International Women’s Day 2024: A reflection on career, community, and collaboration 

As the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day 2024, I find myself pausing to reflect on the journey that has brought me to where I am today. 

This year’s theme from the UN is “Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress”, resonates deeply with me, not just as a call to action but as a reflection of the personal experiences that have shaped my career. 

More than 25 years into my career and I’m in a place that throughout history women could only ever dream of. I’ve had the opportunity to do anything I have wanted to do and to choose my own destiny. 

What stands out to me most, amongst all the challenges and triumphs, is the incredible support and inspiration I have received from both men and women along the way. This International Women’s Day, I want to celebrate not just the achievements of women, but the positive impact of collaboration and mutual support across genders that have propelled my career forward.   

A look back through time 

While Barbie continues to be a global phenomenon, when she was first released on 9 March 1959, women had limited career choices: a nurse, a teacher, a secretary or a homemaker were largely the only paths available.  

When my parents got engaged, my grandfather said to my mum with total love and pride: “Why did you go to teachers’ college if you never planned to work?” – boy oh boy did she prove him wrong! Not only did she keep working while raising me and my brothers, she worked tirelessly on our family farm raising cattle and looking after thoroughbred horses alongside dad who worked full time and was studying for his CPA. She made it into the leadership team and still to this day runs a club for her retired colleagues to get together on a regular basis. My dad was her fiercest champion and has always had the time for me to seek his guidance and advice – he even taught me how to use a drill and a chainsaw, in his mind I should have all the skills I need for life. They showed me the importance of finding a life partner who will lift you at your worst and cheer you on at your brightest and I’m grateful that I have found that. If that’s not role modelling, I don’t know what is

The power of mentorship 

One of the most transformative aspects of my career has been the mentorship I’ve received. I’ve been fortunate enough to be guided by mentors who saw potential in me before I saw it in myself. At 19, Chief Superintendent John Bodinnar saw something in me and pushed me out of my comfort zone and onto the path that has led me here, he invested in me and certainly accelerated my progress – and he has kept supporting me to this day. I love seeing his regular words of encouragement on my posts. There have been so many who’ve had an impact and these individuals, irrespective of their gender, have been pillars of strength, wisdom, and encouragement. They challenged me to aim higher and to keep striving for excellence.

The inspiration of female role models 

The women in my life have been a constant source of inspiration. Their resilience, innovation, and leadership have paved the way for my own journey. These role models, through their own successes and challenges, have shown me the importance of perseverance, the value of authenticity, and the power of lifting others as we climb. 

The role of allies 

Equally important have been the allies in my journey. These are the colleagues and peers who stood by me, who advocated for me in spaces where I had no voice, and who celebrated my successes loudly as if they were their own. Many of them have been men who have actively worked to create more inclusive environments, who have listened, learned, and leveraged their positions to help dismantle barriers. One of my greatest advocates has been Michael Abdel. I got a text from him recently that was simply, “I’m really blessed to have you as a business partner” – while there are challenges and blessings of running your own business, knowing we have each other’s backs makes it easier to keep on keeping on and work towards accelerating the progress of our team. 

The impact of community 

I’ll often say: “I don’t have all the answers; but I probably know someone who will know someone who does”. It’s this sense of community, made up of men and women who share a commitment to equity and progress, which has provided a platform for sharing knowledge, for collaboration, and for collective advocacy. It makes a difference every single day. 

Looking ahead 

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2024, I am filled with gratitude for the men and women who have been part of my story so far. Their support, mentorship, and investment in me have not only impacted my career but continue to contribute towards equity and inclusion. 

This day serves as a reminder of how far we have come and the work that still lies ahead. In reflecting on my own journey, I am reminded that progress is not a solo endeavour. It is a shared journey, enriched by the diverse contributions of men and women alike. Here’s to celebrating every step of this journey, together. 

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