Five female leaders on the power of 'Give to Gain' this International Women's Day

This year’s International Women’s Day theme ‘Give to Gain’ calls for a renewed focus on generosity, collaboration and reciprocity as drivers of meaningful progress for women in the workplace. Set within International Women’s History Month, International Women’s Day has been observed for more than a century. While significant strides have been made since its origins in 1911, many of the systemic barriers to women’s advancement persist. The day remains both a celebration of women’s achievements and a reminder that sustained action is still required to forge true gender parity.

With this backdrop, senior female leaders working across technology, AI, ecommerce, marketing and community impact share their perspectives. They reflect on how their experiences have shaped their leadership approaches and outline why equitable access to opportunity - through mentorship, skills development, allyship and inclusive structures - must be treated as a strategic priority. Their commentary offers clear considerations for organisations seeking to create environments where women can lead, contribute and progress - and where, ultimately, everyone benefits.

Jillian Ryan, Senior Manager of Content Marketing Strategy at Intuit Mailchimp

Jillian Ryan

Senior Manager of Content Marketing Strategy, Intuit Mailchimp

A core part of my leadership ethos is the belief that leadership and management are not the same. Leadership extends beyond your immediate team; it’s about modelling the behaviours you want to see and creating an environment where women feel valued. Feedback is a gift but so is recognition. A thoughtful message, public shoutout or ensuring contributions are visible to senior leaders can meaningfully reinforce performance, belonging and motivation. I strive to ensure that all my cross-functional partners, at every level, know their work is acknowledged.

In marketing, a fast-moving industry being reshaped by AI, equitable access to professional development and growth opportunities is critical. While 98% of mid-market marketers believe AI will improve effectiveness, only a third report using it widely today. As leaders, we have a responsibility to ensure women are not on the sidelines of this transformation. That means providing them with access to tools and time to develop and experiment in the age of AI.

Mentorship is equally important. I deliberately carve out time each month to support colleagues who want to grow. I’ve been fortunate to learn from women who created safe spaces and acted as sounding boards throughout my career; I’m committed to paying that forward. I also actively work to make sure their voices are heard, their ideas are properly credited and they’re empowered to step fully into their roles. When we consistently champion one another, we create a culture where people feel secure, acknowledged and able to do their best work.

Michelle Baltrusitis, Associate Director of Community and Social Impact at Fiverr

Michelle Baltrusitis

Associate Director of Community and Social Impact, Fiverr

My work sits at the intersection of community and opportunity – creating spaces where people can build momentum around their skills, ideas, and ambitions. For women, opportunity expands when access is given to networks, skill-building, visibility, and leadership roles.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Give to Gain,’ captures that: when access is given, the effect compounds – opportunities grow, and confidence and authority follow. That momentum is reshaping the world of work. Fiverr research shows 24% of Gen Z and Gen Alpha workers are motivated to build a personal brand, signalling a shift toward portfolio careers and continuous upskilling.

Women are helping define what the future of work looks like and organisations that create real space for women to experiment, build authority, and lead will be the ones best positioned to thrive.