Sue Hardman

 “I find that empowering others is one of the most rewarding aspects of leadership. Being a leader is a privilege that I don’t take for granted.”

I am a passionate business owner and single mum to three sons aged 20, 16 and 12 and a daughter aged 14. Outside of work, I’m an avid veggie gardener and podcast tragic. I care deeply about the planet, am a climate change believer and want to do everything I can in my own footprint of life to tread lightly.

I‘ve been working in communications and marketing my entire 30+ year career. I’ve had the great opportunity to work overseas and look after global markets in a career that I love as much today as the day I sat down in my first lecture at university.
 

I started my own business after returning from an expat posting in the USA with very senior, global experience and an MBA under my belt, only to be offered back my old job from three years prior! My business is now located in a co-working space just above the station at Parramatta. I moved the business to Parramatta to be more connected and inspired with a growing and thriving business community.

Women have certain superpowers and qualities that make us awesome as leaders. I find that empowering others is one of the most rewarding aspects of leadership. Being a leader is a privilege that I don’t take for granted. It means having to consciously fight creeping self doubt and imposter syndrome every single day.

The industries we focus on in my business are very male dominated – construction, manufacturing, transport, agriculture – so I’ve worked especially hard to earn trust and be a person of influence. You have to know your stuff. Be hungry for knowledge. Build relationships and sometimes just let things go and not be offended. Choose your battles carefully.

I’d tell my younger self not to be afraid of no’s – every no gets you closer to yes. Take opportunities for yourself – don’t be selfless (it’s not selfish) – don’t hold back and let others, especially men, take up the space where you belong. Don’t rush – be driven but don’t be so eager to get to a destination that you are blind to opportunities along the way. Most importantly, cherish your female friendships and network. They are a special force far greater than you might imagine.