International Women’s Day 2022: #BreakTheBias

Knowing what you know now, what would you change about your journey? 

I definitely would not have cared about what people thought as much as I used to. I had ovarian cancer in 1993 and that changed how I felt about everything. Once I finished my treatment, I challenged myself, finding a confidence to step away from the safety of routine. 

What does #BreakingTheBias mean to you? 

What it means seems simplistic in words however it is so powerful – inclusivity. 

What's the most important piece of advice you have received? What advice would you give your younger self or young women thinking about their careers? 

Best advice I’ve received: Watch your ego - don't let it drive you. It’s ok to have ego however decisions based solely on ego won’t pay off. Advice to my younger self: Don’t be so scared of failing, or what people think - be brave. 

What is it about IWD that’s important to you? 

IWD should be an occasion to think of how we can help those around us. Being a supportive friend and mentor in the workplace can be very valuable and it's good to reflect on where that help might be appreciated. 

What does #BreakingTheBias mean to you? 

Bias in the workplace has always been a challenge for women. I can remember working for unequal pay when I was young simply on the basis that I was female. I believe that in Australia we have reached something of a tipping point where the novelty of women in senior roles has now changed to becoming the expectation. 

What's the most important piece of advice you have received, or what advice would you give your younger self? 

Remember that we tend to focus on the negatives about ourselves, but we should try to remember all the things we're great at! 

What is it about IWD that's important to you? 

International Women's Day presents a unique opportunity for us all to stop and unashamedly recognise women’s achievements. 

What does #BreakingTheBias mean to you? 

"Breaking the bias" in my mind is a powerful call to arms for us all to celebrate diversity, equality and inclusivity in a particularly fragile and fragmented world. 

What's the most important piece of advice you have received, or what advice would you give your younger self? 

 It's how you process and overcome life's setbacks that defines you as a person, not any accolades or fame. 

What does #BreakingTheBias mean to you? 

Gender equality is what allows my husband and I to follow our passions free of stereotypes. For me that means I can pursue my ambitions, and am still able to be a loving, nurturing mother. As a mother of 3 boys, I love that their ‘normal’ is seeing me working hard, while still being able to help them with their homework and cook their favourite dinners. 

Can you think of a woman who has inspired you personally of professionally? What is it about them the inspires you? 

What inspires me the most are women who champion women, who act in honest and caring ways, and who are selfless in their ambitions. 

What's the most important piece of advice you have received, or what advice would you give your younger self? 

Take risks. Don’t be scared to push yourself just that little bit further than feels comfortable. I think if you are true to yourself and are open to being vulnerable and learning, you can really do anything you want!