The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is March Forward, and we spoke to four women-owned NAB business customers about why supporting women-run businesses helps move the needle forward for gender equality.
Halo Diamonds: Angela Di-Lallo
What is your number one piece of advice for women wanting to start their own business?
My biggest advice is to trust yourself and take the leap. Women, myself included, often hesitate to start something new because, in an ideal world, we want everything perfectly planned. But the truth is, you learn and adapt along the way.
What matters most is being passionate about what you do because running a business is a full-time commitment with no real off time. Passion is the fuel that keeps you going. Passion fuels resilience, and resilience drives success. When you truly love what you do, challenges become stepping stones rather than roadblocks.
This year’s theme is March Forward – how can supporting women-run businesses move the needle forward for gender equality?
Supporting well-run, women-led businesses creates a ripple effect that goes far beyond just the business itself. When a successful, well-managed women-led business thrives, it sets a powerful example for young girls to aspire to.
Seeing women in leadership — building, innovating, and succeeding — inspires the next generation to dream bigger. It’s not just about supporting women for the sake of equality, but about backing excellence, innovation, and leadership. When we do that, we create lasting change.
What unique qualities do you think women bring to the business and corporate world?
Women are naturally intuitive, empathetic, and adaptive and these are qualities that help foster long-lasting relationships. We are also detail-oriented, which is crucial in the fine jewellery industry (and the corporate world), where precision is everything and there is no margin for error. Understanding the finer details allows us to guide clients with care and confidence.
Jewellery is often tied to life’s milestones — whether it’s an engagement, an anniversary, a birthday, or a personal achievement — so having emotional insight is invaluable. This ability to connect with clients on a personal level creates a shopping experience that is thoughtful and meaningful. In any successful small family business, trust is everything, and these qualities help build lasting connections that truly make a difference.
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Transitainer: Kelly Crossley
What is your number one piece of advice for women wanting to start their own business?
Back yourself and take the leap. Surround yourself with a solid support system, stay adaptable, never give up, remain resilient, and never stop learning. Just as age is a number, gender is a letter.
This year’s theme is March Forward – how can supporting women-run businesses move the needle forward for gender equality?
Supporting women-run businesses will help inspire the next generation to believe in themselves, pursue leadership and CEO roles, engage in entrepreneurship, and challenge traditional gender norms.
This creates a cycle of progress that moves the needle forward to closing issues such as the gender pay gap.
What unique qualities do you think women bring to the business and corporate world?
Women bring qualities that better suit modern life. In a fast-paced, high-pressure working environment, and with the majority of families consisting of both working parents, women bring understanding, patience, empathy, and a balance of firmness.
These qualities make women strong leaders and managers, which helps businesses and the corporate world with staff culture, retention engagement, and productivity.
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Crumpets by Merna: Merna Taouk
What is your number one piece of advice for women wanting to start their own business?
My number one piece of advice for women wanting to start their own business is to believe in yourself, your vision and stay persistent.
Starting a business comes with challenges, and as a woman entrepreneur, you may face additional challengers. It’s crucial to stay focused on your goals, keep building your skills, and be prepared for both setbacks and victories. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, fellow entrepreneurs, and like-minded individuals.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, but also trust your instincts and have the courage to take calculated risks. Resilience, self-confidence, and a growth mindset will be key to your success.
This year’s theme is March Forward – how can supporting women-run businesses move the needle forward for gender equality?
Supporting women-run businesses plays a vital role in moving the needle forward for gender equality by creating a more diverse and inclusive economic landscape.
Women-run businesses create jobs, generate income, and builds independences, contributing to economic growth and stability for themselves, their families, and their communities. This is a great way to close the gender gap and elevate women’s financial independence which challenges traditional gender norms and stereotypes, showing that women can lead successful businesses.
What unique qualities do you think women bring to the business and corporate world?
Women bring a range of unique qualities to any business that enhance creativity, collaboration, and leadership. I think us as women naturally understand and relate to the emotions of others, which fosters strong relationships and effective communication. This quality helps in creating supportive work environments.
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Glendale Packaging: Brooke Duggan
What is your number one piece of advice for women wanting to start their own business?
My number one piece of advice would be to believe in your ability and be fearless in taking that first step. Don’t wait for the perfect moment – start with what you have and learn along the way.
Trust your instincts, leverage your unique perspective as a woman, and build a business that reflects your values and vision. There will always be challenges, but resilience, passion, and determination will carry you through.
This year’s theme is March Forward – how can supporting women-run businesses move the needle forward for gender equality?
“March Forward” is such a powerful theme, and it beautifully ties into the idea of progress and change. Supporting women-run businesses plays a significant role in advancing gender equality. When women run business, they create jobs not only for themselves but for others.
By investing in and supporting women-run businesses, you contribute to a stronger, more diverse economy. More women in business means more opportunities for women in the workforce, which helps reduce the gender pay gap and create a more equitable job market.
As we March Forward I want to continue to be a beacon of inspiration for other women, showing them that progress is possible, and help move the needle forward toward greater gender equality.
What unique qualities do you think women bring to the business and corporate world?
Women bring a blend of empathy, innovation, collaboration, and resilience to the business world, making them exceptional leaders and contributors. Their unique qualities foster an environment where people feel valued, heard, and supported – ultimately driving success both for the organisation and society at large.
Many women in business focus on building lasting legacies rather than just short-term success. This long-term vision often means they are more willing to invest in the growth of their teams, infrastructure, and innovation, leading to sustainable business practices and strategic growth over time.
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Aroona Pools: Lin Li
What is your number one piece of advice for women wanting to start their own business?
Always prepare for difficulties. Don’t think running a business is easy
How can supporting women-run businesses move the needle forward for gender equality?
I would like to see more incentives from the government for childcare support for business women because women usually takes more responsibilities in the family to support the children, especially when they are young
What unique qualities do you think women bring to the business and corporate world?
Women are more much more empathetic. They are more understandable for the customers and workers needs.
Learn about NAB’s commitment to helping female business owners start, grow and scale their businesses here.
