What does it take to break barriers and lead with impact? At the Business Chicks International Women’s Day Breakfast in Sydney, the answer was clear: Back yourself, take action, and create your own space. This powerful event delivered inspiring lessons for women striving to lead with confidence and make meaningful change.
Back Yourself: The Power of Self-Belief
Winitha Bonney OAM, author, public speaker and human behaviour expert, challenged attendees to rethink what confidence really means. Confidence isn’t about waiting for external validation; it’s about trusting yourself and your intuition.
Winitha explored the cognitive biases that cause self-doubt and the self-sabotage that often sneaks in when pushing for something big. Her words resonated deeply with the audience because so many women experience this. Winitha reminded us that setbacks aren’t failures—they’re stepping stones.
“If you’re the first in a space,” Winitha said, “expect to feel out of place. Expect resistance. And then do it anyway.”
To build confidence in the face of doubt, Winitha recommended identifying small wins that reinforce your capabilities. Each step forward, no matter how big or small, strengthens your belief in yourself.
Creating Your Own Seat at the Table
During the panel discussion with Brihony Dawson, Azure Antoinette, and Emma Isaacs, one message stood out: Don’t wait for permission.
If you’re waiting for a seat at the table, you might be waiting forever. Sometimes you have to build your own table. Each speaker shared stories of stepping outside their comfort zones, taking risks, and backing their vision—even when it felt uncomfortable.
Their message was clear: Back yourself, believe in your ideas, and take bold action. The right opportunities come from creating them, not waiting for an invitation.
Tip: If you’re unsure where to start, identify gaps in your industry or community, then explore how your skills can fill those gaps. Innovation often begins when someone steps forward to solve an overlooked problem.
Impact Starts with You
One of the most powerful takeaways from the morning was the reminder that change starts small. Whether you’re mentoring younger women, challenging outdated ideas, or advocating for fairer representation in your industry, your actions matter.
Aleisha McCall, Founder and CEO of Ultimate Edge Communications, shared her belief in taking ownership of your path.
“We have a responsibility—not just to ourselves, but to future generations—to step up and own our space,” Aleisha said. “There will always be reasons why you can’t, but there are plenty of reasons why you CAN. Focus on those reasons. The world doesn’t need more women waiting for permission—it needs more women who are bold, relentless, and unapologetically themselves.”
To make an impact, Aleisha encourages starting with one achievable step—whether it’s volunteering, joining a professional network, or simply speaking up more often in meetings. Each small action adds momentum to meaningful change.
Step Up, Speak Out, and Own Your Space
The Business Chicks International Women’s Day Breakfast reinforced one powerful truth: You are enough. Your voice, your ideas, and your leadership matter. Whether you’re in the boardroom, on a stage, or leading behind the scenes, believe in your ability to create meaningful change.
To the women pushing boundaries in marketing, business, and beyond: Step up, speak out, and own your space. You don’t have to wait for International Women’s Day to make an impact. The world isn’t changed by those who wait; it’s changed by those who act.
