How do you describe your company in one sentence?
Fernwood is Australia’s leading women’s health and fitness brand, creating supportive spaces where women can build strength, confidence and lifelong wellbeing.

What target/milestones are you laser-focused on this year?
Our focus is firmly on growth, innovation and execution. We want to accelerate the growth of the Fernwood network, continue strengthening club performance and member experience, successfully launch and scale our new digital offering, and build the foundations for MINT, our new standalone wellness brand. Ultimately, I’m focused on ensuring we keep evolving ahead of what women want from health, fitness and wellness.

What is your proudest ever career achievement?
Leading Fernwood through a period of significant transformation and seeing the business reach 100,000 members is something I’m incredibly proud of. But beyond the number, it’s knowing that we have continued to grow and evolve a brand that has been supporting Australian women for more than 35 years, while staying true to why Fernwood exists in the first place.

What excites you the most about the next 12 months?
The opportunity to create and grow. We have significant ambition for Fernwood, but we are also moving into new areas of wellness, expanding our digital capabilities and opening more Fernwood clubs makes the next 12 months one of the most exciting periods I’ve experienced in the business.

What is the best business lesson you have ever learned?
Strategy is important, but execution is everything. Great ideas only create value when people understand what needs to be done, take ownership and follow through. I’ve also learned that you need to be prepared to make decisions, back good people and change course quickly when something isn’t working.

If you could wave a magic wand and change something about our industry, what would you change and why?
I would change the perception that fitness is primarily about appearance or weight loss. Our industry has an enormous opportunity to help people understand that movement and strength are fundamental to how we live, age, feel and function. For women particularly, strength, health and wellbeing should be viewed as lifelong investments rather than short-term fitness goals. If we can shift that mindset, I believe our industry can have an even greater impact on people’s lives.

Describe yourself in three words.
Driven. Curious. Perfectionist.

What is your personal mantra?
Back yourself, stay curious and never underestimate the difference you can make.

Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
The women around me, my family, friends, colleagues and the incredible women I’ve met throughout my career. I’m constantly inspired by their resilience, ambition and willingness to support one another.

If you had an extra hour in your day, how would you spend it?
I’d spend it moving. Whether it’s a walk, a workout or simply getting some fresh air, it’s when I’m able to switch off, reset and come back with a clearer perspective.

If you could have dinner with any three people – past or present – who would they be?
Walt Disney, Nelson Mandela, Oscar Wilde.

If you had to write a message on a billboard for all to see, what would you write?
Strong looks different on every woman. Find what makes you feel strong and own it.