This exec was terrified of public speaking and now she loves it

· Australian Financial Review

Sally Patten and , Iona Rennie
May 5, 2026 – 5.00am

Allison Rossiter is the country president for Novartis in Australia and New Zealand. When she was offered a job on the senior leadership team, she accepted the role, but there was a condition.

“I said, ‘I would love to take it, thank you, but under one condition. You help me with my public speaking, and ideally, get me a coach.’”

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Sally PattenBOSS editorSally Patten edits BOSS, and writes about workplace issues. She was the financial services editor and personal finance editor of the AFR, The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald. She edited business news for The Times of London. Connect with Sally on Twitter. Email Sally at spatten@afr.com

Iona RennieProducerIona Rennie is a producer at The Australian Financial Review.

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