Alison McGregor, Refinery Asset Manager, Viva Energy
2025 CEW Chemistry Australia Woman Leader in STEM scholar
There are three words that best capture my experience at the Women Transforming Leadership Programme at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford: Imagination. Reflection. Courage. These weren’t just themes—they became personal anchors for growth, insight, and transformation.
As a grateful recipient of the Chief Executive Women (CEW) and Chemistry Australia scholarship for women leaders in STEM, I applied for this opportunity seeking a space to grow professionally, as a purpose-driven leader. As a leader in a technically-complex, high risk environment, I face challenges in navigating operational performance, long-term sustainability, and regulatory demands—where decisions must balance risk, cost, and strategic value. Through the scholarship, I was encouraged to calibrate my thinking, expand my global perspective, and connect with women navigating similar leadership journeys. I was also impressed with CEW and Chemistry Australia’s commitment to empowering women in STEM, with this particular program as a catalyst for change.
Attending an executive education course at Oxford was unlike anything I’ve experienced. The calibre and diversity of participants was extraordinary, including executives, scientists, entrepreneurs, and policy-makers from across the globe. Each brought a unique lens to our discussions, enriching the experience with their insights, cultures, and lived experiences. What emerged was a rare and inspiring sense of connection: a circle of trust, support, and shared ambition that transcended borders and industries.
The course itself was intense, immersive, and deeply reflective. We explored leadership through the lens of psychology, storytelling, and strategic influence. Sessions on negotiation, boardroom dynamics, and authentic leadership were not only practical but profoundly empowering.
For me, Imagination emerged as a central insight. We often think of leadership as something we grow into, but this course helped me see that leadership is also something we imagine into being. Through reflective exercises and future-oriented frameworks, I began to explore my “imagination identity”, the version of myself I am becoming. Imagination became a tool for possibility, a way to orient toward future identities with intention and creativity. It reminded me that leadership is neither fixed nor a destination, but an evolving narrative we compose every day.
Reflection was reaffirmed as essential to nurturing imagination. One of the most practical yet profound takeaways was the idea that just six minutes a day (one tenth of an hour) of focused reflection can unlock powerful insights. Whether journaling, walking in silence, or pausing between meetings, these micro-moments now help me lead with greater clarity and intention.
Reflection is now a daily discipline fuelling resilience, empathy, and strategic thinking.
Courage was the quiet force running through every moment of the programme. It showed up in the stories we shared, the risks we admitted, and the leadership choices we dared to imagine. As we progress in our careers, it’s easy to lose sight of our own courage. Oxford helped me reconnect with reserves of strength. Courage breeds confidence, which, when paired with humility, becomes a powerful leadership stance. It enables deep listening, inclusive insight, and decision-making that reflect both strength and empathy.
I leave Oxford with a renewed sense of purpose and a toolkit of strategies I’m eager to apply, especially in supporting women in STEM across Australia. In this context, breadth of insight, innovation and leadership are critical to addressing the technical challenges that drive economic and social transformation. I seek to contribute with my style of inclusive leadership, with the skills and insights gained through this scholarship, deeply committed to fostering growth in others and advancing leaders of the future.
To other women considering applying for a CEW scholarship: I would encourage you to reflect on your own journey, imagine future leadership identities and find your courage to apply.
The opportunity afforded is much more than a leadership course, its life-changing experience that will stretch you, inspire you, and connect you with a global community of courageous female leaders. And its impact continues to extend and amplify across organisations, industries and communities.
Nominations for the 2026 Woman Leader in STEM scholarship are now open. To find out more, visit the Chief Executive Women website: cew.org.au
The winner of the 2026 Woman Leader in STEM Scholarship will be announced later this year on chemistryaustralia.org.au and LinkedIn.
