Women Who Inspire at NumberWorks’nWords

International Women’s Day is the perfect time to pause and celebrate the incredible women around us, the ones who lead, inspire, and make a difference every day. At NumberWorks’nWords, we are fortunate to work alongside many amazing women who run centres, mentor teams, and shape the way we support students in maths and English.

This year, we spoke with three women from NumberWorks’nWords, Tinara, Master Franchisee in New South Wales and owner of St Ives, Natalie Smith, owner of New Plymouth, and Fiona Wang, a valued member of our Head Office development team and a tutor at Remuera. Each shared their experiences, challenges, and the lessons that continue to guide them. Their stories remind us that leadership comes in many forms.

Facing Challenges and Turning Them into Strength

Being a woman is not without its challenges. Each of these women has faced moments where they needed to trust in themselves, stand confidently in their abilities, and believe in the value they bring.

Tinara shared that one challenge she has faced is being underestimated at times. Rather than letting that hold her back, she chose to see it as motivation. “I have learned to view it as motivation. My competitive nature and strong desire to achieve positive outcomes have encouraged me to work hard, demonstrate my capabilities, and consistently strive for excellence,” she said.

Natalie has noticed similar experiences in her own business. Working alongside a male co-owner, she has seen that sometimes the same words, spoken in the same way, can be received differently depending on who says them. “We can say the exact same thing in the exact same way, yet it’s often him who gets the reaction or recognition,” she said. Instead of stepping back, she leaned in. “I’ve used that awareness to back myself more, to speak with confidence, stand by my expertise, and ensure my voice is heard.”

For Fiona, the challenge began at university studying Computer Science, a field where women are still underrepresented. “I often felt pressure to prove myself more than others, especially during group projects,” she explained. “Women were less likely to be chosen as teammates, which made me feel that I had to perform perfectly. I was afraid to ask for help or make mistakes, worrying that it would make me appear less professional or less capable.” Over time, Fiona learned an important lesson. “Growth comes not from avoiding mistakes, but from learning, contributing, and having the confidence to take up space in the field.”

Their experiences show that it is not the challenges they face that define them, but the strength, resilience, and determination they bring to overcome them.

The Women Who Shaped Them

Behind every leader are people who have inspired and influenced them. For Tinara, that influence came from her mother and grandmother. “I have inherited my mother’s determination and persistence, and she taught me that very little comes easily without effort, resilience, and a growth mindset,” she said. From her grandmother, she learned the importance of enjoying the journey. “Her humour demonstrated that laughter can help overcome many of life’s challenges,” she said.

Natalie also looks to her family as her biggest influences. “My mum and my sister are both incredibly strong women who consistently strive to be their best, not just for themselves, but for the people around them,” she said. Their example of work ethic, kindness, and resilience continues to guide how she shows up in the world.

Fiona draws inspiration from the women who came before her in technology. “Because they stood up for our rights, my generation now benefits from opportunities that were once unavailable to women, such as scholarships and communities like Women in Computer Science,” she said. “I learned that my voice deserves to be heard and that my ideas are worth listening to.”

These examples remind us that mentorship and the guidance of those who came before us shape not only our skills and knowledge, but also our confidence, values, and courage, and that, in turn, we have the opportunity to be that same support and inspiration for others. By sharing our experiences and guidance, we can also help shape the confidence and aspirations of the young girls and women we tutor here at NumberWorks’nWords, empowering the next generation to believe in themselves and their potential.

Defining Success

When asked what success means to them personally, all three women shared perspectives that go beyond titles and accolades.

Tinara described success as fluid and evolving. “Success is not a fixed destination, despite how the word is often used. In reality, it is fluid and continually evolving,” she said. For her, success is about balance. “Achieving a sense of balance between personal fulfilment and professional achievement. Ultimately, it is the level of contentment that comes when these areas are working harmoniously together.”

Natalie shared her own definition by quoting Harry Styles. “If you’re happy doing what you love, nobody can tell you you’re not successful,” she said. For her, it is about fulfilment and genuinely enjoying the life you are building.

Fiona sees success in terms of purpose and contribution. “Success to me is more than a title or a position. It is about doing meaningful work that aligns with my values,” she said. “Knowing that my work has made a positive difference is when I truly feel successful. I measure success not by how far I’ve reached, but by whether I am growing, learning, and staying true to what matters along the way.”

Hearing their stories, it becomes clear that success is not fixed. It is found in the small wins, the lessons learned, and the moments when fulfilment and purpose come together. It makes you pause and wonder quietly, what does success truly mean in your own life?

Advice to Their Younger Selves

Looking back, each woman shared advice she would give to her younger self. The common theme is trusting yourself and your own voice.

Tinara would encourage her younger self not to worry about pleasing everyone. “People are inherently different, and those differences are what make the world interesting. The most important thing is to remain true to your values, beliefs, and morals, and place trust in the people who have a positive influence on your life,” she said.

Natalie’s advice is also grounded in self-belief. “Stop caring so much about what other people think, and start caring more about what truly makes you happy. The sooner you trust yourself, the lighter everything becomes,” she said.

Fiona reflected on her teenage years, which involved moving to new countries, cities, and schools. While these experiences helped her adapt, she also held back out of fear. “If I could go back, I would tell my younger self that it is okay to take initiative, speak up, and not let fear decide which opportunities you deserve,” she said.

Their reflections show that confidence and courage develop over time. By trusting ourselves, speaking up, and embracing opportunities, we shape the path we want for our lives and the difference we hope to make.

Celebrating Women Across Our Network

International Women’s Day is a time to reflect, celebrate, and be inspired. It is an opportunity to recognise the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women in every part of our lives. At NumberWorks’nWords, we see the impact of women every day.

Tinara, Natalie, and Fiona represent just a small part of the women who make our network thrive. Their stories remind us that leadership and influence take many forms and that true success is built on resilience, confidence, balance, and purpose. Whether it is guiding a student through a challenging concept, mentoring a colleague, or creating opportunities for growth, the contributions of women are at the heart of everything we do.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate not only the women at NumberWorks’nWords, but all women everywhere who continue to lead, inspire, and make a meaningful difference in their communities, workplaces, and families. Their dedication, passion, and example remind us that when women support and uplift each other, the impact is powerful and lasting.