April Palmerlee was appointed CEO of AmCham in 2017 after an international career in government, education, and the corporate sector. American-born, Palmerlee has lived in Sydney since 2003 and is a dual citizen.
She is a member of Chief Executive Women and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She received a BS from Georgetown and a Master’s from Columbia.
In Australia, she has worked for the University of Sydney’s US Studies Centre, the Lowy Institute for International Policy, the Centre for Independent Studies, and Potomac Partners.
In the US, she held the rank of Assistant Secretary at the Department of State with the remit for international women’s issues. Before that, she was a senior executive at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York.
She has also worked for couturier Oscar de la Renta, financial publisher The Bank Credit Analyst, and not-for-profit The Spanish Institute.
She is on the boards of CIS and Georgetown University Australian and New Zealand Centre. She also chairs a scholarship selection committee at the Fulbright Commission.
Building Reputation and Resonance: April Palmerlee's Approach to Branding
April Palmerlee, the former CEO of the Australian American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), shared fascinating insights into her notable career.
Over the last short period, she recounted her experiences, particularly the memorable times she spent with none other than President Obama.
April acknowledged the American Chamber of Commerce's distinct and recognisable brand, but she didn't consider herself as having a personal brand per se.
Instead, she spoke passionately about the reputation she had built throughout her journey, a guiding compass that influenced her actions and decisions.
Reflecting on the notion of branding, April playfully likened it to the Kardashian phenomenon, associating products and merchandise. For her, it was more about standing for certain principles, representing values and aspirations, and providing meaningful connections.
Thus, while she may not possess a traditional "brand," she undeniably embodies ideals and a vision that resonates throughout her career.
April's dedication to fostering stronger ties between the United States and Australia became evident during her tenure at the University of Sydney and in her consulting work.
Even as she traversed different roles, the essence of promoting the vital US-Australia relationship remained consistent.
Being a dual citizen and having resided in both countries for over two decades, April expressed a profound and personal connection to both nations. This connection, she believed, contributed to her persona and reputation, but what truly excited her was the opportunity to be a part of something bigger.
Whether championing the alliance, working at the University of Sydney, or engaging in consulting projects, she thrived on contributing to a greater cause.
April hoped people viewed her as a fair individual, someone who firmly distinguished between right and wrong.
Making connections was her forte, and she saw opportunities for growth in various businesses, universities, organisations, and leadership spheres.
Doing what was right was paramount for her, as her values deeply drove her throughout her illustrious career.
Her strong values had roots in her upbringing. Growing up in a suburban area outside the District of Columbia town in Maryland, her family instilled essential values in her.
But it was during her time at Georgetown, a Jesuit university, that her character took shape. The Jesuit principles of passion, commitment, and courage profoundly impacted her young adult self and shaped her path, especially while navigating the political landscape in Washington, DC.
When asked about situations where her values clashed with external pressures, April stated that such dilemmas were inevitable. Making tough choices was integral to staying true to one's values and conscience.
She believed that anyone with strong values would encounter these challenges, ranging from everyday decisions to major ones that affect others' lives.
April also touched on the allure of the political sphere, where some individuals are drawn by the desire to serve others. This altruistic spirit motivates people to enter politics, just as it does with teachers, priests, doctors, and others who wish to contribute to their communities. However, April cautioned that the allure of power could sometimes lead to one-off tracks.
Having once been part of a think tank in New York, providing input on government policies, April's life took a significant turn when she was within the Bush administration. This experience taught her the delicate balance of decision-making and the complexities of implementing grand political visions.
The idealism of making a difference must confront the realities of compromise and find the art of the possible to realise those visions for the greater good.
In the intricate world of politics, understanding the decision-makers' challenges is crucial before passing judgement.
Reflecting on her journey, April revealed a particular instance where she had to confront a challenging dilemma head-on.
She recalled dealing with an employee who didn't align with its core values despite being a valuable asset to the organisation and bringing in substantial clients.
