The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on your personal and professional growth. Crafting intentional resolutions can help set the tone for a year of career advancement and meaningful impact. In 2026, why not focus on resolutions that not only propel your career forward but also contribute to creating a more inclusive and supportive professional landscape?

Make 2026 your year for growth. From enrolling in a leadership course to advocating for underrepresented groups, these 5 new year’s resolution ideas will help you turn aspirations into achievements.

Did one of the above ideas spark your interest? Read on for more guidance to help you set your professional New Year’s resolutions.

1. Expand Your Network (with purpose)

A strong professional network remains one of the most valuable career assets.

A supportive network can:

• Open doors to new projects, roles and perspectives

• Help you stay current with industry shifts

• Provide encouragement, accountability and inspiration

• Introduce you to people whose experiences and expertise can accelerate your growth

How to build a purposeful network in 2026:

• Reconnect with past colleagues, mentors or peers: genuine relationships build more long-term value than transactional networking

• Attend industry events (virtual or in-person) with a clear intention: to learn, to contribute, or to connect

• Engage actively on LinkedIn by sharing insights, asking questions and joining conversations

• Look for networks that support inclusion, growth and diverse perspectives
• Attend events: Join professional gatherings like the Australian Women’s Leadership Symposium Series or industry-specific summits

Build your network in 2026 at The Australian Women’s Leadership Symposium

Our Symposiums bring together women leaders and senior decision makers from all sectors and industries for a powerful day of connection, inspiration and learning. You might just find your next collaboration partner during the lunch break.

Join Australia’s Premier Women’s Leadership Event in Melbourne or Brisbane. Book early for discounted tickets.

Find out more

2. Commit to Upskilling

The world of work continues to evolve quickly. Staying curious and continuously learning keeps you adaptable, confident and future-ready.

Consider:

• Enrolling in a course or micro-credential that strengthens your leadership capabilities

• Focusing on transferable skills: emotional intelligence, communication, digital literacy, strategic thinking

• Setting quarterly learning intentions so progress feels manageable

• Exploring informal learning: leadership podcasts, reading groups or peer learning circles

Even small, consistent learning habits can create significant momentum throughout the year

Benefits of leadership courses:

• Develop transferable skills (aka soft skills) like communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork
• Build confidence to take on new challenges
• Position yourself for promotions and leadership roles
• Image Credit: Susan David Ph.D.

Our flagship courses offered in 2026:

• Impact Program: Perfect for aspiring women leaders
• Leading Edge Program: Designed for new and emerging women leaders
• Executive Ready Program: Tailored for experienced leaders
• Advanced Leadership Program: A career-defining course for senior leaders

Looking for a shorter commitment?

Discover our Vital Leadership Series masterclasses to boost specific leadership skills like resilience, decision-making, and team dynamics.

We also have programs for organisations looking to offer training to their staff, and for school leaders with programs to help schools thrive.

By creating dedicated spaces for networking, discussion and learning our graduates develop and master the essential leadership capabilities and workplace skills needed to achieve their goals.

👉 Find the right program for you with our program finder quiz tool

3. Embrace Mentorship (as a mentor and mentee)

Mentorship remains one of the most powerful pathways to growth.

As a mentee, seek guidance from people who challenge your thinking, broaden your perspective and support your goals.

As a mentor, remember you don’t need decades of experience to offer value — sharing your knowledge strengthens your own leadership capabilities and contributes to a more supportive workplace culture.

Mentorship can be formal or informal: coffee conversations, short-term check-ins or long-term partnerships all count.

Why mentorship matters:
Mentoring is a two-way street that benefits both mentees and mentors. It fosters personal and professional growth by:

• Expanding industry knowledge
• Enhancing goal-setting skills
• Validates ideas or allows for constructive criticism
• Building valuable professional connections
• Increases confidence

How to find a mentor:

• Ask a trusted colleague or supervisor
• Reach out to professionals on LinkedIn
• Have a look outside your professional network at friends, family or local businesses

It can feel daunting to reach out to someone for mentoring. Remember the people you’re approaching have likely had their own mentors throughout their life. The worst that can happen is they say no, so consider having a list of 2 or 3 potential mentors to go to.

How to become a mentor:

Consider joining Women & Leadership Australia’s Expert Mentor Program, a one-day interactive workshop designed to support leaders to maximise their ability to guide and develop others through mentoring. Participants learn to:

• Build successful mentoring partnerships
• Support mentees effectively
• Strengthen their mentoring mindset

A mentoring relationship is truly a win-win experience.

4. Prioritise Self-Care and Mental Wellbeing

Sustainable leadership isn’t just about achieving more — it’s about maintaining the clarity, energy and balance you need to lead well.

With hybrid work, increased workloads and pressure to always be available, prioritising wellbeing is essential.

Try:

• Setting healthy boundaries around work hours, especially if you work from home

• Building simple wellbeing habits: a short walk, mindful breathing, journaling, or taking an uninterrupted lunch break

• Recognising early signs of burnout and taking them seriously

• Making rest a leadership practice — modelling healthy behaviours empowers your team to do the same

Protecting your wellbeing supports better decision-making, emotional intelligence and resilience — all essential leadership qualities.

5. Join a Board or Committee

Why board representation matters

Despite progress, women remain underrepresented on boards. In Australia, women hold just 31% of board seats among employers reporting to WGEA, highlighting the need for more diverse leadership.

Initiatives, like the national policy for sporting boards in Australia, are making strides to address this gap. The policy mandates that all National Sporting Organisations meet a minimum of 50% female representation on their boards for funded sports organisations by 2027. This is a significant step toward achieving gender equity in leadership.

As you consider joining a committee or board, taking small steps to build experience can help you contribute to these efforts. Here’s how you can get started:

Steps to Join a Committee

Start small: Gain experience through school or community committees, such as fundraising or facility maintenance.

Volunteer locally: Join a not-for-profit (NFP) organization or group and explore their committee roles.

Consumer Advisory Groups: Look for positions with large organizations like hospitals or community services.

Steps to Join a Board

Build experience: Ensure you have strong executive or management credentials.

Fill skill gaps: Develop expertise in areas like finance or marketing if needed.

Focus your search: Look for boards in industries or organizations you know well.

Seek mentorship: Find a mentor to guide and prepare you for board opportunities.

Your 2026 Career Goals Start Here

These resolutions aren’t just about ticking boxes—they’re about shaping a fulfilling and impactful career. Whether you’re growing your network, seeking mentorship, or advocating for inclusivity, 2026 is your year to grow.

Need support to achieve your goals?

👉 Contact us to explore how we can help you with courses, events, and resources designed to elevate your career.