6 March 2026
Insights and advice from three of Rous’ female leaders.
Sunday 8th March is International Women’s Day (IWD) – an opportunity to celebrate women and reflect on the challenges still inhibiting gender equality. This IWD, the theme is ‘Give to Gain’ and encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration. When organisations and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction, it’s intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise.
Whether through donations, knowledge, resources, infrastructure, visibility, advocacy, education, training, mentoring, or time, contributing to women’s advancement helps create a more supportive and interconnected world.
Female leaders at Rous
Inspired by this year’s theme, three leading women at Rous, Chrisy Clay, Tania Burls, and Casie Hughes, shared their experience as female managers along with some advice they’d give the next generation of aspiring leaders.
While 31% of Rous staff identify as female, 35% of leadership positions are held by women – highlighting the important role women play in shaping our workplace and leadership.
Image: A look at Rous’ gender equality data
Chrisy Clay, Flood Mitigation Manager
“The hardest lesson I’ve had to learn is the value in becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable. It’s a practice you need to put effort into, and it’s something I’m still working on. Being a female leader in a non-traditional area means there are additional challenges to face on top of what is already difficult work. So many aspects of my role are uncomfortable and being okay with that has been crucial to my success.
My advice to any young women aspiring to management positions is don’t wait too long to accept that you are good enough exactly as you are. I spent a good portion of my career questioning whether I was good enough for the roles I had and the work I was doing. I often felt that I needed to do better or be different. When I finally started to accept that I was good enough, and that I did bring value, that’s when I experienced the most success. I just wish I hadn’t waited so long to get to that point.
If I could pass one thing on, it would be this: back yourself earlier, you are far more capable than you think.”
Tania Burls, Capital Program Manager
“The main lesson I’ve learned is that you need to ensure you remain competitive in the marketplace by continually learning, growing, and enhancing your professional knowledge and skills so you will always be able hold your own.
One piece of advice I’d share with young women aspiring to management positions is: don’t think your work will speak for you. You not only need to work hard and continually improve, you also need to give voice to your achievements.”
Casie Hughes, Brand and Engagement Manager
“As a female leader, I have learned that sometimes moving sideways is just as important as moving up. You will likely have to take a few detours and learn new things before you can climb directly up the ladder, and that’s okay. Every opportunity, no matter how small it seems, is a chance to grow and develop. And don’t be afraid to speak up. Don’t worry about sounding silly or like you don’t know everything. Sometimes, the thoughts you have are exactly what others are thinking but aren’t brave enough to share. Get used to feeling uncomfortable, awkward, or even anxious. It’s all part of your growth.
To young women aspiring to management positions, my advice would be to always stay authentic. Don’t try to fit into a mold or be something you’re not just because that’s what seems to be expected. Show initiative and be proactive. And don’t be afraid to be different, have differing ideas or opinions, it’s often the thing that sets you apart.”
