IWD at Hub: Celebrating women in the workplace

This International Women’s Day, we’re taking the opportunity to shine a spotlight on women and celebrate their amazing achievements.

Here are some of our members at Hub Australia, sharing their thoughts on challenges in workplaces, hopes for progress – and advice for women following in their footsteps.

Georgia Falloon, Sales Manager, Playground XYZ

Georgia Falloon

What does IWD mean to you? 

International Women’s Day is a day of reflection and celebration for me. It’s a time to honour the incredible achievements of women throughout history, to acknowledge the progress made towards gender equality, and to recognise the work that still needs to be done. 

It’s a reminder of the strength, resilience, and diversity of women worldwide. It’s also a call to action, urging us to continue fighting for gender equality, empowerment, and justice for all women, regardless of their background or circumstances.

International Women’s Day is a day to amplify women’s voices, celebrate their accomplishments, and commit to building a more inclusive and equitable world for everyone. 

What’s your proudest career or personal achievement to date? 

My proudest career achievement to date would be taking the leap from a well-established media company to the dynamic world of Playground XYZ, a startup at the forefront of ad technology. 

Being part of Playground XYZ’s journey, which culminated in its acquisition by GumGum, a leading US tech company, has been incredibly rewarding. The experience and opportunities I’ve encountered in this role have not only shaped my professional growth but have also opened up key relationships with stakeholders and clients in the adtech industry.

Through my almost five years at Playground XYZ, I’m proud of building up my three key markets from what was nothing to now a multi-figure commercial success, delivering the best quality of media to our clients.

What are some challenges you’ve faced as a woman in your field? 

In my experience, as a woman working in the technology industry for media sales, I’ve faced various challenges. One significant hurdle has been the gender disparity, especially in leadership and technical roles. 

To navigate these challenges, I’ve found it necessary to assert myself confidently while also remaining open to continuous improvement and growth.

What do you think is the biggest challenge for women in the world today? 

I believe that one of the significant challenges facing women around the world is achieving genuine gender equality. 

Despite progress in many areas, women still encounter systemic barriers that limit their opportunities and rights. These include issues such as gender-based violence, unequal access to education and healthcare, limited representation in leadership roles, and the gender pay gap. 

Additionally, cultural and societal norms continue to perpetuate stereotypes and expectations that constrain women’s freedom and potential. Addressing these challenges requires a collective effort to challenge and change ingrained attitudes and systems, ensuring that women everywhere can live with dignity, equality and empowerment.

What do you hope to see in terms of equality, inclusion and progress for women in the workplace? 

I hope to see a world where women in the workplace are valued and respected for their talents and contributions, where they have equal opportunities for advancement and leadership roles. I envision workplaces that prioritise inclusivity, where diversity is celebrated and all voices are heard. 

I hope for a future where gender equality is not just a goal but a reality, where women from all backgrounds can thrive and succeed based on their skills and abilities.

Name a woman (or women) who inspires you.

Oprah Winfrey, who said: “Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.”

What would your advice be for women in your industry?  

To be confident in your abilities and expertise. Network with other women in the industry to build a support system and learn from their experiences. Keep abreast of industry trends and developments to stay ahead in your field. Don’t be afraid to take on new challenges and push yourself out of your comfort zone constantly! 

Lastly, remember to advocate yourself and your worth – whether it’s in negotiations for salary, promotions and even your time!

Jacqueline Townsend, Mediator, Jacqueline Townsend Mediator

Jacqueline Townsend

What does IWD mean to you?

IWD is a day to celebrate how far women have advanced. A day to acknowledge the amazing achievements of women and to thank so many fabulous people who lead the advancement of women over the years. 

What’s your proudest career or personal achievement to date? 

I have been very fortunate that through my career I have been part of amazing teams that have delivered and achieved many things which I am very proud of. My proudest achievement was negotiating an outcome for a young person that enabled them to purchase a home for their young family. It changed their lives.

My personal achievement without doubt is raising an amazing child who is smashing the science world from the UK.

What are some challenges you’ve faced as a woman in your field? 

I have worked most of my career in, what used to be, male-dominant workplaces. The challenges I faced – even as a senior or leader in my field – included: being excluded from decisions, not acknowledged as the leader due to my gender, spoken down to, sexually harassed, and paid less than my male counterparts. 

What do you think is the biggest challenge for women in the world today? 

Managing the impacts from climate change. We saw this play out during the COVID pandemic where women bore the brunt due to their type of work and domestic and family responsibilities. 

