiness 2004 and co-owns Australian Sprint Car and Racing Car teams.
Do you have a vision for making sure that your company will last well into the future? The vision I hold for the Withcott Group of companies and our new private motor racing venture is to create sustainable business growth. The tough Australian climate has taught me to be vigilant and react, as well as maintain economic, environmental and emotional sustainability. How can a leader be both daring and caring at the same time? Any leader can be daring and caring by truly valuing the opinions of others. Creating an environment where individuals feel free to express their ideas and a system where their ideas can be fast tracked from innovation to commercialisation results in profitable outcomes. A daring and caring team rides on a wave of people energy.
Madame Clicquot said, “Only one quality, the finest.” What is your motto? Consistent quality delivered through a system of economic, emotional and environmental sustainability. What words of advice would you give to someone starting their own business, especially in the current economic environment? First identify what they are truly passionate about. Take time to find out more about who you are and what motivates you. Set a vision for what you would like your future to be; this vision may include other people close to you, so take time to consider their feelings. Communicate your quality message and plan regular reviews of your economic, emotional and environmental sustainability. My final advice would be to value the opinions of the people around you, be honest with yourself and know it is okay to seek help and advice.
“In times of adversity we can see throu gh the du st and haze and create a ne w o p portunity.� Winning the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award has... created opportunities where I was able to influence change to benefit rural and regional Australia. Since winning the Award in 2005, I have been given the opportunity to speak to many people across Australia and to sit alongside State and Federal decision makers. The message I try to give to others is that we all have an inner strength, a strength that in times of adversity can see through the dust and haze and create a new opportunity. For me winning the Award has enriched my love of this great country and the many stories that people have generously shared with me are lifetime memories.
five questions
Sarina Bratton Managing Director of Orion Expedition Cruises Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award Winner 2006
Sarina is credited with developing Australia as both a domestic and international cruise destination, generating significant economic benefits in the process. Sarina founded Orion Expedition Cruises, a world class expedition cruise line operating from Australia to pristine wilderness areas in Antarctica, the Kimberleys, Papua New Guinea, Melanesia, New Zealand and Asia. She is a former Director of the Tourism Task Force, National Councillor for Tourism Council Australia, the founding chair of the International Cruise Council of Australia and has held senior board positions with the State Transit Authority (NSW), Australian Maritime Safety Authority (Deputy Chair), Sydney Paralympic Organising Committee (Prime Minister’s nominee) and the Australian Trade Commission. In 2003 she was awarded the Commonwealth Government’s Centenary Medal for her business leadership contributions to Australian society and in 2008 was a finalist in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. In May 2008, Orion Expedition Cruises was acquired by KSL Capital Partners, a Denver-based private equity firm specialising in travel and leisure enterprises in five sectors: hospitality, recreation, clubs, real estate and travel services. Sarina remains a significant shareholder and continues as Managing Director of Orion Expedition Cruises.
“Lead by example, you can be tou gh but al ways make sure you are fair.” What has been a defining moment in your career? When we received three unsolicited approaches to buy our business, and two of these from leading global brands. It made me realise we had created something truly worthwhile and I needed to be certain of the best way forward for the brand and its people. How can a leader be both daring and caring at the same time? Lead by example, you can be tough but always make sure you are fair. If I was a glass of champagne... I would have a lingering sparkle and gentle bubble that excites the palate.
Do you have a vision for making sure that your company will last well into the future? Absolutely. We have just completed a majority sale of our business, bringing in a private equity group that can underpin the capital requirements for our growth and expansion. We have exercised the purchase option on our ship – Orion – plus are in the process of identifying another ship for our fleet. Our primary market has been Australia, however we recognise that to grow to our potential we need to turn on selected international markets. We allocated experienced resources to North America early this year for this purpose. Veuve Clicquot is about style, touch, twist – what twist do you bring to your work? Big picture thinking. Always looking for ways to do things differently and to improve on the solid base established.
five questions
Su zannah Vau ghan
Offshore Installation Manager and Captain of FPSO Ddhirubhai, India Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award Winner 2007
“ Great leaders display a unique combination of courage and compassion.”
