Heavy might be the head that wears the crown, but for those out there in leadership positions, that weight can be eased simply by having a chat, according to Kelly Healy.
To call Healy a busy woman would be an understatement of monumental proportions. Healy’s official title is News Corp Australia’s general manager client partnerships QLD|SA|WA, meaning she has eyes and ears on campaigns and clients right across the country.
While the journey to the top can be far from smooth for many, Healy believes that can change with a more open, collaborative, and authentic approach, particularly among women in leadership.
Healy managed to carve out time in her busy calendar for a chat with Mediaweek, in which she reiterated her message: progress is possible, but it starts with vulnerability and trust.
Kelly Healy and her sons.
The numbers don’t lie
According to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA), while women make up 51% of the Australian workforce, they are still significantly underrepresented in senior roles. Only 19.4% of CEOs are women, and just 32.5% of key management positions are held by women.
These stats aren’t just numbers, they’re a reminder of how far there is to go.
For Healy, leadership today looks radically different from even a decade ago. “I’ve seen a massive change over the last 10 years, especially at News Corp,” said Healy.
She went on the credit Lou Barrett, who is the managing director of News Corp Australia’s national sales with leading the evolution, saying that when she first started in the industry there existed a “culture of making sure that you knew everything”.
“And if you didn’t know something, you actually wouldn’t ask because you didn’t want anyone to know that you didn’t know,” she said. “Whereas now it’s encouraged to your hand up and ask someone, ‘can you come and help me with that?’, and often it’s the new guys that are coming in and actually teaching us, you know, the oldies, how to do something”.
She notes the rapid evolution of the media industry and the constant need for leaders to adapt. “Our generation have had to evolve every six weeks, probably, when you think about it.”
From ‘mag hag’ to management
Healy’s own career journey began in magazines, a space she says was rich with passionate women who supported each other. “I call myself a ‘mag hag’,” she laughs. “I grew up in publishing houses where you had passionate, crazy, passionate women that you know loved what they did. It was a beautiful environment of lifting women up and the same hand”.
She also notes the contrasting environment of television networks, which “taught me how to be tough. It taught me how to be resilient. It taught me how to stand up for my own opinions and be okay with that.”
Leadership is a marathon, not a sprint
In an industry that thrives on energy, Healy is also a strong advocate for long-term sustainability, particularly for women climbing the leadership ladder. “I’ve seen too many friends and colleagues burn out,” she says. “We’re in a business full of extroverts and high achievers, but it’s a marathon, not a sprint. You’ve got to find a pace that’s sustainable.”
She also notes the contrasting environment of television networks, which “taught me how to be tough. It taught me how to be resilient. It taught me how to stand up for my own opinions and be okay with that.”
Putting yourself first
Beyond professional skills, Healy stresses the importance of personal well-being.
“I’ve seen so many colleagues and friends burn out over the years,” says Healy. “Anyone who knows me knows I’m really big on health and wellbeing, always have been. That doesn’t mean you miss out on the fun, but it does mean feeling empowered to make the choices that are right for you.”
Healy continued, saying that the demands of the job such as entertaining and looking after clients, can take its toll.
Her advice? “I’d encourage anyone starting out to find a rhythm that’s sustainable. If you don’t look after yourself, you won’t last, it’s as simple as that. We’re in a high-energy, extroverted industry, filled with people who are naturally wired to go at full speed and be high achievers. But you’ve got to find a pace you can maintain. This is a marathon, not a sprint,” she said.
Moving forward, together
With her blend of grit, openness and strategic thinking, Healy represents a new kind of leadership, one grounded in collaboration, creativity and care. And as more women rise through the ranks, she hopes that culture of support will grow with them.
“Just trust your gut,” she says. “Lead with authenticity, ask the questions, and never be afraid to say you need help. That’s how we move forward, together.”