Women’s advocate wins award for advocating for the pool and spa industry

2018 Women in Industry Awards host Tracey Spicer with Advocacy winner Elena Gosse

Elena Gosse, CEO of Australian Innovative Systems (AIS), has been awarded the Industry Advocacy Award in the national 2018 Women in Industry Awards. The award recognises an individual who has helped shape a positive view of their industry and/or helped to create a policy change which benefits those working in the sector.

The awards are open to women working within the manufacturing, mining, engineering, process control and commercial road transport industries. AIS designs, manufactures and exports water disinfection technology for commercial and residential swimming pools to more than 55 countries worldwide.

Gosse is well known for her innovation and deducation in promoting the role of women in the traditionally male dominated water disinfection industry.

She is a keynote speaker at the upcoming 2018 Women in Leadership Seminar which will be held on the Tuesday of SPLASH! Week, one day prior to the opening of the SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show.

Fighting for what you believe

She dedicated her acceptance speech to her recently passed father. While the young Elena and her father would often clash in a battle of the wills, she attributed part of her success to him.

“Looking back, I know he was doing his best. My father taught me the importance of fighting for what you believe in, about being strong, resilient and not compromising on your values,” said Gosse.

“As a 55-year female CEO I’m now very happy with who I am as a person and a leader. I’ve embraced a leadership style that is based on authenticity, simply by being myself.

“This award will help me to continue making positive changes for our industry, particularly in my new role with the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Australia (SPASA) Executive Board of Directors.”

During the evening Elena acknowledged the abilities of her category finalists including: Kaye Barker - Ferry Master, Harbour City Ferries; Lama Tayeh – Founder and CEO, LULUMPR; Cassie Lamont – Team Leader (Warehouse) VISA Global Logistics; and, Julie Reynolds – General Manager Finance, PGH Bricks and Pavers.

“Every woman here is a winner and every woman is a success,” Gosse said.

“The old saying that ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’ is very true. It’s the reason why it’s so important for us to continue to celebrate the role of women in industry, to support each other, and pave the way for women of the next generation.”