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International Women's Day 2023

Gail Calder 8 March, 2023

To celebrate International Women's Day and this year’s theme #EmbraceEquity, I asked the three women leaders here at Corenet Global NZ about their experience and advice for other women. We are proud to have these women as our Chapter administrators, setting examples for all within the community.

Gail Calder
Chair, CoreNet Global New Zealand / GM Property and Facilities, Fonterra

Sue Maher
Finance & Office Administrator
CoreNet Global New Zealand

1. Tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Susannah Maher and I am a business owner who also contracts to other entities on a part-time basis to enable them to manage their back office and finance capabilities.

2. What is your proudest achievement working with CoreNet Global NZ?
Creating an understandable and usable framework for the financial management of CNGNZ, allowing the Committee leaders to make informed decisions around the fiscal pathway of the organisation.

3. Which women inspire you the most?
Women who are fair and have integrity, and are not afraid to trust their instincts and stand strong for what they believe in. Who are prepared to listen to both sides of the argument and be willing to adapt and update their opinions as they gain more knowledge.
I am also inspired by women who are their child’s biggest advocate and will lead by example - committing to raising strong robust individuals.

4. How do you influence your colleagues around you and the wider business?
I believe in looking for the best in people and recognising their strengths. I also believe in truth and common respect and always endeavour to build a rapport with my colleagues. I have a strong sense of humour and believe sharing a laugh with colleagues goes a long way to better working relationships.

5. This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #embraceequity, what does this mean to you?
To champion an equal opportunities playing field for women, to allow them to flourish and shine like the stars they were meant to become, and thus giving them the opportunity and power to lift up and support other women who are less fortunate.

Asha Lal
NZ Manager
CoreNet Global New Zealand

1. Tell us a little about yourself?
I'm Asha Lal, NZ Manager for CoreNet Global. I’ve been part of the CNGNZ community for the past 10 years and honoured to be mentored by Rod Aitken as part of the CoreNet Global NZ Young Leader program.

2. What is your proudest achievement working with CoreNet Global NZ?
I’m proud to be a brand ambassador for CoreNet Global; a community where we create inclusive spaces and culture to honour each other as we are.

3. Which women inspire you the most?
I’m inspired by women closest to me, who in tough times still wake up everyday and choose to work towards their goals.

4. How do you influence your colleagues around you and the wider business?
By embracing my self-identity and expression.

5. This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #embraceequity, what does this mean to you?
Embracing gender equity isn't limited to women. Allies are incredibly important for the social, economic, and cultural advancement of women.

Caitlin Venus
Asset Manager
Robt. Jones Holdings Limited

1. Tell us a little about yourself?
Hi I’m Caitlin, an Asset Manager at Robt. Jones Holdings Limited. I have been with RJH for almost five years now and my role is to manage leasing and capital improvements to enhance investment performance across our Auckland-based portfolio of commercial office buildings. I love the dynamic nature of my role and the ability to collaborate with all facets of the property industry.

2. What is your proudest achievement working with CoreNet Global NZ?
It is great working as part of such a passionate team to grow and develop the CoreNet Global New Zealand Chapter. My role on the CNGNZ Committee as Membership Officer is to onboard new members and oversee membership retention and renewal. Thanks to a collective committee effort and a year of fantastic events, we have seen membership numbers increase by 200%.

3. Which women inspire you the most?
This is a tough answer to keep brief! I am inspired everyday by friends, family, and colleagues.
Sharron Ward (CEO) and the team at Refugees as Survivors New Zealand, which is NZ’s leading mental health and wellbeing service for people from refugee backgrounds. RASNZ provides access to quality and culturally sensitive support to assist with positive resettlement in New Zealand. 

Since 2015 RJH has funded full university scholarships for women of refugee backgrounds in conjunction with RASNZ. Through my involvement as a scholarship mentor, it has been a privilege to see the work that Sharron and RASNZ does to support these remarkable and resilient women.

4. How do you influence your colleagues around you and the wider business?
I think being an effective listener is key to building trust, connections and cultivating a sense of team. Valuing the ideas and opinions of others contributes to a positive working environment, which ultimately leads to better business outcomes. Continuous learning is also important and I’m always on the lookout for ways to upskill.

5. This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #embraceequity, what does this mean to you?
IWD is a day to reflect and celebrate what women have achieved. It also serves as a reminder to continue to uplift and motivate each another regardless of gender. To me, embracing equity highlights the importance of understanding each other’s diverse lived experience. The playing field is not always level, and everyone deserves access to the tailored support and resources needed to achieve wonderful things.

Gail Calder
Chair, CoreNet Global New Zealand / GM Property and Facilities, Fonterra