International Women's Day 2024 - The Women of MooGoo
In a world where we are often bombarded with the media plugging the likes of celebrities such as Beyonce, Oprah, and Taylor Swift – the idea of an ‘inspirational woman’ is an exclusive one. Don’t get us wrong, these women are amazing and have achieved incredible feats that deserve to be admired and respected. However, it doesn’t take being ‘Cosmopolitan's Women of The Year’ to be an inspiring figure. In fact, the women in our everyday lives are often our biggest inspirations without us even knowing it.
This year for International Women’s Day, we wanted to learn from our very own. The Women of MooGoo. Women who, like so many of us, aren’t striving to be the best actress or the best sportswomen but instead, the best version of themselves. WGEA 2020-21 data shows that while women make up half of the private sector workforce (50.5%), women make up only: 32.5% of key management positions, 19.4% of CEOs, and 33% of board members. We're incredibly proud to share that 85% of our Head Office team are women, as are 5 out of 7 of our Department Heads.
We are spoiled with inspirational and encouraging women at every patch of the office. So, we asked our team leaders their greatest achievements, words of wisdom, and what the fight towards gender equality means to them.
Melody – CEO
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? What I’ve learned over the years is that a big part of leadership is about humility, which a great female mentor of mine summed up in this statement ‘Seek first to understand, then to be understood'. She would repeat it in every conversation we had about leadership and it has helped shape my leadership style today.
What do you think it takes to be a good leader? I don’t believe there is one characteristic or trait that defines good leadership, each leader has their strengths. Personally, a core trait of being a good leader is empathy. Being able to relate and connect with all people to help achieve a common goal.
What women either in your life or not inspire you most? There are too many to mention here. I am inspired daily by the women in my life. Whether it be in the workplace, friends or family members, their strength and resilience is a constant inspiration.
What is your proudest achievement? I recently became a Mum, it has become to be the most amazing and fulfilling experience of my life.
What’s your favourite thing about your job? I am passionate about improving people’s well-being, at MooGoo I get to do this every day by providing access to natural healthy products that help skin and scalp problems.
What change do you want to see for women in 2024? I’d like to see an increase in the representation of women in senior leadership roles. Women are underrepresented at leadership and management levels in Australian workplaces.
What does International Women's Day mean to you? It’s an opportunity to reflect and acknowledge the determination, sacrifice, and achievement of all women who have paved the way for us today and all those who continue to pursue social, economic, cultural, and political equality for women.
Melissa – Head of Sales
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Early in my career, I was told I wasn’t a good leader because my team didn’t fear me. This made me think that I was not made out to lead a team or that I had to filter out parts of my personality to show less emotion. I found this challenging and harder to build trust and inspire change. A few years later in a different company and role, my boss encouraged me to focus on my natural style and lead with that. I’ve had so much more personal fulfilment and achieved much greater results trusting and leaning into my natural strengths!
What do you think it takes to be a good leader? Honesty, transparency and consistency. I believe these are some of the core traits and behaviours in building trust and you can’t expect anyone to be inspired or follow your intended plan without trust.
What women either in your life or not inspire you most? My daughter. She is fierce but kind and she reminds me that you can be both strong and compassionate. I hope she is always unapologetically herself!
What is your proudest achievement? My son and daughter. I am proud to be their mum and guide the little people that they are becoming!
My son just the other day came to me and told me that when he grows up he just wants to be a ‘good person’ and I love that he is learning that kindness to himself and others is one of the best things you can be.
What’s your favourite thing about your job? Having the freedom and empowerment to shape the strategy and structure for the sales field team in the retail space.
What change do you want to see for women in 2024? I hope that gender equality continues to be a strong focus so that when my daughter is older, a specific day doesn’t need to exist!
What does International Women's Day mean to you? A day to celebrate the fantastic women around me. I also hope that gender equality continues to be a strong focus so that when my daughter is older, a specific day doesn’t need to exist!
Ashleigh – Global Digital & eCommerce Manager
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? A girlfriend and past Manager once said ‘We can do it all, but we just can’t do it all at once’ and that’s really stuck with me. It’s a reminder to take time to reflect and more importantly to take time to reset. We’re here to support one another; celebrate friendships and freedoms, and believe in ourselves.
What do you think it takes to be a good leader? Being a good leader means to inspire and motivate those around you. It’s to demonstrate integrity, share knowledge and extend your passion into your everyday life, and offer personal and professional growth so others can be the best they can be.
What women either in your life or not inspire you most? Those that are able to offer kindness and assistance without incentive. In the last few years of major world events, the importance of checking in on those most vulnerable, to those that may never ask! A sense of community and belonging is above all what connects us.
What is your proudest achievement? The first thing that comes to mind is being the first person and generation in my family to graduate from University! Very grateful for the opportunities that have come my way over the years from hard work and determination, and it’s ultimately what led me right here to my dream job as Digital and eCommerce Manager at MooGoo.
What’s your favourite thing about your job? The fact that I get to work for and contribute to an Aussie-made and owned company and that I get to do it with such a great, like-minded team. Plus, we're pet-friendly - there's usually always at least one furry friend hanging out in the office with us.
Brieanna - Retail Marketing Manager
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I have ever received would be that to lead you don’t need to fit the mould of the stereotypical leader. You can be kind, empathetic, ask questions - be yourself and still do great business! Stepping into this role, I wasn’t sure how I would go not being your standard negotiating, sales-ey, straight shooter, and still having so much to learn! However, I have found that the best relationships are built by asking questions, being transparent, and at the end of the day – we are all in this big game of life together!
