Professional
A commitment to absolute professionalism guides my support to clients; especially when working in high-stress environments or with ‘big’ personalities. With three decades of experience managing diverse teams and public projects, I’m known as a ‘safe pair of hands’ who gets the job done as promised. Professional – every single time.
Political
Aristotle wisely noted that ‘Man is by nature a political animal’. I get a kick out of helping women to boost their political intelligence, to tap into their ‘political animal’ and master politics. As a former Mayor, campaign coordinator, and author of Get Elected, I understand the power of positive politics.
Powerful
The leaders I admire, seek to apply political processes to change the world for the better. They use power for good. This is where my insights into politics help women politicians excel. I bring respect, straight-talk and my lived experience and WARM* style to supporting women and non-binary leaders to power-up. (*World According to Ruth McGowan)
Councillor Coaching Programs
Professional Development with Ruth McGowan that will help you to boost your political savvy, double your impact and cut the angst.
- Plan achievable term goals, set your vision and develop your action plan
- Embrace the gravitas of the role
- Master the politics
- Get the edge – fast
- Make your difference, leave a legacy
Coaching women leading locally.
My coaching is designed specifically to help women Councillors who want to make the most of their role and use their power to drive real change.
I work with councillors and senior managers to develop respectful teams, inclusive services and engaged communities.
Council can be a challenging political environment—especially for women. You have to juggle so much as a woman Councillor. This includes balancing council duties with family, career, community obligations and life! You need to be strategic in your focus and avoid getting bogged down in operational issues. And there are so many meetings, agendas and emails to manage. On top of this, you may need to address sexism, whether in the chamber, online, or in the community—all while stepping into the authority of the role. It can be exhausting! As a Councillor, you need to avoid overload, overwhelm, and the risk of ‘looking busy’ but not actually having an impact. It’s time to get clear and develop your plan to focus on what matters.
Over the past decade, I’ve trained thousands of women to stand for public office. Now my focus is on supporting elected women to manage the challenges of public office and thrive. Working with these incredible women, and as a former Mayor and Councillor myself, I understand these demands firsthand. What’s often needed is a confidential and supportive coach who has your back.
When you work with me your coach, you will gain access to a wise, discrete ‘sounding board’ that will help you to navigate challenges. You will learn the skills and strategies you need to thrive as a Councillor and reach your goals. And these aren’t just council skills—they’re tools you can use to create positive change in every part of your life.
Across Australia, there are more than 5300 councillors. From 2025, 40% of Councillors are women. These elected representatives are important decision-makers who are entrusted to manage finances and assets while overseeing the delivery of exceptional services to diverse communities. Councillors often need extra support to help get things right. I provide expertise as a trusted expert who understands the pain, the problems – and the possibilities. Contact me if I can help.
Ruth wears many hats.
Consultant. Speaker. Trainer. Coach.
Since 2012, Ruth has worked as a consultant and adviser to councils, peak bodies in local government, and community leaders, and now her focus is on coaching elected women leaders on council.
Biography
Growing up on the family farm in northeast Victoria, I was fascinated by the natural world and science. I studied agriculture at university, moved to Gippsland and spent the first twenty years of my career managing research and communication projects for the Victorian government while raising three wonderful children.
Mid-career, I changed my focus to local government, first as a councillor and mayor with Baw Baw Shire Council, and then devoting my time to training women to stand for political office. After completing the Pathways to Politics program at the University of Melbourne (2017), I wrote Get Elected. This resource quickly became known as the ‘candidates bible’, and a second edition followed. Women for Election invited me to develop their national training program, EQUIP, based on my book and more recently partnered with them on the Federal government’s Women in Public Office Program as the Subject Matter Expert consultant. Since 2019, and in partnership with Women for Election and Pathways to Politics, I have helped train thousands of Australian women to stand for office. Now, my focus as a coach is supporting elected women to embrace politics as a way of getting great stuff done for their communities. Community service is important to me and I have volunteered for organisations involved in education and disability support, and with my local Country Fire Authority brigade. I am passionate about gender equality and advocate for diversity in the Australian Honours as a co-founder of Honour a Woman.
My volunteer service was acknowledged with a Medal of the Order (OAM) and a National Emergency Medal.
Always a country girl at heart and soul, I live on a small property in West Gippsland with my husband, assorted animals and a beloved border collie, Nyx.
Making a Difference
Awards & Recognitions
