Lessons in Love, Leadership and Legacy

Mother’s Day has never been just about flowers and cards. It’s about the women. Mothers, grandmothers, aunties, stepmothers, chosen family, mentors, partners. All who show up, shape us, and stay with us long after we’ve left home. This year, we’re spotlighting real stories from our community to celebrate the resilience, wisdom, and influence of the women who’ve made us who we are.

We recently connected with some of our community members for an in-depth discussion about the women who have impacted their lives, and how that has shaped who they are today. 

Special thanks to our contributors:

• Grace Charles, HR Business Partner at Rio Tinto
• Jaya De Silva, Head of Commercial and Bids at Sekuro
• Masseh Haidary, Oceania CEO at Global Payments
• Doriena Parsons, National Head of Strategic Communications and Marketing at Moore Australia

 

Strength, Sacrifice, and the Unseen Load

We know many of the women in our lives carry an emotional and physical weight that often goes unspoken, but never unnoticed. That strength is what shapes the character of those around them.

Masseh remembered a defining moment from childhood:

“Mum was the only one who decided to stay put, rent a small place, and focus on giving us the best opportunities while sacrificing an awful lot along the way.”

Jaya, too, shared the depth of sacrifice that comes with parenting and leadership:

“Sometimes as a mum, you wear the burden of guilt — wanting to be everything to everyone. But over time I’ve learned it’s not about doing everything, but being present where it matters most.”

This invisible labour, emotional, mental, logistical, is often underappreciated, but it’s foundational to how communities and workplaces function. These reflections call for a deeper recognition of that contribution.

Leadership Beyond the Boardroom

The most influential leadership doesn’t always come from titles or authority – sometimes, it’s lived quietly at home. Grace reflected on her mum’s subtle yet powerful presence:

“My mum never tried to be the loudest in the room, but her voice always carried.”

This kind of grounded leadership, rooted in values and quiet consistency, shaped how these leaders now show up in their own roles. For Jaya, motherhood and executive leadership are inherently connected:

“As a parent, I’m always thinking about the legacy I’m building for my children. But as a leader, that thinking has helped shape how I build teams, lead change, and invest in people.”

The lesson? Leadership is not about hierarchy. It’s about responsibility, impact, and showing others what’s possible through your actions.

Redefining Motherhood, Family, and Care

Not all mothers are biological. And not all families are traditional. One key sentiment discussed with our community members was about redefining what motherhood and family mean, and how broadening that definition only adds more meaning.

Doriena offered a powerful reflection on step-parenting and mentorship:

“Motherhood isn’t just about biology — it’s about showing up, about being present, and about leading with kindness.”

Masseh echoed this sentiment through the lens of his upbringing, where his mother took on both parental roles:

“While my cultural heritage was rooted in a tradition where men led, it was my mum who stepped into the role of both mother and father.”

These stories show us that care, love, and leadership don’t follow a set path — and that family is defined by connection, not convention.

Legacy in Action

In the lead up to Mothers Day, our community members reflected on the values passed down by the women which have not only shaped their personal lives, but also their entire careers. They inform how these leaders make decisions, hold boundaries, and mentor others.

Grace, for instance, shared that her mum’s integrity continues to guide her daily:

“She lived by her values and that’s what made her a true leader in my eyes.”

For Masseh, the influence of his mother’s leadership is something he carries into every room:

“Not a day goes by where I compromise my choices or priorities. I carry her strength into every room I walk into.”

Jaya echoed this, explaining how her legacy as a mother and leader intertwines:

“I want my kids to look back and say, ‘My mum was strong, but she also cared deeply.’ That’s what I want for my team too.”

These stories remind us that values aren’t taught once, they’re modelled over time. And when passed down, they become powerful tools for generational and cultural change.

This Mother’s Day

Motherhood is leadership. It’s care. It’s resilience. It’s choosing to believe in someone before they believe in themselves. This Mother’s Day, we honour the women who raised us, inspired us, challenged us, and built futures through their everyday courage.

To every mother and maternal figure, thank you. We are better because of you.

Read each contributor’s full reflective article:

• The Women Who Shape Us: Grace Charles on Her Mum’s Quiet Strength
• Leading with Love: Doriena Parsons on Redefining Motherhood, Mentorship, and Meaningful Impact
• Leading with Heart: A Mother’s Day Conversation with Jaya De Silva
• A Legacy of Strength: Masseh Haidary on the Women Who Shaped Him