This year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘give to gain’, offered a moment to reflect on the role women play in actively shaping one another’s growth and confidence.
At Headland, we know that careers are rarely built alone. The most powerful gains often start with someone choosing to give – their time, their support, or their voice.
Four Headlanders from across the business share something they have ‘gained’ in their careers from the allyship of other women, and how that generosity fuels a culture of support in return.
Ellie Mai Wackett: Finding my voice
“Have the confidence, I know you know the answer” was a phrase my English teacher, Miss Stewart, often said to me at school. I was the student who sat quietly, second-guessing my answers to questions, hoping someone else would be bold enough to speak first – even when I knew my answer was right.
Miss Stewart noticed. She’d look past the hands of my confident peers and ask me instead, because she knew I was capable. She believed in, and trusted, my abilities before I did. She made me realise that confidence isn’t about being the loudest person in the room – it’s about backing yourself, even when your voice is shaking!
That lesson followed me into my career. I’m often the youngest in the room, surrounded by people with more experience than me. It can feel intimidating, and I’m still building that confidence, but the shift in my approach to trusting my own skills was truly down to her!
Hannah Smith: The power of visible leadership
Over the last few years, I have had the privilege of working with and for a number of exceptional women whose leadership has shaped my career in meaningful ways.
From them, I’ve gained more than just practical skills; I’ve also gained confidence. Watching women operate in senior leadership roles and at C-suite level with clarity, and without compromising authenticity has expanded my sense of what’s possible for me. I’ve learnt the value of backing my judgement, asking for what I need, and taking up space without apology.
I’ve also been fortunate enough to have experienced genuine peer support from other women who have shared advice, opened doors, and championed one another. That collective encouragement creates real momentum.
These experiences have shaped my understanding of allyship, from something passive to actively championing others. Having benefited from women who have championed me, I feel a responsibility to do the same and to create environments where other women feel seen, supported, and able to thrive.
Tracey Foschini: Owning your presence
One of my first line managers at a PR agency in Sydney was a formidable woman named Jo who packed a punch in a very small package. As someone who has often been the shortest person in the room, I struggled to project presence and gravitas, particularly at networking events dominated by more imposing (and, at the time, mostly white and male) figures. I was always struck by how Jo carried herself – with an air of seniority that made her stature irrelevant.
There were practical adjustments that helped: dressing “more professionally”, standing taller, lifting my gaze. But the greatest thing she instilled in me was a shift in mindset – believing I had something to offer and asking, what did I really have to lose? At worst, an awkward five minutes. At best, a conversation that opens a door.
I endured far more awkward moments than breakthrough ones, but even a one-in-ten hit rate made the risk worthwhile.
Women are often labelled as lacking confidence, and in today’s hybrid world, being visible and vocal can feel harder than ever. Speaking up is easier said than done, but I try to model the same mindset Jo gave me. Sometimes simply seeing it done is what makes it possible.
Yvonne Keal: The power of being heard
One of the most important things I’ve gained in my career from another woman is confidence and it came from something simple – being properly listened to.
When I was questioning my approach to a piece of work, she took the time to really hear my concerns and my thinking. She didn’t dismiss my worries or immediately offer her own solution. Instead, she asked questions, challenged me in the right way, and ultimately backed my point of view. That support gave me the reassurance that I was on the right track and the confidence to move forward with my solution. It might sound small but having someone you respect validate your thinking can be incredibly powerful. Support doesn’t always mean stepping in or taking over, sometimes it’s simply about listening and helping someone trust their own judgement.
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