Happy International Womens Day!

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY! This blog is dedicated to the strong women that came before me and the women that are walking into the business future.

Last year, I lost my mother, who was my biggest inspiration. Mum paved the way for me to step into my business shoes and was my cheerleader and voice or reason. Her schooling and career path were fascinating. Due to her being put up a year at school (to make up the number in a small country Southland school), Mum started boarding school on her 12th birthday. As a result of her starting high school so young, she was ready for the workforce at age 16. Too young to go to Training college or university, Mum acquired a job at the BNZ. The first female was for the Gore branch. After some time, her name and work ethic held some clout that when family members went to the bank, they were able to say that they knew Margaret!

Years later after leaving her role in Invercargill she was called back into the office to help out the mess that TWO of her replacements had made. I love that it took two men to replace her one position! Mum went back on the proviso that she was paid what they were earning. A significant rise, and good on her for standing up for herself!

From doing the books for the farm, working on the farm and raising her family Mum worked steadfast and right to the end was strong and independent. Her documentation was organised and in folders and it certainly helped the family tidy up her Estate.

Roll on to the next generation - my daughters. Both are very strong women who are carving out amazing careers. With daughters of their own they model having a career whilst spending time with their tamariki. They don't settle for b*shit. If they see a colleague being bullied, or not happy they are the first to jump in, and whilst it might put a blot on their own record, they stand up loud and proud helping those that need support.