08 MARCH 2023
Celebrating women with Wittner
Five different women, five unique stories – one way to create a better future.
We asked five of our incredible team members about hope, being a woman, and what ‘embracing equity’ means to them.
Five females, five unique stories, all joined by one commonality: navigating life as a woman.
This International Women’s Day, we brought together five of our incredible staff to share their insight into what gives them hope, what they love about being a woman, and how the 2023 IWD theme to “embrace equity” resonates with them.
08 MARCH — COMMUNITY
Celebrating women with Wittner
Five different women, five unique stories – one way to create a better future.
We asked five of our incredible team members about hope, being a woman, and what ‘embracing equity’ means to them.
Cat Williamson CEO
Wittner’s mission 'to empower customers to walk tall' is a philosophy that Cat brings into her life every single day. As the CEO of Wittner, she knows that leadership is about setting an example that’s both aspirational and realistic.
“I always show up with a positive attitude. I’m calm, collected, and fun. As a worker and mum, I appreciate the need for flex, and want to role model what ‘good’ looks like in terms of work/life balance.”
What she loves about being a woman is our natural gift to think about the bigger picture and everyone in it.
“To think long-term with consideration to the world today, the community, and the planet. That our ‘default mindset’ is empathy and kindness.”
“Self-mastery is the key. Knowing yourself, what gives you energy, what triggers you, and your growth opportunities. This is the greatest unlock.”
For Cat, March 8 is a moment to look back at how far she has come and to appreciate the people who champion her.
“I love to celebrate with my colleagues, industry, friends and family. My partner Andy is my strongest supporter and is a critical element to let me be me. He also plays a role in the future of gender equality by creating new and easier paths for our daughters and being a role model at home.”
Cat wears the Haz Long Boot in Night Sky
“Self-mastery is the key. Knowing yourself, what gives you energy, what triggers you, and your growth opportunities. This is the greatest unlock.”
For Cat, March 8 is a moment to look back at how far she has come and to appreciate the people who champion her.
“I love to celebrate with my colleagues, industry, friends and family. My partner Andy is my strongest supporter and is a critical element to let me be me. He also plays a role in the future of gender equality by creating new and easier paths for our daughters and being a role model at home.”
Bianca Burd Head of Product
Bianca describes her family as the “definition of diversity”. Born into an Indian/Iraqi/Polish/Ukrainian family in Melbourne and marrying into a German/Kiwi/Israeli one, this year’s International Women’s Day theme isn’t lost on her.
“It’s about breaking down the stereotypes we place on people and their choices, especially those stereotypes we reinforce subconsciously.”
When Bianca’s not supporting her team as Wittner’s Head of Product, she is a mum to two children; a role she adores. She finds hope through her daughter’s desire “to do what’s right” by the planet and her friends, and the gutsy determination of women around her.
“There are some women in my community, who despite great adversity, remain strong advocates. These women stand bravely at the coalface in the public eye.”
“Keep your inner circle full of the people who truly support you, love you, and inspire you.”
For Bianca, being a woman holds a transformative power. And she harnesses it through fashion. “I love using fashion as a creative outlet. A great outfit can make me feel empowered. And when I feel good, I am more confident.”
“Keep your inner circle full of the people who truly support you, love you, and inspire you.”
For Bianca, being a woman holds a transformative power. And she harnesses it through fashion. “I love using fashion as a creative outlet. A great outfit can make me feel empowered. And when I feel good, I am more confident.”
Kat Hillenaar Learning & Development Manager
Kat is optimistic about the future of women.
“I find hope in the diffusion of traditional gender roles and the exposure that my two young girls now have to view women in any and all roles, leadership positions, sports and occupations. They get to participate and give it a go rather than watch from the sidelines as my generation did so often. This is what they will grow up with, and their generation knows no different. Genuine equity is embedded in them and their peers right from the outset. And that gives me hope for future equity.”
Wittner’s Learning & Development Manager says “nothing comes close” to the strength she gets from her friends. Her biggest advice? Find your people.
"Nothing comes close to the way a true friend can understand you, sit with you and all your flaws and just allow you to be in your own skin. That to me is the most valued thing of all.”
“Reach out if you need it. There is a community for everyone, no matter who you are or what you like, give it time and you will find your people. It is our human nature to want to help others and feel connected so don’t be afraid to seek out the support you need. The kindness of others might surprise you.”
At Wittner, at least 80% of our staff are women. Kat has recently returned to work after becoming a mum for the second time. She says the company gets what women need, and it’s at the centre of every business decision.
“Wittner is such a supportive place to work for working mums. They are so flexible with being open to all the needs and considerations you have to have to juggle everything as a parent.”
Steffi Pereira HR Advisor
“How do I support women around me? I listen to them and understand that our needs are all very different.”
Support is what Steffi does best. She’s Wittner’s HR advisor and knows what it takes to be there for her team and beyond. “Seeing other women achieve gives me hope. We can do what men can do, if not better.”
Born in Sri Lanka and immigrating to Australia when she was just , this year’s IWD theme of embracing equity is a reminder of the journey she has been on. “It means embracing your heritage; what makes you unique and different to everyone else out there.”
And the one person she wants to thank this IWD? “I’d love to celebrate my mother. She has been my rock and support from day one.”
“I love the freedom of being a woman.”
Mel wears the Quendra Heel in Sunkissed Tan
Mel Thursfield Store Manager
“What gives me hope is knowing that there are so many opportunities for people today to be who they want to be. To create their own future the way they envision it.”
For Wittner’s Southland and Chadstone Store Manager, Mel Thursfield, March 8 is a reminder to shift the way we think about others. “Our perceptions are changing, and with that, we are more receptive to the new world around us. We are learning how to see things differently through another person’s eyes.”
This attitude is how Mel supports her team daily. She has an open-door policy and eagerness to support her team with any issues they throw at her. “Our work environment is based on mutual respect, and in turn, my staff feel comfortable enough to come to me with any issues, work or life, and know they have someone who will listen.”
“The thing I love most about being a woman is when we feel down we can change our clothes, our hair, and instantly feel like we can take on the world.”
As for words of encouragement, Mel is not short of wisdom. “Never be afraid to put yourself out there. Incredible things can happen when you take a leap of faith and get out of your comfort zone.”
Cat wears the Luma Heel in Black Recycled Satin
Cat wears the Luma Heel in Black Recycled Satin