A part of the calendar since 2007, Women in League Round began as a platform to celebrate the contribution of women to the sport of rugby league.
Over time, the purpose and messaging coming from the NRL’s longest-running themed round has evolved and now reflects societal progress and debate over gender equality, as well as the growth of Women’s Rugby League in recent years.
In 2023, for the first time both the men’s and women’s NRL premierships will be running during the annual Women in League Round.
And to recognise and celebrate Women in League, the Sharks embraced the opportunity to hear the inspiring story of Madeline Tynan, a current Sharks director and a vital member of the executive management team at one of Australia’s Top 100 private family corporations.
As Marketing Director of the Tynan Motors Group, Ms Tynan is responsible for implementing marketing and communication strategies to achieve the corporate objectives of the company including increasing revenue, expanding market share, continuing growth, maintaining competitive advantage, and sustaining leadership in the automotive industry within the region.
In helping to guide a business with an annual turn-over of $500 Million, one marketing 15 global automotive brands in Southern Sydney and the Illawarra Region, Sharks Have Heart instigated the get together, with Tynan addressing Sharks female administration staff during an informal yet inspiring presentation.
“Madeline was very open and honest in sharing her story with the staff, speaking about the challenges of being female in the male dominated car industry,” Jessica Macartney from Sharks Have Heart explained.
“She offered to the group the advice that we shouldn’t try to be men in order to be successful and that our way of doing things and being authentic are keys to our success and ultimately to the organisations we serve.
“Madeline also talked about the challenges of juggling motherhood with career advancement, and it was clear that her proudest achievement is her family,” Macartney added.
Ms Tynan, who expressed that her motivation to join the Sharks Board largely centred around the prospect of growth for the women’s game, also encouraged those in the room to consider Director courses and to aspire to sit on Boards in an effort to affect change.
A Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, having completed the Company Directors Course in May of 2014, then the Family Business Directors Course through Bond University, Tynan is also strongly committed to contributing to the community.
This commitment has been demonstrated in her previous membership and involvement in the Boards of several local, state and national organisations including Women on Boards, Women in Business, NSW Family Business Association, St George and Sutherland Shire Medical Research Foundation, Automotive Skills Australia and the Chrysler Jeep Dodge Dealer Council for Australia.
Now enjoying an active role at the Sharks as a member of the Board of Directors, Ms Tynan will continue to play her part in attempting to create equal opportunity for women across the game and to keep building pathways, both on and off the field.
