We're passionate (and maybe a little bit obsessed :P ) with helping little ones put their best foot forward. So this International Women's Day we couldn't pass up a chance celebrate a few of the clever women in the Bobux team and find out what this year's theme of #BreakTheBias means to them, which women inspire them and what words of wisdom they’d offer to the next generation...  and of course, the wonderful people raising them.

Monica, CEO

1. The 2022 international Women's Day theme is #Breakthebias  - What does break the bias mean to you?
For me, break the bias means removing both conscious and unconscious gender bias, so we can have a world where everyone is equal regardless of gender. It's a call to action as it sits with each of us to actively challenge when we see gender bias happening. I'm really excited about a world with no gender bias in the community, workplaces or education facilities and it's totally possible for us to get there.

2. If you could meet any woman from history dead or alive, who would it be?
That's a hard one! I would have to pick two women - Angela Merkel and Beyonce. Angela Merkel who was Germany's first female chancellor and at one point the de facto leader of Europe, because I have always admired her leadership style; she seems to be humble and down-to-earth but with quiet power and a steely reserve. Also I would love to meet Beyonce as I think she's an exceptionally talented artist (I loved her show in 2013!), who's also juggling being a Mum and family member, and someone who's not afraid to use her voice for positive causes.

3. Word of advice for the next generation of women?
Be true to what's important to you. It sounds cheesy but one thing I have learnt is that everyone has their own view on what's important - whether it's career, children, travel or anything else. Don't follow what you think you should or what you see others doing, make sure you're doing what your heart and gut are telling you to do. Ultimately we all have only one life and it's to be lived - live it the way that makes you happy, not anyone else.

4. Who is your female role model and why?
I am very lucky to have three incredible female role models in my day-to-day life; my Mother and my two Mother-in-laws. All three of them are fierce in their love and dedication to their family and all three of them have been juggling work, being a parent and doing everything they can for their families, across their lives. I have learnt something different from each of them and continue to do so - I feel so lucky to have them all in my life.

5. What core skills do you think the Women of tomorrow need to succeed?
We live in an VUCA world that is changing at an increasing rate and that's only going to keep going. The core skills I think Women of tomorrow are going to need are a combination of optimism & curiosity with grit & resilience. Optimism and curiosity because the future is an exciting place full of so many possibilities and curiosity needs to be fueled with continual education (whether schools, reading or podcasts!). Grit and resilience in order to keep going when things get tough and bounce back when you've been knocked down - as we all do at some point. This combination of skills is sure to help the Women of tomorrow succeed with all the possibilities of the world of tomorrow.

Hannah, E-commerce and Digital Marketer

1. The 2022 international Women's Day theme is #Breakthebias  - What does break the bias mean to you?
Getting to know people who are not like you. We often form unconscious biases based on people's race, gender and ethnicity (to name a few) so we tend to socialise the most with people who are like us. To me, 'break the bias' means building relationships and interacting with people who are different from you. Ask questions, get to know them and learn from them because the chances are, they will be some of the most interesting people you will meet.

2. If you could meet any woman from history dead or alive, who would it be?
My husband's late mother who passed away in 2004. Shane is remembered as kind, gentle, selfless and compassionate. As well as raising her own four children, Shane was known to welcome people from all walks of life, into her home. The type of woman I would have loved to have known.

3. Word of advice for the next generation of women?
To never downplay their success to make others feel better and to remember that if someone has to be disappointed, make sure it’s not them.

4. Who is your female role model and why?
My mother and co-founder of Bobux, Colleen. Mum has experienced some hardships in her lifetime and is still the most optimistic person I have ever known. Mum will always manage to find a positive in some of the worst situations. She has always taught me to "look at people with love" and this really typifies the type of person she is. Kindness and compassion is the key to happiness and success. 

5. What core skills do you think the Women of tomorrow need to succeed?
Confidence, resilience and persistence.

Liu, Senior Footwear Designer

1. The 2022 international Women's Day theme is #Breakthebias  - What does break the bias mean to you?
For me, I will start thinking what bias is. From my understanding it is consistent noise. We know noise is random, but if it is consistent, then it becomes as bias. Random noise is hard to control, but bias is something that we could correct.

Everybody has bias towards things. Sometimes, you tend to tell people's personality based on the first impression, but how can you be sure that person does not have a bad day?  Or that person is actually going through hardship? Not all comedians are actually extrovert, like a profession may not necessarily represent this person. Breaking bias to me is that I need to keep reminding myself that I need to step back when the bias slipping through into my mind, or in a situation, where there are things that could easily lead to the bias, I need to train myself to be aware of these situations, and correct my view. I also think it is okay to make mistakes or to get tricked by bias, but I want myself to become better in my daily work and life when there is potential for biased opinion. Breaking bias to me is that I will also put myself into other people's shoes and change my own perspective, since bias tends to be subjective as well.

2. If you could meet any woman from history dead or alive, who would it be?
I want to meet the Mona Lisa, I've always wondered what she was like for real. What books did she like to read, what tea did she drink, and what poems did she write.
Not just because she was mysterious, I wanted to understand what was life like for women in the context of the Renaissance, this such a colorful historical period.

3. Word of advice for the next generation of women?
Be yourself and enjoy the wonderful life.

4. Who is your female role model and why?
One of my best friends, Momo. She is very kind, and she always tries her best to help others around her. She is very strong, she will find a way to solve any difficulties, I have rarely seen her feel depressed. She is always very optimistic and she is always like the sun guiding me towards the better.

5. What core skills do you think the Women of tomorrow need to succeed?

Assertiveness, learning ability, critical thinking, negotiation, building and maintaining networks, passionate about what you do.