Despite the many strides made towards gender equality, many industries remain largely male-dominated.

But even in traditionally male-dominated fields, we’ve met and worked with women who have broken barriers, shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for others.

To celebrate International Women’s Day 2023 and following this year’s theme #EmbraceEquity, we invited two inspiring women to share how they climbed the ladders in industries where women typically need to work a little harder to progress their careers.

Kay Robinson, Distribution Centre Manager – QLD at Australian Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, made the switch to the logistics sector and was deeply curious to learn more. Despite being warned that her career aspirations were perhaps too ambitious, she took the challenge and accomplished her goals. Today she continues to inspire those that she leads and takes pride in supporting the success of their careers.

Jessica Jenkins, National Corporate Relationships Manager at Solution Underwriting, started her career at GIO/Suncorp selling home and car insurance. She then became Deputy Mayor in 2003 at age 19, making her the youngest elected representative at the time and was crowned Young Citizen of the Year. She is now the Co-Founder of WWHOP The Women’s Wellness Hour of Power and holds several other major accomplishments under her belt.

Keep reading for advice they give to others aspiring to reach career goals in industries where equal opportunity is simply not enough to be truly fair.

A conversation with inspiring industry influencers

Fuse: “Can you enlighten us on the journey that has led you to your present position in your career?”

Robinson: “I changed my career in 2000 after being in a female-dominated industry. I entered the world of logistics and found the industry excited me and I wanted to learn more. I applied for a Manager in Training position and was successful and went on to fulfil many roles in the Supply Chain network.

I always wanted to understand the ‘Why.’”

Jenkins: “I held several National relationship roles specialising in the development of go-to-market and growth strategies & marketing responsible for developing healthy, productive partnerships as well as nurturing and building the company’s existing key relationships with brokers.

During COVID and with the love and support of my family I started formally mentoring my colleagues, particularly those just starting their careers in insurance the development and now I am a mentor for Business in Heels.

My goal is to encourage the wonderful women in our industry to lean in, believe in ourselves, and empower each other to be and do the best we can.

It is OK to make mistakes and fail. Through failure, life’s greatest lessons are learned. It’s through failure that we build a platform for great success.”

Fuse: “Could you share some of the most formidable obstacles that you have had to surmount in your career?”

Robinson: “In the early stages of my Supply Chain career I always felt I needed to work longer and harder to achieve my career milestones.

I was once told by my mentor, at the time, that my goal to become a Distribution Centre Manager (DCM) would most likely be a struggle to reach as they felt I was a “doer”. I took this as a challenge.

I didn’t change who I was but aligned the company’s values and behaviours I worked in with my own. Trust, Respect and always “I do what I say” meant that others held those beliefs in me.”

Jenkins: “Being made redundant when I was 5 months pregnant with my little angel Mia Rose when ACE bought Chubb. ACE/Chubb handled the acquisition wonderfully and was extremely supportive, unfortunately, however, there was just no role available.

It was back to the drawing board for me, rebuilding my brand and career pretty much from scratch, the silver lining obtaining a role working for a brokerage BRIC a boutique insurance broker with expertise extending to Builders, Engineers, Project Managers, Building Surveyors, Accredited Certifiers and IT Consultants giving me a real appreciation for the broking market and the challenges associated in a hardened market.

Understanding the ins and outs of a brokerage has supported me in my distribution roles on the Underwriting side.

Another challenge that I am sure everyone can relate to, pivoting from a face-to-face to a virtual environment during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This meant rethinking communication and marketing strategies and the approach with our key stakeholders whilst nervously navigating external changes not by the day but seemingly by the hour.

At times it felt chaotic, it was the unknown, the reality was that everyone was navigating the same challenges and we have now emerged on the other side nimbler and more prepared for future natural disasters & pandemics.”

Fuse: “In your professional journey, what accomplishment do you hold in the highest esteem?”

Robinson: “To be brave and always challenge myself to get out of my comfort zone. It’s a wonderful feeling when you see your team grow and become successful in their careers. To know you have played a part for me is a great accomplishment.”

Jenkins: “Being nominated by my industry peers and Winning Underwriting Agency BDM of the Year in 2022, Elite Woman 2022, 5 Star BDM 2021 & 2022. Having later understood the vigorous criteria involved to receive this award it is humbling to know my industry peers appreciate the love and passion I have for the industry and the role I play in it.”

Co-founding the WWHOP The Women’s Wellness Hour of Power an independent non-agenda/non-profit safe haven for women in the industry to come together, empower, mentor and support one another and remember that it is ok not to be ok, and hosting 7 x World Champion Layne Beachley at their last event were two other accomplishments Jenkin’s is proud of.

Fuse: “Throughout your career, who has provided the most steadfast support and encouragement?”

Robinson: “Throughout my career, I have been lucky enough to have learnt from many strong leaders. However, my husband has always been my steadfast support.”

Jenkins: “My Husband Sean, my rock throughout all the highs and lows of my career.

Tears of joy and heartache, Sean has always supported my career no matter what the choice reminding me to “Just breathe.”

If you have a love and passion for what you’re doing just keep going. Rome was not built in a day.”

Fuse: “For women seeking to establish themselves in a predominantly male-dominated industry, what words of guidance would you offer based on your experiences?”

Robinson: “Listen, keep learning, be brave, and ask yourself, ‘What do I want to be famous for?’”

Jenkins: “Remain true to who you are, don’t be afraid to take risks and ask questions. Work on strengthening your assertiveness.

Be encouraged and empowered with your own personal development and trust your skills.

Build your community – Foster the connections between you and your colleagues.

While this can be daunting and challenging, strengthening the relationships between you, your colleagues and your network of business connections will assist with working towards raising your professional profile, growing your personal brand and in tune building confidence.

Find a mentor, someone you look up to who can provide guidance and support throughout some of the challenges you face in your career with a focus on building your ability to identify and regulate your emotions and understand the emotions the others.

“Your emotional intelligence will help you to build relationships, reduce team stress, defuse conflict and improve job satisfaction.”

Speaking with Jessica and Kay, we gained invaluable insights into what it takes to succeed as a woman in not only male-dominated industries but any industry. From cultivating a strong sense of self-belief to building supportive networks, these women emphasised the importance of perseverance, resilience, and a willingness to take risks.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, remember that there is still work to be done, both in the workplace and beyond. It is going to take more than what we say and do. Genuinely valuing equality will help all women who are out there pursuing their dreams.

Happy International Women’s Day!