What International Women’s Day symbolises for Lauren Calvert, Founder & Director, The Well-Suited Group.

This year, the UN International Women’s Day theme is #CrackingtheCode. It’s meant to relate to digital innovation and technological equality among genders. To us, it means that and more. 

To us, it’s about cracking the code to the juggle between home and work in a way that allows women to find meaning and satisfaction in their careers and their family life. In fact, that’s our whole business purpose. We asked our founder, Lauren, about her experience as a female entrepreneur, and what she thinks we can do to further support working women and crack the code to finding balance.  

Question: Can you speak to a specific experience or obstacle you've faced as a woman in your field and how you overcame it? 

Lauren: Role stereotypes such as ‘you’re just an admin or just an EA’. I believed it so much, that that’s how I would describe myself when someone asked what I did for work. ‘Oh, I’m just an EA.’ Then one day a former boss suggested that I take up an opportunity within the partnerships team for the organisation I worked for at the time. It was then I realised, the only person holding me back was me and my internalised limiting beliefs. 

Question: In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues facing women today and what steps can be taken to address them? How does TWSG help in this? 

Lauren: The cost of childcare is still an ongoing issue for many ‘working mums’ which is why I’m so proud of my business. We create flexible work opportunities for women ‘doing the juggle’ and partner with businesses and individuals who also champion flexibility! 

Question: Can you discuss a woman or group of women who have been particularly influential or inspiring to you and your work? 

Lauren: I’ve always been inspired by Ita Buttrose and how she paved a media career for herself in a highly male dominated industry to become a women of many firsts, including being the first women to edit a major metropolitan Australian newspaper.  

Question: How do you think we can work towards creating a more equal and inclusive society for women, and what role do you see The Well-Suited Group playing in this movement? 

Lauren: We need for companies to offer better paid parental leave for dad’s so women can focus on their career goals, better access and affordability to childcare so working mum’s can return to work. We need companies to advocate and champion flexibility in all forms to retain and attract good talent. 

This International Women's Day, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the incredible women who make our business and industry what it is. As a female founder with an all-female team, we’re constantly inspired by the talent, dedication, and passion that these women bring to the team every day. Let's continue to lift each other up, cheer on each other’s goals and empower women to achieve.. whatever it is they want.