I’m a driven and passionate professional, with over two decades of experience in global organisations, specialising in Project Management, Governance, and Event Management. As a mother of two amazing (yet intense! ��) children and partner to a golf obsessed Irishman, I prioritise empowerment, flexibility, and a healthy life-work balance.
When did you start your business?
In 2020, after nearly 20 years in the corporate world and after having my second child, I took a leap of faith and started Virtual Forte. My goal was to build a business that offers the flexibility to prioritise family life while helping my clients reclaim their time and achieve balance, enabling them to thrive in their businesses.
What was the inspiration behind starting this business?
The inspiration behind starting Virtual Forte was to set an example for my children, showing them that if you set your mind to something you can achieve it. Becoming a mum made me realise how essential it is to be present for my family while building a meaningful career and giving back—giving back to myself, my family, and my clients. My drive was to create a business that empowered me with flexibility and allowed me to help others reclaim their time and balance.
What are you most excited about in your business?
I’m most excited about our incredible team and the amazing clients we partner with every day. We’re fortunate to work with clients whose values align with ours, empowering them to make a positive impact. It’s fulfilling to be part of their journey and to see the difference we make together while creating a strong sense of community.
What has been the most challenging thing about starting your business?
An ongoing challenge as a business owner has been maintaining clear boundaries to protect my time and energy. To overcome this, I’ve become more disciplined with my time and sought additional support. I’ve joined several communities, started working with a business coach, as well as with a mindset coach. Balancing work and personal life is an ongoing work in progress, but whenever I feel overwhelmed, I reconnect with my “why”—prioritising my family and being a positive role model. This purpose guides my decisions and actions every day.
What advice would you give to other women thinking about starting a business?
My advice to women starting a business is to do your research, and if you are clear and passionate about the problem you are going to solve, go with your intuition and take the leap, even if it feels scary! Build a supportive network around you and find your cheer squad to help guide and support you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and make sure to keep a balance—by prioritising what’s most important, such as family and self-care. Most importantly, stay connected to your ‘why.’ Knowing your purpose will keep you focused and grounded, even when things get tough.
Why did you enter the AusMumpreneur Awards?
I entered the AusMumpreneur Awards to celebrate and acknowledge the hard work it’s taken to build my business while balancing motherhood. I also had the honor of attending the AusMum conference and awards in 2023 and it is an incredible opportunity to connect with other inspiring women, have the opportunity to share my story, and hopefully inspire others. The awards are a great platform to showcase how it’s possible to thrive both personally and professionally, and I feel so blessed to be part of a community that supports and uplifts mums in business.
What did you enjoy the most about being part of the awards?
The incredible sense of community, support and connection is what I loved most about the awards. It was inspiring to meet so many talented, driven women. Hearing their stories, celebrating each other’s successes, and feeling the collective energy of women empowering women was truly uplifting. It reminded me that we’re all in this together, and being recognised alongside such amazing mums in business was both humbling and motivating.
What surprised you most about the awards?
What surprised me most about the awards was the overwhelming sense of camaraderie and support among the finalists. I love that it was ‘community over competition’. I also didn’t expect the awards process to be so reflective—it really gave me a chance to step back, look at my time in business, appreciate how far we’ve come and celebrate our successes.
How did the awards help you in your business?
The AusMum awards helped my business in several ways. They gave me a platform to reflect on and celebrate the progress that I have made, which was incredibly motivating. It also increased my business’s visibility, allowing me to connect with a wider audience and attract potential clients and team members alike who share our values. Most importantly, the awards strengthened my sense of purpose and confidence, reminding me of the positive impact and that I am on the right path. The recognition reinforced my belief in what we’re doing, which has inspired me to keep pushing forward and to continue growing Virtual Forte.
What advice would you give to other mums thinking about entering the awards?
My advice to other mums considering entering the awards is- go for it! It’s an amazing opportunity to reflect on your journey, celebrate your achievements, and gain valuable recognition for your hard work. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, as it can open doors to so many opportunities, from incredible connections to increased visibility for your business. Most importantly, be proud of what you’ve accomplished, no matter how big or small. The process is as much about growth and learning as it is about recognition, and it’s a wonderful chance to join a supportive community of like-minded women and cheer everyone on!
What has been the best thing about starting your own business?
The best thing about starting my own business has been the flexibility. I can be present for my family while pursuing a career that I am incredibly passionate about. Virtual Forte has allowed me to create something meaningful that aligns with my values—helping clients and our team regain time and balance while also providing a supportive environment for my team. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact we’re making, and knowing that I’ve built a business that works for me, my family, clients and our team has been the most fulfilling part of the journey.
What’s happening next in your business?
We are excited to finish the rest of the year strong! We will continue to help our clients streamline their businesses and find a better balance between work and life. We’re also expanding our services and working on a number of new projects to provide specialised support and optimise businesses online presence. Another key focus for us is to continue to build a stronger community. There are some exciting announcements coming soon, so watch this space!
What are your big plans for the future?
The future of Virtual Forte is focused on growth and greater impact. We’re expanding our specialised support to optimise digital services, offer coaching, and host more community events. I’m also creating new opportunities for collaboration and networking by partnering with other businesses to promote their services, helping more entrepreneurs achieve balance, flexibility, and success in their ventures.