Suzannah’s love of the sea has seen her circumnavigate the world. At 16, she took the helm of Australia’s largest Sail Training vessel. In 1991 she represented Australia on the national square rigged sailing ship STS Young Endeavour, on a world voyage to celebrate the quincentenary of Christopher Columbus’ discovery of America. In 2002 at age 29, she began her career with Australian FPSO Management, and became the first Australian female Facility Supervisor (Master) of a Floating Production Storage and Offtake (FPSO) facility. She led the fastest ever conversion of an oil tanker to FPSO in charge of more than 700 men of different nationalities in the Keppel Shipyard, Singapore. Suzannah has recently taken on the position of Offshore Installation Manager on the Aker FPSO Ddhirubhai. It is the first deep water FPSO to operate in India and is able to disconnect to remain safe during the ferocious typhoons that ravage the Bay of Bengal. The project is set to change the face of energy supply to India forever by doubling domestic gas supply. This supply of clean gas is expected to improve living standards throughout India. In early 2008 Suzannah completed an Executive MBA at the University of Western Australia. She was also awarded a ‘Top 40 under 40’ Business Leaders Award in Western Australia and won the Western Australian Business Newspaper Award for creating strategic alliances in business.
How can a leader be both daring and caring at the same time? Great leaders display a unique combination of courage and compassion. They can stay unrelentingly focused on goals, model the way ahead by acting with integrity at all times, whilst warming to the human factors that are so very important in the way we experience business today. Winning the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award has... changed my life. I now set higher goals and aim to engage in business activities with the scope to improve life for a greater good. What has been a defining moment in your career? The first time I successfully disconnected a ship, evaded a tropical cyclone to keep our crew and the vessel safe and then returned to the field and reconnected the ship using a system that had never been used anywhere in the world. It gave me the confidence to take on many more challenging roles.
What is your greatest extravagance? I shared my Veuve Clicquot with close friends on an Austrian mountain top in the purest of white powder snow with a brilliant blue sky stretched overhead and nothing but the mountain silence to accompany the perfect taste. What words of advice would you give to someone starting their own business, especially in the current economic environment? Research well, invest time in your strategy and involve your workforce in strategic planning. Engender the cultural values that form the core of your business to create lasting meaning. Ensure you have financial backup. If need be, start small and take regular small yet positive steps ahead. Map your strategy and celebrate your success and milestones along the way, and constantly review your strategic outlook to stay abreast of changes and developments that may offer new opportunities as well as challenges. Always seek advice wherever you can and never, ever, ever give up.
five questions
Elizabeth Ann Macgregor Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award Winner 2008
Born in Dundee, Scotland, Elizabeth Ann Macgregor completed an MA History of Art (Hons) at Edinburgh University and a Diploma in Museum and Gallery Studies at Manchester University. Upon graduating, she curated the Scottish Arts Council’s travelling gallery before moving to the Arts Council of Great Britain in 1985. In 1989 she was appointed Director of Ikon Gallery, a leading UK contemporary art gallery. In 1999, Liz Ann became Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney. Liz Ann’s ‘raison d’être’ is to inspire in others a sense of how art can enhance their lives. In 2001 Macgregor successfully negotiated long-term funding for the MCA with the NSW State Government, securing the Museum’s stability and long-term viability. She has gained support among corporate Australia, reminding them of the critical importance of their commitment to the arts in order to achieve a thriving creative nation.
In 2000, with support from private sponsorship, Liz Ann moved the museum from a general admission charge to a free access model with specific ticketed exhibitions. Since the introduction of free entry, attendance figures have increased three-fold, reaching an all time record of 400,000 last year. Macgregor is also committed to taking the work of the Museum out to new audiences as well as attracting more visitors to the Circular Quay site. In 2007, the MCA was named Sydney’s favourite museum in the annual Chamber of Commerce survey, beating more established institutions.
