The Iconic now holds one of the most female-dominated boardrooms in Austalia with six out of the eight C-suite executives being female, including its new CEO Erica Berchtold.
Women making up 57.7% of the $320 billion retail sector and there has been a substantial increase of women in leadership roles according to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency, but there is still a long way to go.
As part of Women's History Month, all six women have shared their tips on how they forged their path into their current roles.
Erica Berchtold, CEO
Former Rebel Sport managing director Erica Berchtold is the newest recruit of the six women, joining the team as the company's new chief executive officer.
She has also previously worked as general manager of Specialty Fashion Group brands' Autograph and Crossroads.
Berchtold attributes her success in these roles and getting to where she is today by putting herself on the line.
“Throw your hat in the ring, even if you think you aren't ready or qualified – women in particular seem to suffer from the 'I'm probably not ready yet' syndrome.
“The experience of apply for that job, promotion or special project can be extremely useful even if you don't get it... and guess what? You might just be successful!”
Mia Barry, CFO
Chief financial officer Mia Barry has been with The Iconic for two years.
Barry came from Coca-Cola Amatil, where she held two roles in her time there as group business planning manager and then head of commercial – retail.
“Always be authentic, curious and courageous.
“Believe in yourself and create your own definition of success, life is too short to limit your aspirations to those of others.
“Be true to your values and your natural leadership style, it's the only way you will be your most successful self.”
Mareile Osthus, CCO
Chief category management officer Mareile Osthus has held tenures at Zalando and Hugo Boss before joining The Iconic nearly four years ago.
Last year, her team onboarded around 300 new brands to the online retailer's offering and is looking to do the same this year.
She said taking initiative and risks are important to being successful as a leader.
“Learn to think outside of your comfort zone, trust your gut, take initiative and remember you and you alone are responsible for guiding your personal career growth and development.
“Most importantly don't wait on the sidelines hoping for that opportunity to come to you, go out and make it happen and you never know what you might be able to achieve.”
Anna Lee, COO
Chief operating officer Anna Lee worked as The Iconic's CFO before stepping into her current role.
Prior to joining the online retailer, she has worked for the National Online Retailers Association, Groupon, Adshel and PwC.
As COO, Lee ensures that all operations are streamlined for success in order to maintain the retailer's above 90% customer satisfaction score.
Her advice? Take every opportunity possible, even if it means stepping outside your comfort zone.
“Take on opportunities to experience new challenges to get you out of your comfort zone, allowing you to understand what you're truly good at, and what you need to work on.
“As a leader it's important to be authentic.
“You don't have to be perfect, just humble to acknowledge when you aren't.
“Be kind to yourself when you make a mistake, pick yourself up, learn from them, move on and commit to being a better version of yourself tomorrow.”
Nicolle Strauss, CPO
Chief people officer Nicolle Strauss has worked for the likes of Westpac, Deloitte and Optus in various human resource management roles.
With over 20 years leading teams and hiring new talent across these companies, Strauss said it is important to learn from every opportunity.
“Life is not a race it's a journey and there is a lot to learn along the way.
“Value every opportunity for what you can learn and seek out the right people who can help you grow on the way.
“When you feel you have reached your full potential in an organisation or role start building toward your next move, but be patient as too many times I see people jump quickly and regret it later.
“No matter what, stay true to yourself, maintain a strong internal belief and know you are good enough.”
Zoe Ghani, CTO
Chief technology officer Zoe Ghani has worked with The Iconic for more than three years, along with being a member on the board of directors for the Australian UNHCR.
She has also previously worked for News Corp Australia and Yahoo.
“When it comes to effective leadership it's about recognising the people around you and not the tasks we're trying to accomplish.
“Surround yourself with people that inspire you and create an environment for them to flourish.”