The Influence That Stays With Us

Celebrating Mother’s Day with reflections from our community to the women whose influence still shapes the way they work.

Lauren Hall - Loan Market

There are parts of how we work that feel intentional. The way we lead conversations, the decisions we make, the standards we hold ourselves to.

And then there are parts that sit a little deeper. The way we respond under pressure. The way we treat people when no one is watching. The way we keep going, even when things feel uncertain.

More often than not, those parts didn’t begin in business. They were shaped much earlier, through moments that didn’t feel significant at the time, but stayed with us.

This Mother’s Day, we asked our community a simple question:

How did your Mum (or a mother figure) shape who you are in business today?

What came back wasn’t centred around big milestones or defining career moments. Instead, it was a collection of reflections on consistency, resilience, care, and quiet leadership. The kind of influence that doesn’t always announce itself, but shows up over time in the way we think, work, and lead. For some, it began with curiosity. Learning to ask questions, look deeper, and stay open to learning.

“From little, I was encouraged by my mum to be curious and to go searching for the answers to questions. Fair to say I was a ‘why’ kid. She instilled in me a love of books and learning, to the point that I made my own library as a kid and harassed my little brother into hiring books. This curious, puzzle-solving mindset has given me the determination and patience needed to find solutions when I come across challenges in my business. ” — Lauren Hall, Loan Market

Chantelle Bracken - BIMBA Projects

For others, that influence showed up in work ethic. In seeing what it looks like to show up every day, regardless of circumstances. In learning that doing things properly matters, even when no one is checking. Chantelle Bracken from BIMBA Projects reflected on watching her mum raise a family as a single parent while working at the local markets. Seeing that level of strength, consistency and determination from such a young age shaped much of how she approaches business today.

In other reflections, the influence was quieter. Less about advice, and more about knowing someone would always be there to listen, encourage, and support them through difficult moments.

“Growing up, my mum was always there. No matter the distance or the challenges I faced, she always made space to listen and offer support.”

— Fernanda Bertani, Churwell

For some, the influence came through in mindset. The belief that it’s important to keep trying, support the people around you, and stay optimistic.

Mason Kidman - Early Projects

Mason Kidman from Early Projects shared that his mum taught him to always have a go and help others achieve their dreams, believing that success often follows when you help others move forward. Matt Docherty from Titan Vehicle Brokers reflected on his mum’s ability to never give up, even under challenging circumstances.

Others reflected on problem-solving and persistence. Not as something spoken about, but something modelled. Watching someone navigate challenges, adapt, and carry responsibility with quiet persistence.

“She was always resilient and determined to get to the bottom of every problem. Watching her persistence and problem-solving mindset played a big role in shaping who she is today.”

— Aleksandra Ilnicka, Saltera Training

Those experiences tend to stay with us. They shape how we approach uncertainty, how we carry responsibility, and how we define progress in our own work.

Over time, these influences become part of how we show up, often without us even realising. In the way we build businesses, in the way we lead teams, and in the way we create space for others.

They’re not always visible from the outside, but they sit behind so much of what we do.

This collection of reflections is a reminder that behind every business, there are people. And behind many of those people, someone who quietly influenced the way they think, lead, and move forward.

To everyone celebrating this Mother’s Day, in all the ways that looks, we’re thinking of you.

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