Every year on 8 March, people around the world celebrate International Women’s Day, recognising the remarkable contributions of women and advocating for gender equality across social, cultural, political, and economic spheres.
This year’s theme, Accelerate Action, is a powerful reminder that progress isn’t just about recognising women’s contributions, it’s about actively creating opportunities where women can thrive. At GCW, we reaffirm our commitment to gender equity, inclusion, and empowerment. Through mentorship programs, leadership development initiatives, and policies that support work-life balance, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace where all voices are heard, valued, and uplifted.
This year’s International Women’s Day inspired us to speak with five remarkable women across our business, sharing their experiences, achievements, and insights. Their stories serve as an inspiration to us all, highlighting the diverse contributions that women make every day.
Michelle Bingham, Grace Corporate Services Manager
What’s one way we can accelerate gender equality in the workplace?
International Women’s Day is not just about celebrating progress—it’s about driving change for the next generation. As a parent, I think about my daughter and the future workplace she will enter. I want her to grow up confident that she can pursue any career she chooses, free from barriers or biases.
One of the best ways to promote gender equality at work is by normalising flexibility, especially for working mothers. Women still bear most parenting responsibilities, but they shouldn’t have to choose between a career and family.
Flexible hours, hybrid work, and job-sharing can make a huge difference. Support for maternity leave and a smooth return to work helps women stay on track and feel valued. When businesses enable better work-life balance, everyone benefits.
Tell us a bit about your background and your current role.
I’ve been in the mobility and corporate relocation industry for nearly 13 years now, with over 9 of those years at Grace. I’ve worked across various roles—from administration to Mobility Specialist, then Team Leader, and now Corporate Services Manager for the past six years. My role is all about ensuring smooth service delivery, managing key client accounts, and driving business growth.
What have been your key challenges as a female leader?
One of the biggest challenges has been balancing career growth with family responsibilities. I’ve taken maternity leave twice during my time at Grace, and there’s always that internal (and sometimes external) pressure of juggling both. Women often feel they must choose between career and family, and it can be tough to find a balance that works. I’ve had to learn how to set boundaries, lean on support systems, and remind myself that it’s okay to ask for help.
What advice would you give women seeking to progress their career in our industry?
Be open to new opportunities, even if they feel outside your comfort zone. A lot of the time we hesitate because we don’t think we tick every box, but growth happens when you take the leap. Put yourself out there, back yourself, and be confident in what you bring to the table. Also, building strong relationships and having a solid support network with colleagues can make a significant impact on your journey.
Jane Everett, Director, Crown Australia
What’s one way we can accelerate gender equality in the workplace?
At Crown, we’re proud to have a strong representation of women across our teams and leadership roles. A diverse team drives productivity, innovation, and better customer service, which is why diversity remains a priority. By fostering opportunities for career advancement and offering flexible policies, we aim to support women’s success and growth in the workplace.
Tell us a bit about your background and your current role.
I started my career in 2002 as a leader at Global Career Link, where I expanded its international candidate sourcing operations into a multi-office network across New Zealand and Australia. In 2009, I joined Weichert Workforce Mobility in London, taking on various roles before becoming Regional Vice President for EMEA. This position allowed me to travel extensively, building strong connections with corporate clients and providers around the globe.
During the Covid pandemic, I returned to the southern hemisphere and joined Crown in Australia three years ago. Today, I lead Crown Relocations and Crown World Mobility, working with corporate and individual clients, managing teams, driving growth, and delivering innovative solutions.
What have been your key challenges as a female leader?
I’ve had some fantastic female mentors and inspirational female leaders so I’ve had support if there have ever been gender based challenges.
Being a working mum has created challenges, but it’s also been a privilege I wouldn’t change for the world.
What advice would you give women seeking to progress their career in our industry?
Staying positive and putting in the effort is key. Take the initiative and give it a try. If a role catches your interest, ask questions and reach out to the person advertising it—but make sure to put yourself out there. Don’t hesitate to consider a lateral career move either—it’s an excellent way to build new skills and gain valuable experience.
Nicki French, Director, Grace Removals
What’s one way we can accelerate gender equality in the workplace?