What do you think it takes to be a good leader? When I look at the great leaders in my life, transparency, clear communication, and trust drive me to do my best every single day. I think a transparent leader, who trusts in you to do the job, makes you feel empowered and pushes you to be better. In my career, I will always aspire to be clear, transparent and empower those around me.
What women either in your life or not inspire you most? I feel like this is a classic answer but… my mum & my nana. They are the kindest, strongest, hardest working BOSSES I know. My mum studied to become a nurse at 50 when my parents divorced after years of being a stay-at-home mum and my nana is the manager of a retirement village at 83! I repeat, manager at 83!
From a young age, they taught me to treat those how you want to be treated. Treat the janitor with the same respect as the CEO. They showed me that to be kind is the most productive way to get where you want in life.
Also, I cannot leave out my absolute role model – Princess Di! I have always been utterly obsessed with Lady Diana. She always carried herself with such grace, and never changed for anyone. She was the epitome of a leader and remained so true to herself. In my eyes, Lady Di did start the conversation that women could & should lead!
What is your proudest achievement? Hands down my proudest achievement in my career is my role at MooGoo. Coming fresh off the scene from working in a law firm, I really had to learn a whole new world and be good at it!
I have always aspired to have a role where I can make it my own and work with a fabulous team! It is an absolute pleasure to work at MooGoo and create products that not only treat skin problems but also enhance confidence!
What’s your favourite thing about your job? The people. Oh, without a doubt MooGoo has some of the most wonderful people I have ever met in my life. You cannot go around a corner without hearing laughter or seeing beautiful smiles back at you! The culture at MooGoo is second to none. This is something I am truly so grateful for, every single day. Coming from quite an intense job previously, I didn’t know it was possible to feel so at home whilst being at work. The support from every single person in the business is really something special. We all want to see each other succeed.
AND I get to bring my Frenchie, Stompi to work each day!
What change do you want to see for women in 2024? I want to see women taken more seriously in domestic violence situations. Mental and/or physical abuse is way too common in Australia & we aren’t doing enough about it.
What does International Women's Day mean to you? To empower and be empowered! Who run the woooorld?
Kodie - Customer Service Manager
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I've ever received is to "be where your feet are." It's a gentle reminder to focus on the current moment, to immerse myself in whatever I'm doing, and to appreciate each experience as it unfolds. "Be where your feet are" serves as a constant reminder to find contentment in the present moment, no matter what may lie ahead or behind.
What do you think it takes to be a good leader? I believe a good leader demonstrates kindness, empathy, compassion, and understanding. These qualities not only build trust and respect but also create a positive and supportive environment within a team.
What women either in your life or not inspire you most? The women who inspire me the most are my two sisters. They embody strength, resilience, and compassion in everything they do. Their support, love, and encouragement inspire me to be the best version of myself every day. Alongside them, I am reminded of the incredible impact women have when uplifting each other.
What is your proudest achievement? One of my proudest achievements is earning my bachelor's degree at the age of 19, despite facing various challenges along the way. This accomplishment taught me the importance of resilience, determination, and perseverance in pursuing my goals.
What’s your favourite thing about your job? My favourite thing about my job is undoubtedly my team of amazing women. Working alongside such supportive, and inspiring individuals brings me immense joy and fulfilment every day. Their dedication, and collaborative spirit make every challenge feel resolvable and every success even more rewarding. Together, we create a vibrant and inclusive work environment where everyone is valued and celebrated. The sense of unity we share uplifts me and makes coming to work a great experience.
What change do you want to see for women in 2024? In 2024, I want a world where women support each other wholeheartedly. I hope for a society where women's concerns, experiences, and aspirations are given the attention and consideration they deserve, especially in healthcare and other crucial areas.
What does International Women's Day mean to you? International Women's Day for me, is a celebration of how far we have come and an acknowledgment of how much further we still have to go. This is a day full of opportunities to educate. It is also a day to show appreciation to all the women who are doing great things on a global scale, and those who impact our lives personally. International Women's Day is all about Women supporting Women which is something I value so highly and am so happy to celebrate!
Laura – Branch and Marketing Manager UK
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Work hard, be kind and surround yourself with good people.
What do you think it takes to be a good leader? Trust, honesty, and a good team. Know when to let others take the lead and trust in them, own up to your mistakes (we all make some), and recognise and reward good work.
What women either in your life or not inspire you most? My mum and my sister. My mum never stops helping others and putting other people first. She will do anything for me and my sister, even though she is kept very busy, looking after children in her role as a foster carer. I hope I have the energy to do as much for my children in the future. My sister is so career-driven and constantly inspires me within work. She is the person I will always go to for advice.
What is your proudest achievement? I am proud of my career. With the support of my amazing team, we have achieved some really great things in MooGoo UK over the past few years! Last year has been particularly difficult with the UK being so badly affected by the pandemic, but I am so proud that we have continued to do well throughout, and have successfully adapted to the completely new way of working.
What’s your favourite thing about your job? My team! I am so fortunate that we have found the best team. We stick together, help each other out, and are a constant support to one another. We achieve great things together but have a laugh whilst doing so!
What change do you want to see for women in 2024? I recently read that 1 in 4 women in the UK has set up their own business during the pandemic. With many people losing jobs or being furloughed for long periods of time, this demonstrates the resilience women have. I would love to see even more of this, with women supporting women in business, and the banks investing in them too!
What does International Women's Day mean to you? A day to celebrate women and all the great things that we can achieve, but it's also a reminder of how important it is to support other women, encourage them and be kind to one another.