Making the difficult decision, she decided to part ways with this employee, sending a powerful message to her team that standing by one's principles is paramount, even if it meant sacrificing short-term revenue.
April emphasised that embracing one's values was not just about making a personal statement; it had a far-reaching impact on the entire team. She set a standard for others to follow by staying true to her beliefs, fostering an environment where integrity and authenticity were valued.
Discussing broader societal changes, April highlighted the gradual shift towards increased awareness and sensitivity towards others' feelings and perceptions. She expressed optimism about the corporate sector's progress in recognising the importance of these elements and how they impact organisational culture.
While acknowledging the corporate world's strides in prioritising values and ethics, April noted that the political landscape appeared to lag behind. However, she acknowledged ongoing enquiries into the behaviour within political circles, indicating that positive changes might be on the horizon.
The Impact of Purpose: How Understanding Company Goals Shapes Employee Choices
April also shared her insights on the evolving job market and the increasing significance of employee values. According to her, job seekers, especially young graduates and professionals, are no longer content with merely working for any company that produces widgets.
They now prioritise understanding the company's purpose behind creating widgets, their target customers, and the values upheld by the leadership. This focus on alignment with their values has led people to choose their employers more carefully, resulting in a shift where individuals vote with their feet by staying loyal to companies that resonate with their beliefs.
Reflecting on her own leadership experiences, April cherished a profound compliment from her assistant. The assistant expressed on LinkedIn that they had never felt as free to be themselves as they did while working at AmCham. This highlighted the importance of fostering a culture of acceptance and belonging, encouraging everyone to be authentic.
April emphasised the significance of character, drawing on a quote she admired: "Character is what you are in the dark." As a diplomat, she understood the value of manners and etiquette but recognised that true character shines through when no one is watching.
In the early stages of one's career, she believed that a personal brand or reputation was built upon actions rather than mere words. For instance, accomplishments, networks, and recommendations from people who trust and know you personally play a vital role in shaping one's character.
April emphasised the value of loyalty, something she felt was somewhat overlooked in today's fast-paced job market. While acknowledging that staying with a company for decades might not be common, she still valued commitment and dedication, urging young professionals to spend sufficient time understanding the company and contributing value before moving on to the next opportunity.
Finding Connection and Impact: April Palmerlee's Approach to Staying Relevant
April delved into the concept of relevance and how it evolves throughout one's career and life. She shared her personal experiences, reflecting on times when she felt a shift in her relevance, especially during transitions in her career and geographical locations.
April likened politicians to suffering from RDS," or "relevance deprivation syndrome", when they leave their positions, experiencing a sudden decline in attention and meeting opportunities.
She could relate to this feeling when she left the Bush administration and moved to Hong Kong during the SARS outbreak. The transition from a high-profile, powerful position to a smaller market required her to reassess her relevance and find new ways to stay connected and impactful.
In her business endeavours, April discovered the value of finding common ground with people she met. Finding that connection made conversations more enjoyable and productive, whether it was having kids in the same school, sharing a love for a particular sport, or bonding over their pets.
When asked about relevance, April's perspective shifted towards the idea that everyone is relevant to someone in some situation. Even when she wasn't pursuing a big corporate career, she found ways to be relevant to others.
For instance, she created the Centennial Park Ultra Marathon, which significantly impacted a specific group of people who lacked access to traditional ultramarathon events due to transportation constraints.
April emphasised that relevance doesn't have to be grand or global; it can be as simple as being of service to your family or friends. Contributing and feeling useful to others, she believed, brought the most satisfaction.
Mentorship without Borders: Fostering Genuine Connections
April Palmerlee spoke passionately about the mentors significantly impacting her life and career. Reflecting on her experiences, she recalled several bosses who served as great mentors during different stages of her journey.
