In honour of International Women’s Day
We spoke with a group of women within the Alberts community – founders, CEOs, managing directors and leadership experts – about how their experience as women has shaped the way they build businesses and lead others.
What emerged wasn’t a single narrative. It was strength expressed differently. Resilience built quietly. Leadership that’s been shaped by lived experience.
And importantly, its leadership being built within a community that genuinely supports growth. At Alberts, conversations turn into collaboration, introductions lead to opportunity, and being surrounded by other ambitious operators builds both confidence and momentum. The space doesn’t just look aspirational – it reflects the calibre of the people within it.
Marisa Fong – Founder & Director of Re-ampd
Growing up in a culture where sons were traditionally valued more highly than daughters profoundly shaped Marisa’s outlook. Her mother’s determination to raise fiercely independent girls laid the foundation for the confidence and drive that would later define her entrepreneurial career.
After co-founding and exiting Madison Recruitment in a record-setting acquisition, Marisa now champions women building businesses on their own terms.
She believes confidence isn’t abstract; it’s practical.
“Competence leads to confidence.”
“Life is a marathon, not a sprint.”
Her experience navigating business as a woman has shaped her leadership style: collaborative, values-led and focused on lifting others as she climbs. At Alberts, she operates within a network of high-calibre founders and operators – a community that matches her ambition and reinforces momentum. Click here to learn more about Marisa and her business.
Elise Dalrymple-Keast – CEO, Compatico (NZ Matchmaking Agency)
Before turning 30, Elise had already been running her own marketing agency – and stepped into the role of CEO at Compatico, a purpose-driven matchmaking agency operating in one of the most personal and high-trust industries: human connection.
Elise speaks candidly about having to work hard to be taken seriously in earlier stages of her career. That experience has shaped how she now shows up as a leader – especially when working with other women.
Her leadership is intentional: she gives people autonomy, encourages them to stretch, and provides honest feedback.
“Back yourself more.”
“No one is coming to discover you – you have to make your achievements known.”
Having navigated leadership at a young age, she now actively encourages other women to step forward before they feel fully ready, even if it feels uncomfortable. Last year, we sat down with Elise to explore her leadership journey and career evolution. You can read the full feature here.
Sue Watson – Director of Connected Leadership
With considerable experience in senior leadership roles and research examining gender inequality, Sue’s career has been shaped by seeing firsthand how differently leadership can land for women.
That experience now fuels her work through Connected Leadership – a leadership development community and programme designed to support women into and through senior roles.
For Sue, confidence isn’t assumed – it’s cultivated.
“Confidence is grounded first in a deep knowledge and acceptance of who you are.”
Understanding how women often underestimate their competence has shaped the way she leads today – by creating environments where clarity, courage and self-belief can grow. Her forthcoming book and theatre project further explore identity, leadership and lived experience – extending her voice beyond traditional business spaces.
Sue regularly hosts her Connected Leadership events at Alberts, bringing women together for powerful conversations and growth. To participate in the programme, view the upcoming events.
Jo Tacon – Managing Director, Charm
For more than 26 years, Jo has led her creative agency through industry disruption, economic cycles and the Global Financial Crisis – building a business defined by resilience, clarity and conviction.
Leading as a woman in a competitive industry hasn’t always been easy. Longevity, she says, is what she’s most proud of.
“Have the courage of your beliefs and your convictions.”
That mindset has shaped her leadership style: steady, relationship-led and grounded in presence rather than volume.
At Alberts, Jo is surrounded by other ambitious operators building businesses for the long term – a professional community where strong leadership continues to evolve and thrive.
We recently sat down with Jo to discuss her career path, lessons in resilience and what it takes to lead through change. Read her full feature here.
We thank these women for sharing their time and stories with us. Here’s to the women building businesses at Alberts with conviction – and to the community backing them every step of the way.