1. Tell us a little about yourself?

I’m a speaker, copywriter and digital marketer who’s passionate about equality, education and the environment. I’m also the Founder & Director of an award-winning digital content marketing agency based on the Central Coast of NSW called LEP Digital, which I established in 2015. Today, I have a wonderful team of six who, together, create high-quality work – including websites, social media, advertising, videos, animation and more – for our clients locally and nationally. In recent years, my love for working with dynamic owners of small and medium-sized businesses and the success that it’s brought has allowed me to offer pro-bono support to non-profit organisations that inspire me. I’m particularly passionate about working with educational organisations that support women and young people to succeed and upskill; and environmental initiatives that focus on tackling plastic pollution and climate change. Since 2019, LEP Digital has been an in-kind supporter of the global anti-plastic movement, Take 3 for The Sea. We partnered with them to pioneer the CEO Clean-Up, an Australian-first fundraising initiative designed to incite behavioural change in business and drive crucial funding for education and lobbying to protect our oceans and marine life from plastic pollution. On a personal level, I’m a parent to two fur babies, Chloe the toy poodle and Livvy the tabby cat. I enjoy beach walks, yoga, margaritas, jazz music and playing the piano.

2. Who are the women who have inspired you the most in your life?

An obvious answer is my mum Frances who taught me to be strong and independent and who gifted me her humour, intelligence and drive. Mum has had many careers, including a nurse, artist, high school teacher and writer. If you meet her, you’ll remember her by her US accent, historical knowledge, presence, and verve. I’m also inspired by my step-mum, Carol, a successful opera singer who travelled the world and released many records before becoming a music professor at the University of California San Diego. Successful female writers, speakers and business leaders, past or present, also drive me to explore and understand more of life. Including Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Greta Thunberg, Marie Forleo, Amy Cuddy, Elizabeth Gilbert, Julia Gillard, Leigh Sales, the list goes on.

3. Why do you think it’s important to increase the number of women in business, particularly in leadership roles?

Gender inequality is hugely problematic in a world that needs new ideas and innovations to protect our future and make it an equitable, safe and prosperous place for all. For many decades, we’ve been plagued by issues brought about by having a single lens to solve complex problems in business; this includes everything from safety for women in the workplace, flexible working conditions and equal pay to engineering, design, and decision-making. When you don’t have diverse women at the table at all levels of a business, outcomes favouring men are perpetuated. And this isn’t because they don’t have women’s interests at heart. It’s because, unless you’re walking in a woman’s shoes, you can’t understand the unique challenges. Diversity of thought is good for everyone. As a speaker and women’s mentor, part of my work is to help empower women to push for their seats at the table.

4. How would you describe your current thinking about diversity and inclusion?

My current thinking is that while we’ve made great strides to address diversity and inclusion in law-making, we have yet to change the power paradigm. While on face value, it may feel like there are a lot more women in leadership positions, the Bureau of Statistics shows that it could be as low as just 6% on average in the private sector in Australia. We have a responsibility to do better and do it now.