Gender equality matters because the best talent can be found equally among men and women, as education results show gender is not a factor. However, women are often less likely to apply for roles unless they feel fully qualified, highlighting the need to recognise, mentor and support potential future leaders across the business.
Tell us a bit about your background and your current role.
This year marks my 33rd in the industry, including 20 years in the UK moving sector before joining Grace in Australia 13 years ago. Throughout my career, I’ve held roles in sales, operations, branch management, general management, and corporate account management. A third of my experience is in international moving, including managing the UK Diplomatic contract, once the largest non-military moving contract globally. As Director of Moving Services at Grace Removals, I oversee our home moving business, shaping its strategic direction and implementing tactical plans to achieve our goals.
What have been your key challenges as a female leader?
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible people, both men and women, who value me for my knowledge and accomplishments. However, I still face external judgment from time to time. For example, some men I meet for the first time struggle to understand my role and ask repeatedly for clarification, seemingly unable to grasp that a woman could hold such a position. While I don’t get upset or offended, I’ve learned over the years how to handle these situations more effectively.
What advice would you give to women looking to advance their careers in our industry?
Embrace challenges that take you out of your comfort zone. When I was 24, I became the first female Branch Manager at Pickfords UK. At the time, the company had 120 branches, and my branch in Slough ranked 115th. Within a year, I brought it up to number 15. I’ll never forget how nervous I felt walking into the yard on my first day—6 trucks, 15 crew members, and 4 office staff, and I was now in charge. But I focused on building trust with my team, and together, we proved that success isn’t about the market—it’s about what you do with it.
I also believe strongly in continuous learning. Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something or ask for help. It’s a great way to learn and build strong connections along the way.
Meni Skourmala, Business Systems & Services Manager, GCW Group
What’s one way we can accelerate gender equality in the workplace?
One powerful way is by uplifting other women as you advance in your career. Build a supportive community where women help each other grow. Own your achievements with confidence, speak up in meetings, and share your ideas. Your voice and contributions matter, and taking initiative not only drives your personal growth but also supports the success of your team.
Tell us a bit about your background and your current role.
My role involves maintaining and developing the systems used across all our companies, including Grace Removals, Crown, Grace Records Management, Move Dynamics, and Smartbox. This encompasses designing, programming, and implementing these systems to meet the evolving needs of the business. I’ve been with GCW for 18 years, continuously enhancing our systems and adapting to new challenges and requirements.
What have been your key challenges as a female leader?
I’ve been proud to lead many projects, especially when faced with tight deadlines and a short timeframe for delivery. Despite these challenges, I believe the systems we’ve built have made a significant contribution to the company’s ongoing success and stability.
What advice would you give women seeking to progress their career in our industry?
Regardless of the industry, it’s crucial to take ownership of your tasks and role. At home, having supportive relationships—be it with partners, family, or friends—can make a big difference in managing the balance between work and personal life. When there’s mutual understanding and shared responsibilities, it creates the space for professional success.
Anne Blight, Regional Manager, Grace Information Management
What’s one way we can accelerate gender equality in the workplace?
One key way is by celebrating women’s achievements—no matter how big or small. Personally, my proudest achievement has been never giving up, believing in myself, and staying committed to my goals. I’ve worked hard to support my team, helping them grow into the best versions of themselves, and to build the business into what it is today.
It hasn’t always been easy, and I’ve had to put in extra effort to be recognised in my role. But consistency, passion, and determination have shaped me into a better leader and a stronger person.
Tell us a bit about your background and your current role.
This year marks my 17th anniversary with Grace Records Management. When I first joined, there was no established records management presence in WA, and my primary goal was to grow the business in Perth. Back then, it was just me and one other team member, who handled both warehouse and driver duties. Today, we’ve grown into a strong team of 24 employees, complete with a Digital Bureau and a depot in Bunbury.
What have been your key challenges as a female leader?
Staying true to myself, even when things didn’t go as planned. One major challenge was stepping into the State Manager role in a heavily male-dominated industry. I had to put in extra effort to prove my skills and capabilities. At the same time, I was learning the ins and outs of a new industry while working to grow the business.
What advice would you give women seeking to progress their career in our industry?
Stay determined and tenacious in pursuing your goals and never settle for less than you deserve. Cultivate empathy and pair it with strong leadership skills, particularly when guiding and supporting your team.