What do you hope to see in terms of equality, inclusion and progress for women in the workplace? 

We should start to see improvements for women in the workplace from the release of the Employer Gender Pay Gaps report. Publishing this report has already started a factual conversation around inequality in the workplace. The report will play a central role in ongoing efforts to address workplace gender inequality. Corporate reputations will be damaged and employees can now make informed decisions on where they want to build their careers. 

Corporate culture is now under the microscope and employers who have not already started to address systemic failures will need to make a concerted effort to make the change. Women may not yet be a majority on boards, but they are becoming shareholders with decision-making powers to call for change.

Name a woman (or women) who inspires you.

Julia Gillard. Her leadership was marred though it did not sway her from moving significant policy changes as Prime Minister in a minority government. Ms Gillard was publicly bullied and humiliated yet showed resilience and commitment to her position. She is an amazing advocate for gender equality and education. 

What would your advice be for women in your industry? 

I recently read an article that resonated with me, and it said, “Choose what success looks like to you.” I took another path through my legal career progression which at times was challenging as law is so competitive. I was not interested in the usual climb through paralegal to partner. 

Now in my third stage of my career, my advice for women is to follow your passion. You’ve heard it said, but you don’t always follow it. So identify your passion, apply your skills and capabilities – then go for it. You’ve got this!

And remember to leave the ladder down for those behind you.

Urvashi Handique, Enterprise Account Manager, Esendex Australia

Urvashi Handique

What does IWD mean to you? 

IWD has a two-fold meaning for me. It is paying respect to women who came before me, paving the way for progress. And also recognising the ongoing fight for gender equality and standing in support of women who do not have the same resource as me.

What are some challenges you’ve faced as a woman in your field? 

Pre-COVID era, the most astounding challenge I faced as a woman in sales was the lack of flexibility to continue holding a full-time job whilst growing a young family. 

Whilst some industries are getting better at addressing these challenges, we have a long way to go. Till the time we can prioritise accommodating for personal circumstance over recognising individual capabilities, there’s always going to be a divide. 

There’s also the lack of representation in leadership roles, especially when it comes to business development roles. 

What do you think is the biggest challenge for women in the world today? 

The lack of diverse representation and this is not limited to gender only. We don’t tell enough stories to foster confidence and celebrate differences. 

What do you hope to see in terms of equality, inclusion and progress for women in the workplace? 

Three things: 

• Accepting the gender pay gap as a reality and doing everything to completely eradicate it. 
• Providing and encouraging paid parental leave that is applicable to any gender who is the primary carer.
• A worldview based on social justice, compassion and kindness replacing the need to concentrate power and control within a select few. 

Name a woman (or women) who inspires you.

There are just too many! Staying true to the theme this year, I’m celebrating the legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsberg. 

What would your advice be for women in your industry? 

Be confident to go after what you want, even if you think you do not have 100% knowledge about it right away. 

Ming-Lyn Hii, Senior Consultant, EMA Consulting

Ming-Lyn Hii

What does IWD mean to you?

The day is an opportunity to drive meaningful conversation. When I see women being passionate, empowering and impactful in their work and the world every day, it’s a shared joy to come together with a shared purpose to celebrate those stories, lessons, and successes.

What’s your proudest career or personal achievement to date? 

How I view my achievements is hugely contextual. Let me explain. Things that some consider to be tiny triumphs have been my best successes because of where I started. 

One example is the volume of feedback I’ve received in the last three years or so about how well I explain things, that I can make complex concepts easy to understand, and that I have a way with people and am relatable and approachable. I started my career with my head lost in paperwork, hiding behind my desk, avoidant of other humans and pretty low emotional intelligence. To put in effort and reach where I am has been a major surprise and success.

The best compliments are the ones that the people gave when I wasn’t in the room. Feeling seen and valued makes me proud to do what I do, and be who I am.

What are some challenges you’ve faced as a woman in your field? 

I have had moments of self-doubt when multiple professional contacts made comments to me, about me or my appearance that have coloured every word of encouragement or praise they’d delivered in the past.

It can be disappointing to question my own skills, abilities or achievements, and to wonder whether that person truly believed in me, or whether they always held other intentions or motivations. 

What do you hope to see in terms of equality, inclusion and progress for women in the workplace? 

I operate in the world of employee relations. We’ve seen what has been a raft of significant changes to workplace laws in the last little while that support inclusion. 

It would be pleasing to see our country progress to a point where workplace laws support a redistribution of paid and unpaid work between genders and evolving community standards on the role of caregivers.

