In the lead-up to International Women’s Day, we sat down with two of our Directors, Elisha Huke and Julie Ramke-Meyer, to talk about leadership, women in business, and what actually makes a difference over time.
What emerged wasn’t a conversation about titles or milestones.
It was about clarity. About backing yourself. And about building workplaces where people can grow without burning out.
Clarity Creates Momentum
“In business, uncertainty is exhausting,” Julie says.
Whether it’s a client making a significant decision or a team member trying to do great work, ambiguity erodes confidence quickly. Her approach is simple and consistent: reduce the noise and define the next step.
“When people feel supported and know what to focus on, they move forward.”
Elisha agrees. Overwhelm is rarely about capability, it’s about complexity.
“Breaking situations down into what really matters shifts everything. One clear next step can turn stress into momentum.”
It’s not dramatic leadership. It’s disciplined leadership. And over time, it builds trust.
Backing Your Value
When asked about barriers in business, both Directors point to a familiar one: hesitation to fully back your own value.
Elisha sees it in underpricing and overworking.
“If someone is working 50 hours a week without fair return, something needs to change. Once they see their value and have a few wins, confidence grows quickly.”
Julie believes environment plays a powerful role.
“When ambition is normalised and capability is recognised, people begin backing themselves. Support and visibility matter.”
While often discussed in the context of women in business, the principle is universal. Clarity around your value changes decisions, performance and long-term sustainability.
Ambition and Flexibility
For Elisha, one of the most important leadership messages is that ambition and flexibility are not opposites.
“With clear expectations and accountability, flexibility strengthens performance. It doesn’t weaken it.”
Julie describes her leadership style as strength and empathy working together, high standards, open communication and genuine respect.
It’s not about lowering the bar. It’s about building an environment where people can meet it sustainably.
Leadership in Practice
What stands out most is how practical their thinking is.
- Clarity over complexity.
- Ownership over control.
- Action over slogans.
Advice for women balancing business, family and everything in between
When asked what advice they would share with women navigating the competing demands of business, family and life, both Directors pointed to the importance of protecting your energy.
Elisha’s advice centres on clarity and boundaries.
“Be really clear on your boundaries, and don’t feel bad for sticking to them. You will always have lots of balls in the air. Identify which are non-negotiable and which are okay to drop every now and then, and be easy on yourself when they do drop.”
For Julie, the shift came from making her own wellbeing a priority.
“Make your own wellbeing non-negotiable. For me, everything changed when I committed to 5am workouts each day, because having dedicated ‘me time’ gives you the energy, clarity and resilience to show up for everything else.”
Both perspectives reflect the same underlying theme: sustainable leadership starts with looking after the person doing the leading.
International Women’s Day provides a moment to reflect on progress. But for Julie and Elisha, leadership isn’t about one day of recognition. It’s about consistent standards, every week, every client, every conversation.
If you’re navigating growth, complexity, or simply looking for clearer direction in your business, Elisha leads our HTA Melbourne team, and Julie leads our HTA Sunshine Coast team. Both are always open to a conversation.
Because sometimes the most powerful next step is simply starting one.