One of her early inspirations was Jack Kemp, a former congressman and Buffalo Bills quarterback. Listening to him speak about housing affordability and The American Dream at her brother's high school graduation left a lasting impression on her. She volunteered on his presidential campaign during her university days, observing and learning valuable lessons on fundraising, campaigning, and focusing on constituents.
During her time working for Oscar de la Renta, April learned the art of hosting dinner parties, convincing friends to support events, and navigating interactions with politicians.
Working with Les Gelb at the Council on Foreign Relations was a particularly influential experience. Les not only mentored her professionally but also became a father figure. He even hosted the engagement party for April and her now-husband, Luke, showing how mentorship can extend beyond the workplace into personal life.
April acknowledged that mentorship can be derived from various relationships, whether the person knows they are mentoring you or not. It's about what you take from the experience and the genuine connection you establish with the mentor.
With her wealth of experience being mentored, April acknowledged that she, too, has taken up the role of mentoring others. She emphasised that mentorship is an ongoing process that cannot be confined to a fixed schedule. Instead, it requires genuine care, promotion, and the fostering of a strong working relationship.
Speaking to high school students or MBA classes, April advises aspiring professionals to focus on who they want to be and what values they share with potential mentors rather than getting caught up in titles. The key to success for her has been working for leaders she admires and respects, such as her past chairman, Brendan Nelson. He motivated her to become a better person and taught her invaluable lessons.
While loyalty is often associated with how long a job sits on one's CV, April emphasised that true loyalty involves caring for and promoting employees, even if it means they may explore other opportunities.
At AmCham, April felt fortunate, considering it was almost like a training academy for the Sydney business community. The organisation's focus on nurturing and providing visibility for its employees has led to their success, even if some of them get poached by other companies.
Mindfulness in the Digital World: Considering the Permanence of Online Content
April highlighted the unique form of loyalty exhibited by the employees at AmCham, the organisation she worked for. She emphasised that their loyalty extended beyond merely fulfilling job duties and staying at their desks; instead, they actively invested in the company's success by making introductions and speaking highly of AmCham's endeavours.
In her view, loyalty went beyond the formalities of signing a contract; it was about trust, belief, and a genuine desire to work for and with the organisation. April acknowledged that such loyal employees could serve as mentors, whether or not they held official mentoring roles.
April expressed her awe at the current prevalence of social media in people's lives by discussing her passion for engaging with the next generation. She recalled the days she entered the State Department, obtaining top-secret security clearance through a rigorous vetting process.
Today, the scrutiny of potential public servants has extended to their social media presence, raising different considerations for those contemplating careers in public service instead of aspiring influencers or journalists.
From personal experience, April stressed the importance of exercising caution with digital communication. She remembered advice from a law school professor who advised against writing anything that one wouldn't want to be published on the front page of a newspaper.
Recalling instances when her seemingly private emails reached unintended recipients, she emphasised the need for mindfulness about digital content's potential permanence and visibility.
April cautioned against the pitfalls of posting thoughts hastily without considering their impact on one's reputation in the long run. She acknowledged that past social media posts, which may have seemed wise then, may no longer reflect one's current beliefs.
April Palmerlee's Positive Impact on Individuals and Organisations
April Palmerlee shared her experiences with both formal and informal mentoring. She acknowledged participating in formal mentoring programs, such as being a mentor for scholars at the University of Sydney. She was assigned specific students whom she mentored throughout the year.
April also mentioned a two-way mentoring program run by AmCham's Melbourne office. In this program, seasoned leaders learned from their mentees as much as they shared their leadership insights. Another mentoring initiative was the Global Leadership Academy, where the next generation of CEOs was exposed to different leadership styles, particularly those effective in diverse cultural settings.
Beyond these structured programs, April saw herself as a mentor every day, particularly to younger colleagues. She highlighted an incident where she encouraged a bright woman in her team to avoid self-doubt when expressing her ideas during meetings. She emphasised the importance of confidently delivering opinions without starting sentences with phrases that undermine credibility.
