International Women’s Day (IWD) challenges us to move beyond conversation and take decisive steps toward gender equity, empowerment, and leadership. It’s about rebuilding spaces where women are empowered to act, make decisions, and shape the future of the business.
Take the customer service team as an example—a team typically composed predominantly of women. At KLINGER Australia, this function is known as Internal Sales, and as the name suggests, it plays a vital role in sales and business success. While we’ve observed that more women are naturally drawn to this area and we are proud to have a strong team that is mostly women, our focus is on ensuring they are empowered to grow professionally beyond traditional perceptions. It’s about creating a culture where everyone—regardless of role or gender—has the opportunity to lead, contribute strategically and drive meaningful impact.
No one understands this better than Jodie Hall, who has grown within the company, stepping up from a customer service role into an internal sales management position.
“When people think about doing customer service, they often think of answering calls. But it’s so much more than that,” Jodie shares. “We are at the center of all external and internal communication. We gather feedback and seek answers.” She continues, “We are the gatekeepers, the listening ears, and I believe it’s only right that we think and act like we own the solutions.”
Leading a predominantly female team, Jodie also sees the unique strengths that women bring to the business.
Women are natural multitaskers, which is crucial in a fast-paced environment. Women can sometimes be seen as ‘too emotional’—but I believe that emotional sensitivity is not a weakness. It allows us to be deeply empathetic, to understand how others feel, and to build strong relationships. Some of the most powerful, capable women I know are highly empathetic. The difference often lies in confidence.”
By stepping into a management role, she is determined to challenge and change that mindset within her team. “It was important to me to support my team in developing the confidence, motivation and skills to be independent and successful in their roles.”
“I set clear expectations so they know what success looks like. I wanted them to know that I trust them 100% in their roles and that their knowledge and skillsets are invaluable to our business.”
In doing so, she is not only influencing but actively shaping how we provide solutions for customers.
Over the past months, the team has grown in confidence, with some progressing in their careers with a clear path forward. The customer service team is becoming a function that actively contributes as the business evolves to be more agile and solution-focused.
Jodie’s story is a perfect example of how determination, mindset and attitude can deeply influence and define one’s impact—not just position. Before being formally recognised as a leader, she was always a natural one.
“I pride myself on a proactive leadership approach, regardless of having a leadership title or not. I have always enjoyed being hands-on, collaborating with both my team and the wider business. Taking ownership is key to encouraging others to do the same. When everyone is engaged, we create a culture where decisions are shared, and voices are heard.”
“‘Accelerate Action’ to me means leading by action, being deliberate in actively engaging.”
“I always make an effort to bring positivity into the workplace, even when things are difficult, to ensure my team steps into a happy, positive and supportive environment. I believe this is a simple yet powerful way to uplift my team every day.”
“At home, I am raising a young woman and a young man to be empowered individuals and to embrace their unique strengths. I want to equip them to be visible as who they are, and to own their own space and future.”
“Being in Australia, we are very fortunate as changes driven by women are supported in many ways. Women today have more opportunities to challenge traditional structures without fear. Real progress isn’t exclusive—when one group moves forward, the bar is raised for all.
“That’s the change I am seeking. And that’s how we accelerate change.”