Winning the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award has... given me the opportunity to promote the MCA as a serious business that contributes to social and economic, as well as artistic outcomes. Do you have a vision for making sure that your company will last well into the future? The MCA mission is to be locally loved, nationally respected and internationally renowned. I have established various programs to build up the support for the Museum on these three levels which will ensure the MCA continues to build audiences and confirms its reputation as a world class museum. What words of advice would you give to someone starting their own business, especially in the current economic environment? Stay true to your beliefs, focus and don’t give up, even when the hurdles seem insurmountable.
“We kno w that a successful business must nurture its employees.”
Veuve Clicquot is about style, touch, twist – what twist do you bring to your work? I love tartan – of any kind! This eccentricity gives a distinctive edge to my public profile. How can a leader be both daring and caring at the same time? We know that a successful business must nurture its employees. I lead through making the difficult decisions whilst seeking to inspire those around me to do their best to achieve the innovative goals we set together.
judging panel
2009
The greatest prize is the title itself.
A panel of distinguished judges decides who will be the winner of this prestigious Award for women in business. The Hon. Justice Annabelle Bennett, AO Judge of the Federal Court of Australia Deeta Colvin Director of Marketing, Consolidated Press Holdings Janet Holmes à Court, AC Chairman, Heytesbury Pty Ltd David Murray, AO Chairman, Future Fund Board of Governors Marilynne Paspaley, AM Director, Paspaley Group of Companies James Paton Chief Executive, Moët Hennessy Australia & New Zealand Alison Watkins CEO, The Bennelong Group Pty Ltd
The winner will be presented with the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award silver trophy and two business class tickets to France to attend the 2009 Veuve Clicquot Business Women’s meeting in Champagne. A vine will be christened in the winner’s name and she will become a ‘Friend of the Widow’, joining a select international group of past winners. Each year thereafter, on Madame Clicquot’s birthday, the winner will receive a gift of Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame champagne to celebrate in style. The nominator of the winner is not forgotten and will receive a gift of a dozen magnums of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut.
nominations
Prerequisites for entry The nominees must comply with the following prerequisites:
The criteria Charisma, individuality, leadership, style and tenacity.
1. All nominees must have a significant record of employment, be currently working and have conducted business in Australia for at least three consecutive years prior to November 2008
The nominees must demonstrate:
2. All nominees must be female Australian citizens/residents, working and living in Australia and be over 21 years of age 3. Nominees selected for interview must be available in Sydney on 4 February 2009
1. Entrepreneurial drive 2. Leadership skills and an ability to motivate and inspire others 3. The ability to meet challenges, take risks and overcome obstacles to achieve success 4. Experience and participation in managing a profitable company or organisation that has shown consistent financial success 5. Corporate social responsibility.
4. Finalists must be available to attend the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award lunch in Sydney on 11 March 2009 5. The winner must be available to attend the annual Veuve Clicquot Business Women’s meeting in Champagne, France in 2009.
Nominat for further information on submissions for the veuve clicquot business woman award, including guidelines for entry and award criteria, please visit www.veuveclicquotaward.com.au
Does your nominee exemplify the qualities of Madame Clic quot ?
ations
nomination form
2009
Iam nominatin g... Name
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Early expressions of interest are encouraged via phone or email to: Fran Meagher Veuve Clicquot Award Coordinator Telephone: 02 9361 6034 Mobile: 0417 662 527 Email: info@veuveclicquotaward.com.au This nomination form must be included with your submission. A full submission is required. Submission guidelines can be obtained by contacting the Veuve Clicquot Award Coordinator or by visiting www.veuveclicquotaward.com.au The closing date for submissions is Wednesday 3 December 2008. Send your submission to: Fran Meagher, Veuve Clicquot Award Coordinator PO Box 655, Bondi Junction NSW 1355 Email: info@veuveclicquotaward.com.au