Making Your Next Move, Your Best Move

AUS - NZ Croatian Women in Leadership | Victorian Networking Event

11 September 2025 | Ducksnest Studio, South Melbourne

Last week I joined a powerhouse panel at the AUS-NZ Croatian Women in leadership event with three incredible women, Matea Glusevic, Kate Banozic, and Gina Selak , to talk courage, reinvention, leadership, and the messy middle of bold moves.

Hosted in the stunning Ducksnest Studio, the evening brought together Melbourne’s inspiring community of women in business and leadership to explore what it really takes to make your next move your best one.

The night was filled with laughter, vulnerability, and truth-telling. We talked about what it means to back yourself even when you feel out of your depth, to take the next step before you feel ready, and to redefine success in ways that actually feel aligned.

For me, there have been many times when I’ve stepped forward without knowing exactly how things would turn out. I often feel slightly out of my depth because I’m always open to new opportunities. When they come, I tend to say “yes” first and figure out the rest later. Launching Harlow in 2012 was one of those leap-before-you’re-ready moments. I didn’t feel fully prepared, but I knew if I didn’t create the size-inclusive brand I couldn’t find for myself, I’d regret it. That willingness to step in, even before feeling ready, has shaped much of my career.

We also spoke about success, what it means, how it evolves, and how easy it is to get caught up in the external milestones. Early on, I thought success meant constant growth, ticking boxes, and having all the answers. I believed that once you reached the milestone, the title, the stockist, the sales figure, everything would fall into place. And I had those moments: working for major fashion companies, travelling, seeing Harlow walk the Australian Fashion Week and Melbourne Fashion Week runways, being featured in magazines, and hearing people talk about the brand.

But over time, I realised that true success isn’t about appearances - it’s about impact. It’s the fact that Harlow had a 65% customer return rate. It’s the heartfelt messages we received when we announced our pause, like the one that said:

“Harlow showed me my body was worth designing for - beautiful, thoughtful pieces that truly fit helped me feel at home in myself.”

That is what success looks like to me now: the way your work can change how someone sees themselves. And of course, being able to pay your bills is important too!

A few of my answers from the Q&A panel:

Q: You said you often “say yes first, then figure it out later.” How has that approach shaped your journey?
It’s become one of my guiding principles. Launching Harlow was one of those leap-before-you’re-ready moments. I didn’t have everything perfectly lined up, but I knew if I didn’t start, I’d regret it. That mindset of trusting yourself to work it out as you go has opened every new chapter since, from running my consulting practice to speaking and mentoring.

Q: How has your idea of success changed over time?
Early on, success meant the big markers, stockists, sales, runway moments. But now it’s about impact. For me, it’s the customer who said, “Harlow showed me my body was worth designing for.” That kind of feedback means more than any metric. It’s a reminder that the work we do can help people feel seen and celebrated.

Q: What Leveling up Means to you & how has it evolved?

Right now, levelling up isn’t about climbing a ladder; it’s about expanding my impact. Early on, it meant selling into more stores and scaling production. Now it’s about making a difference, sharing what I’ve learned, being honest about what worked and what didn’t, and helping other founders avoid the same mistakes.

It’s shifted from personal growth to community impact. It’s no longer just about my own progress; it’s about helping others step into theirs.

Q: One Piece of Advice I’d Give My Younger Self

Don’t wait until you feel ready - you never will be. Take the chance, back yourself, and remember that mistakes aren’t failures; they’re lessons that move you forward.

For anyone who tends to overthink or aim for perfect, especially when running your own show, remember this: done is better than perfect. Getting it finished and out there will always move you further than waiting for flawless.

Q: The best career advice you’ve ever received?
“Just start.” Whether it was Harlow, consulting, or a new opportunity, that advice to take the first step, even imperfectly, has been a guiding force.

✨ Real stories. Fresh perspectives. Inspiring connections.
An unforgettable evening celebrating courage, community, and the power of showing up : even before you feel ready.

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Grateful to @cindyjdrake for including me, and to my fellow panellists for sharing your stories with such honesty and heart. I left buzzing — inspired by the incredible women on stage and in the room. 💫