International Women’s Day: Owning our stories in business

My team asked me to write a piece about my experience as a woman in business. A woman in business. It’s a label I identify with. Like all of us, I wear many labels—business owner, wife, mother, daughter, sister, mentor, and friend. 

But my journey here wasn’t conventional. 

I didn’t grow up imagining a future where I’d be managing businesses. Raised in a highly conservative, end-of-the-world, doorknocking religious movement, my world was male-dominated. As women, we were trained for a singular path: marry young, have babies, and support our husbands and the religion. Working was usually a part-time affair in family businesses. University and further study were not encouraged. That was the plan. That was the expectation. 

And yet, without realising it at the time, those early years gave me unexpected skills. Public speaking? Sales? They were ingrained in me from childhood. We were intensively trained to read people, scan our environment for details, and use that information to start conversations—because those conversations were how we got a foot in the door, quite literally. 

I was married at 19, had three children before 28, but somewhere in the margins of that life, I carved out space for myself. I studied accounting by distance, started a small bookkeeping gig, and, when life took an unexpected turn, found myself back in Australia at 31, needing a full-time job. I started at the bottom— and had to start the climb up. 

Fast forward ten years, and I’m now 41, a part-owner and manager of two businesses in this wild world of Vocational Education and Training (VET) with an inspirational female business partner, the wonderful Sally Tansley, and an amazing collaborative team. 

But it wasn’t an easy climb. I’ve lived and worked under leadership that ruled by fear, in environments where competition was encouraged over collaboration, and in cultures that told me to “stay in my lane.” But here’s the thing—I hate staying in my lane. 

It’s never been easy to be a woman, but I feel fortunate to live in a time when it’s easier than it was. I don’t need permission to pursue my ambitions. I don’t have to hide my intelligence. But that doesn’t mean the path is smooth. 

Women in business still face biases—some obvious, some subtle. There’s the pressure to prove we deserve a seat at the table, to balance work and home, to be likable but not “too soft,” to be assertive but not “too aggressive.” The invisible expectations can be exhausting. And on top of that, there’s the mental load—the constant juggling of responsibilities, the pressure to be “on” all the time, and the weight of the expectations we place on ourselves. 

But here’s what I’ve learned: success isn’t about fitting into someone else’s mould. It’s about showing up as who you are. 

The role of authentic leadership and the men who support it 

New leaders often think they need to be rigid to be strong. Effective leaders know the opposite is true. 

Strength isn’t about power plays or constantly exercising authority. It’s about authenticity. It’s about knowing when to speak and when to listen, when to push and when to pause. It’s about creating an environment where people can thrive, where they don’t feel boxed in by outdated norms or unnecessary barriers. 

And as I speak about my experience as a woman in leadership, I also want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible men who have walked this journey with me. 

My husband of 22 years, who has stood beside me through every challenge, and watched me change a million times to become who I am. My three teenage boys, who remind me daily why strong, kind, and empathetic leadership matters. And the friends and colleagues—both men and women—who have championed me, challenged me, and supported me as I carved my own path. 

Because the truth is, real change happens when we stand together. When men and women work as allies, breaking down barriers and rewriting the rules—not just for ourselves, but for those who come after us. 

Leading our own way 

So in recognition of this year’s International Women’s Day, I want to celebrate the women who challenge the status quo—not just in business but in all areas of life. The women who refuse to stay in their lane. The women who are building businesses, breaking barriers, and leading in ways that feel right for them. 

And I also want to celebrate the men who support those women. The ones who believe in equity, who encourage their daughters to dream without limits, and who make space at the table rather than take up all the seats. 

Because leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about creating space for others to find theirs. 

Brooke Lombard

With a background in instructional design and business management, Brooke brings creativity and energy to RTO Works. Focused on business growth, she continuously seeks ways to streamline operations and innovate. Her passion for people and the planet is reflected in her leadership, fostering a culture of respect and trust that helps her team thrive.