April expressed her commitment to constantly finding ways to improve. Even in successful initiatives, she sought opportunities to make small but significant improvements, striving for a continuous 1% improvement. This approach to mentoring extended to various aspects of her work, including reviewing and enhancing AmCham's activities during their doorknocks in Canberra.
Her perspective on mentoring was not limited to formal arrangements. April saw mentoring as an opportunity to share learning and support growth within structured programs and everyday interactions.
In conclusion, April Palmerlee's approach to mentoring involved a mix of formal and informal engagements. Her willingness to invest time and effort in nurturing others' potential exemplified the positive impact mentoring can have on individuals and organisations alike.
As she remained open to further mentoring opportunities within AmCham, her dedication to fostering growth and improvement reflected her commitment to developing those around her.
The Value of Diverse Experiences: Oscar de la Renta's Impact on April Palmerlee's Journey
April fondly recounted her unique experiences while working with Oscar de la Renta, a renowned fashion designer known for his couture expertise, philanthropic endeavours, and humanitarian efforts.
At the start of her career, April pursued her passion for international relations and became a baby diplomat in the School of Foreign Service. However, fate took her to New York, where she worked at the Spanish Institute alongside the prominent fashion icon Oscar de la Renta.
Initially, April hesitated to consider a career in fashion, but her boss encouraged her to explore the opportunity, citing the power that international businessmen wielded in contemporary society.
Taking a leap of faith, April embraced the fashion world and began working with Oscar de la Renta.
Although initially feeling out of place amid the bustling Fashion Avenue, she discovered a whole new world beyond the glitz and glamour. Oscar's involvement in the Metropolitan Opera, his charitable endeavours, and the personal stories of the people he helped profoundly impacted her.
During her time with Oscar, April learned valuable life lessons, including the realisation that everyone, regardless of their status, is just a human being. Working with the influential ladies of New York, she saw firsthand that they were no different from anyone else, breaking the notion that titles or societal status should induce fear or awe.
Her experiences with Oscar extended beyond fashion. She was tasked with caring for an orphanage he supported in the Dominican Republic. When Oscar was invited to give a commencement address at her alma mater, Kent School, he entrusted her to work on the speech, even seeking feedback from his close friend, Dr. Henry Kissinger. This revelation taught April that stepping off her intended path had enriched her life and provided invaluable learning opportunities.
After her time with Oscar de la Renta, April moved on to work at the Council on Foreign Relations, a prestigious think tank. While she considered removing her fashion experience from her resume, her boss at the think tank recognised the uniqueness and intrigue it added to her profile, valuing her diverse journey.
As April Palmerlee reflected on her experiences, she emphasised the importance of imaginative capacity and understanding situations from others' perspectives.
She mentioned Ingvar Kamprad, the founder of IKEA, who believed in having executives experience various roles within the company, including menial jobs. This approach enabled them to appreciate the work done by their colleagues and foster a more empathetic and collaborative work environment.
Regarding hiring, April prefered individuals with customer service experience, valuing the firsthand knowledge they gained from working with people in different situations like handling morning coffee rushes or dealing with customer difficulties. Such experiences were seen as valuable assets in any job.
Insights and Final Message for Young Individuals
Offering advice to young individuals seeking jobs, April suggested focusing on the type of boss they would work for and the problems they want to solve rather than getting fixated on a specific job title. By giving their best effort and displaying qualities like loyalty, hard work, and innovation in their current roles, opportunities for advancement would naturally present themselves.
She also touched on the importance of dressing appropriately for the job you aspire to have, as it can influence how others perceive you. While modern workplaces offer more flexibility in personal expression, being mindful of the setting and industry can make a difference in how colleagues and potential employers perceive you.
April's insights emphasised the significance of understanding oneself, showing dedication in every role, and being aware of how others perceive us in shaping a fulfilling and successful career journey.
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