05/03/2021

Celebrating Our Leadership Team - International Women’s Day 2021

By: Drake WellbeingHub

 

International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.The global theme for International Women’s Day in 2021 is ‘Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 World’. COVID-19 has impacted women and girls in profound ways, amplifying the inequalities they face every day. It is fundamental that diverse women’s voices and experiences are central to national and global recovery plans.

To celebrate International Women’s Day this year, we asked some of our talented, successful and inspiring women at Drake WorkWise to provide their view on International Women’s Day and share their achievements, successes, and career advice to women today.

Here’s what they had to say…

Amanda Stonestreet, Client Relationship Manager – Drake WorkWise

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

International women's day is a chance to celebrate how far we've come, and acknowledge how far we have to go globally, for women's rights and equality. I'm saddened that some people still don't believe gender inequality exists in Australian workplaces. We all have a role in checking our own biases and breaking down barriers, and today is great reminder.

Looking back on your career, what are you most proud of?

Taking a chance and trying new things, saying yes to new opportunities as they come up. I have lived and work overseas and changed industries. Not everything has turned out as expected, but I wouldn’t even change those experiences given how much I have grown and learnt.

What's the secret to your success?

As above, not being afraid to try new things, it’s kept it interesting and allowed me to develop a broad depth of knowledge and skills.

What career advice can you give to young women today?

  • It’s ok to take time to figure out what you want to do, and it’s never too late to change your mind and try something else.
  • Find people that support your growth and development, sometimes that’s more important than a job title or what you’re doing day to day.
  • Your job doesn’t necessarily have to be your passion, but you should feel appreciated and a sense of accomplishment. If it starts impacting negatively on your life outside of work, or your mental health, it may be time to move on.

Andrea Marlan , National Manager (Solutions and Consulting Services) – Drake WorkWise

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

An opportunity to stop and draw breath and take a moment to acknowledge the fabulous women in my personal and professional networks and the broader community, and be grateful for the impact they have had on me.

Looking back on your career, what are you most proud of?

No longer being a spring chicken - there are so many things to look back on - however my proudest moments are watching team members that have worked with me over the years (and who still keep in touch) grow and flourish in their careers. 

What's the secret to your success?

  1. Be kind! Treat everyone as you would like to be treated.
  2. Apply fairness and ethics always - and whilst sometimes that can be hard - know that paying it forward always comes back to you tenfold!
  3. Trust your gut!

What career advice can you give to young women today?

  1. Don't be afraid to try different things or seek or ask for stretch opportunities.
  2. Many barriers exist in our minds. Have a great mentor who is honest.

Finally if something isn't working or you don't like it - change it. Don't accept the status quo!

Rebecca Ciappara - Clinical Services and Finance Coordinator - Drake WorkWise

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

For me, International Women's Day is all about celebrating women and our various forms of achievements, whether it's personal, professional, or absolutely anything else. It is a day for us to celebrate each other.

Looking back on your career, what are you most proud of?

I am really proud of how far I have come in the last few years. I started at Drake WorkWise as a Clinical Intake Coordinator directly from university. Over the years I have learnt more about the business and have grown professional which led to taking on more responsibilities. I am now moving over to a new role in our sales team, which I am so excited about.

What's the secret to your success?

Working with such an amazing team is a big part of my success. I have always loved coming to work, our team environment helps me feel so motivated and supported.

What career advice can you give to young women today?

My advice would be to try to not put too much pressure on yourself to decide on a long-term career at a young age. Simply begin by finding an industry that you are interested in and you genuinely enjoy, and the rest will follow from there. 

Tazmayn Goode – Wellbeing Consultant  - Drake Wellness Hub

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

International Women’s Day is a small (but crucial) part of a greater whole in equal Human's Rights to me. In a global culture where we're so focused on 'what's next', and rightly so given the injustices in the world - March 8th is more than a day of awareness and action. It’s also a day of reflection and celebration of how far Women's social, political and employment rights have come since the day was founded over 100 years ago. It’s a day to honour our female lineage and the bold and brave people before us who firstly dreamed of a different future for women and then spoke up about it and took the first step of change they could, regardless of how small it may have seemed in the greater scheme.

Looking back on your career, what are you most proud of?

My initial answers were a list of my financial achievements and promotions. But if it were my daughter asking me this question, my answer would be getting up on the days when all I feel like keeping the curtains drawn. What gets me up is reminding myself that what I have to say matters and by showing up and sharing my passion, compassion, knowledge and experience - I am contributing to a brighter day for someone else. It’s the small steps of bravery every day that I am most proud of.

And also, the conception and birth of a brand new wellbeing product called The Drake Wellness Hub - what was once a dream is in the final stages of becoming a reality, and have enjoyed playing a significant role in its development!

What's the secret to your success?

Firstly I'd define what success is to me; a life from which I don't feel like I need a holiday to recuperate from my daily living. The secret to my version of success is regularly checking in with myself; are my life values and goals currently reflected in my actions? If yes - continue feeling successful. If no - explore the misalignment and graciously allow myself to redirect my course.

What career advice can you give to young women today?

Speak up, even when your voice is trembling.

Gonca Sobaci, Client Relationship Manager – Drake WorkWise

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

Celebrating strong women who are not afraid to show their vulnerability as well.

Looking back on your career, what are you most proud of?

My ability to bring up my kids as a single mum as well as pursue my career in recruitment.

What's the secret to your success?

Never give up and having a positive outlook to any situation.

What career advice can you give to young women today?

Support one another rather than putting other women down.

Sylvia Roman, Client Relationship Manager – Drake WorkWise

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

Celebration of women’s achievement in all aspects

Looking back on your career, what are you most proud of?

Learning skills and knowledge along the way.

What's the secret to your success?

Keep striving and be authentic.

What career advice can you give to young women today?

Believe in yourself.


If you’re looking to better support your workers’ wellbeing, contact our Drake wellbeing experts and schedule your complimentary wellness check today!  Contact us for an obligation free call today.  

Looking for more information to start your wellbeing journey? Email Drake to schedule your free consultation.

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