Name a woman (or women) who inspires you.

My good friend Alex is a queen in the music industry. She’s built everything on her own wits and has had a huge impact in SA, Australia and now beyond. She is a storm of skill and passion and my inspiration for being my best self.

What would your advice be for women in your industry? 

Be the leader you wanted for yourself. A tiny action can have a big impact. 

When I deliver leader training, I ask this: “Who is the best leader you’ve had in your whole career?” and what was it about them – what did they do or say – that left you with that impression? Now, be that person for someone else.

Elva Wei, Partner, Light Family Law

Elva Wei (middle) with her team

What does IWD mean to you?

To me, IWD is a day dedicated to celebrating women’s achievements in the areas of social, economic, cultural and political environments. It is also a day to reflect on the gender parity progress that has been made in the last century.

What’s your proudest career or personal achievement to date? 

My proudest career achievement is that my team and I established Light Family Law in 2022. Since then, we’ve curated a great place where we can work at a pace we all enjoy and provide both legal and emotional support to our clients navigating through challenging circumstances.

What are some challenges you’ve faced as a woman in your field? 

Client bias is one of the common challenges for women in the field of law. There are clients who may prefer to work with male lawyers, based on unfounded assumptions about authority. 

What do you think is the biggest challenge for women in the world today? 

Just like the past 100 years, following Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s footsteps, discriminatory laws and societal norms continue to restrict women’s rights and opportunities in many countries. 

What do you hope to see in terms of equality, inclusion and progress for women in the workplace? 

Adoption of hiring and promotion practices that actively work to eliminate bias, ensuring diversity in the workforce. This includes equitable representation of women from various backgrounds, including women of colour, LGBTQ+ women, and women with disabilities.

Name a woman (or women) who inspires you.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

What would your advice be for women in your industry? 

The path in law or any industry can be demanding and sometimes discouraging. Resilience in the face of setbacks, rejections, or failures is key to long-term success. Learn from your experiences and continue to pursue your goals with determination.

Apart from being professional and maintaining ethics, always keep your poise even when under attack or questioned due to gender bias or stereotypes.

Tina Tedesco-Vella, Founder, EmployCare 

Tina Tedesco-Vella

What does IWD mean to you?

International Women’s Day serves as a testament to the invaluable contributions of women in business, often made selflessly. It stands as a platform for commemorating achievements, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for inclusive workplaces. Through such endeavours, we propel towards a future marked by empowerment and equal opportunities for all.

What’s your proudest career or personal achievement to date? 

My proudest achievement has been the establishment of EmployCare. As the Founder of this non-profit organisation, building the services to assist people with disabilities to attain and maintain employment in the open market has been an outstanding achievement and honour to help our clients overcome their perceived barriers through career counselling and career development. As a professional career development practitioner, I find that the most incredible moment is when clients achieve something they thought was insurmountable.

What are some challenges you’ve faced as a woman in your field? 

In my field of social services, I have encountered challenges such as addressing complex client needs while managing organisational constraints. Advocating for resources, combating burnout, and balancing personal and professional boundaries are ongoing struggles. However, by fostering collaboration, self-care practices, and professional development, I’m able to navigate these challenges with resilience, determination, and the support from others.

What do you think is the biggest challenge for women in the world today?

The paramount challenge for women with disabilities today lies in the intersectionality of gender and disability, compounding barriers they face. These include limited access to healthcare, education, employment, and social services, coupled with higher rates of discrimination and violence. Overcoming these systemic hurdles requires comprehensive efforts to promote inclusivity, accessibility, and empowerment for women with disabilities.

What do you hope to see in terms of equality, inclusion and progress for women in the workplace? 

I envision a workplace where women with disabilities are valued for their unique perspectives and talents, enjoying equal opportunities for career advancement and professional growth. This entails inclusive hiring practices, reframing employment, accessible work environments, reasonable accommodations, and robust support systems. Furthermore, fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and trust will ensure that women with disabilities thrive and contribute meaningfully toward their employment journey.

Name a woman (or women) who inspires you.

I look at the women I encounter each day who are striving to become the best they can be and taking steps to achieve the future they see for themselves.

What would your advice be for women in your industry? 

Pursue the work that ignites your soul, for when you merge your authentic self with your aspirations, you unleash boundless empowerment in both your career and your life. Dare to be bold, ask the questions burning within, and fearlessly stride towards your dreams. Your path awaits – seize it with unwavering courage.

Be grateful for where you are in your journey, and for the people who support you. And most importantly, be kind to yourself.