Leading with Love
Redefining Motherhood, Mentorship, and Meaningful Impact
For many women, the word “mother” conjures images of family, warmth, and guidance. But for some, it’s more than a title, it’s a way of being. In this special Mother’s Day feature, we spoke with Doriena Parsons whose career has taken her across the globe and into boardrooms and blended families alike. She shares how women have shaped her journey, what she’s learned as a stepparent, and why redefining motherhood could be one of the most powerful ways to change how we lead.
Finding Power in Kindness and Ambition
Across a career spanning continents and sectors, Doriena has met many remarkable women. But the ones who made the most impact didn’t shout the loudest.
“What stood out was their ability to lead with balance, strength, and integrity,” Doriena recalls. “Whether I was working in Europe, the Middle East or here in Australia, they showed up with calm, consistent leadership. They didn’t compromise their values to get ahead,they embodied them.”
Growing up, ambition wasn’t something encouraged in girls. It was often laughed off or shut down. But an early-career mentor, a woman in leadership, shifted that narrative.
“She told me something I’ve never forgotten: don’t let someone else judge the scale of your ambition, and when they do, don’t let it make you bitter. Stay fair. Stay open. Keep going.”
It’s a philosophy that’s stayed with Doriena. One that reminds us that ambition doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful, and that kindness and strength are not opposites, but partners.
On Choosing a Different Path – and Still Showing Up Fully
Though Doriena chose not to have biological children, she became a stepparent to two daughters in a blended family, and that decision shaped not only her personal life but her leadership style.
“I chose to focus on being a strong and stable presence for the girls,” Doriena shares.
“It also meant I could channel energy into my career and eventually become the main breadwinner. It was a conscious choice, and not always one that others understood.”
Some of the harshest judgments came from other women. But she stood firm in her belief: you don’t need to give birth to someone to love and support them like a parent.
As both a stepparent and mentor, she’s learned the power of presence and perspective. “I try never to tell people what to do. I offer my view and my experience. But I leave the choice to them. That kind of support, that respects autonomy, is essential in parenting and leadership.”
Some of the hardest moments Doriena has experienced have come from the sidelines – watching someone you love make a painful choice you can’t protect them from. “But those are often the moments people grow the most. Your job is to stay steady, stay close, and let them figure it out. It never gets easier, but it’s necessary.”
Mentorship as Modern Mothering
When asked about her role in supporting the next generation, she sees it as an act of reflection and belief.
“Sometimes people just need someone to reflect their strength back to them. To say: I see what you’re capable of, even if you don’t yet.”
Resilience is another core lesson Doriena tries to pass on. Life is messy, nonlinear, and imperfect. And that’s okay. “Setbacks are inevitable. But failure isn’t final. We need to build spaces where people can test ideas, try things, and feel safe getting it wrong. That’s how confidence is built – through belief, experience and freedom.”
In a world that often values speed and perfection, Doriena advocates for something deeper: the courage to grow slowly, thoughtfully, and with purpose.
Redefining Motherhood in Leadership
To her, the word “mother” isn’t limited to biology. It’s a verb, a mindset, a form of leadership.
“In business, mothering can look like mentoring with patience. It can mean creating safe spaces for others to speak up, or advocating for someone when they’re not in the room.”
But she’s quick to point out that we need to rethink the language around it.
“For too long, mothering has been associated with softness, often undervalued in professional spaces. But mothering at its best is profoundly strong. It’s about holding space, building resilience, and helping others realise their potential.”
It also means taking a stand. Saying no to toxic behaviour. Refusing to play into behind-the-scenes commentary that tears others down. “If we say we value transparency, we have to live it – even when it’s uncomfortable. Leadership should reflect our values, not just our KPIs.”
The One Piece of Advice She Hopes Young Women Take to Heart
“Be confident in what you know… and humble about what you don’t.”
Women are challenged more often, Doriena notes, and asked to prove themselves in ways their male peers are not. But confidence isn’t arrogance. And humility doesn’t mean self-doubt.
“You don’t need to justify your choices to anyone. Just make sure they’re rooted in kindness, in integrity, and in your own truth. And don’t stop there. Seek out people who see the world differently from you. That’s where real growth happens.”
This Mother’s Day: A Celebration of Quiet Confidence
For Doriena, confidence isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s steady. Sometimes, it’s deeply personal.
“This Mother’s Day, I hope we can celebrate the women who lead with compassion and intention. The ones who uplift others quietly, the ones whose impact is felt more than seen.”
In her view, womanhood doesn’t need to fit a mould. Neither does leadership. “We have the power to shape our lives in ways that not only serve us, but make space for others to thrive too. That ripple effect? It matters. And it starts with how we choose to lead.”
