Ahead of International Women’s Day, I’ve been reflecting on some of my own experiences.
I grew up in a family where my sister and I were treated exactly the same as our brother.
Same expectations.
Same accountability.
Same chores and responsibilities.
We were all taught to be capable, handy and independent.
That mindset followed me straight into the workplace.
Get in and get it done.
Don’t walk past something that needs doing.
Head down, bum up, work hard and don’t expect recognition.
And here we are.
Over the years I’ve had the privilege of learning from some incredible people. Female and male mentors, leaders and teachers who have shaped not just the way I work, but the way I show up as a leader.
I’ve also been lucky to work alongside colleagues I’ve loved supporting, and who have supported me in return.
But there’s something I’ve noticed time and time again.
Women doubt themselves more.
Our confidence wobbles.
Imposter syndrome creeps in.
We question whether we’re ready.
Men, generally speaking, don’t seem to do this as much. Or if they do, they don’t let it stop them.
The analogy I often use comes from the gym.
A man will walk up to a barbell and simply try to lift it.
No overthinking. No long internal conversation about whether he can do it.
He just gives it a go.
Women often stand there first saying,
“I don’t think I can lift that.”
They talk themselves out of it before they’ve even tried.
I’m forever telling my gym buddies with a laugh,
“Put some bloody weight on!”
Last year I experienced something that meant a great deal to me personally.
After many years in leadership, I was honoured to be appointed CEO of Presence.
It was a huge moment.
One I’m incredibly proud of.
But the truth is, it took another woman to push me to step into that role with confidence. She saw something in me that I wasn’t fully seeing in myself.
For that, I’ll always be grateful.
So if there’s one message I’d share this International Women’s Day, it’s this:
Back yourself.
Go for the job.
Put your hand up.
Take the opportunity.
Surround yourself with people who genuinely support you. A tribe that lifts you up, believes in you, celebrates your wins and stands beside you when things get tough.
You can lift the weight.
You can lead the team.
You absolutely can run the company.
The world has changed and will continue to change. There are more opportunities for women today than ever before.
So stand proud.
Step forward.
And give it a go.
And to the people who have backed me along the way — thank you. I’ll always be grateful.
Happy International Women’s Day.
