This Ginni Rometty.

Today she was announced as the first-ever female CEO of IBM, effective 1 January 2012. Earlier this year she visited Australia from the US, and spoke at an employee town hall session in Melbourne. After her presentation, another grad suggested we go down and introduce ourselves.

It did seem a bit crazy, and very intimidating.

She’s the Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing - with the company for over 30 years, and kind of a big deal (certainly validated following today’s news.)

We’re two sales grads from Australia, not even a year into our careers.

Now, I know I only spent a few minutes with her, but she just has this wonderful aura and charisma. You couldn’t find two people placed at more opposing ends of the IBM ‘food chain.’ But, she still spoke to us with such warmth and sincerity.

I am proud to work for an organisation that, in just 67 days, will be led by a female.

I’m not big into the whole ‘girl power’ thing (yes, I loved the Spice Girls like any other 90s girl.) But 95% of my direct team are dudes - they’re just, everywhere.

This announcement will do more than Ginni knows for young female IBMers around the globe. I know I’m still years and years away from ever a tasting a smidge of her success, but I feel confident and optimistic about what can be achieved if you’re just willing to put yourself out there, and take some risks.

“Growth and comfort do not co-exist.”