We’re inspired by powerful women every day. One of those women is our friend, ambassador, author and Keep It Cleaner (KIC) CEO, Laura Henshaw.

Back in 2015, Laura co-founded KIC as a healthy recipe e-book. Now, KIC is a home-screen-staple for many women, a holistic wellness platform that advocates for self-love first. The wellness industry has never been particularly kind to women, from fad-diets to projecting beauty standards. Laura saw an opportunity to break the cycle, and empower women to embrace wellness and live confidently.

From standing out in a male-dominated industry, to prioritising wellbeing, we chatted with Laura about what International Women’s Day means to her.

What does this year's IWD theme “Cracking the code: innovation for a gender- equal future” mean to you?

This year's theme for me is about creating more opportunities for women in STEM to help women become a bigger and more equal part of innovation into the future. There is so much untapped potential currently in these industries which are so heavily male dominated - and women have so much to offer the industry.

As the CEO of KIC, tell us a bit about the challenges you've faced as a woman at the forefront of your business.

The biggest challenge I have faced in my role as CEO of KIC is the feeling of really having to prove that I am worthy of my role. I wholeheartedly believe that I am, with my experience and KIC’s journey to date but I feel as women we often feel like we have to prove ourselves 10 x more and have so much experience to be worthy of a role / or of opportunities.

What changes towards a more gender-inclusive industry have you witnessed throughout your career?

Something we have implemented recently at KIC is paying super for employees for up to a year while they are on parental leave. This is really important to us as the majority of parental leave is taken by mothers, and this combined with the pay gap means the super gap is a huge problem in Australia. In Australia, the superannuation payout for women is a third of the payout for men.

What would be the one piece of advice you would tell your younger self?

That if I ever feel like I have a ceiling above me, to change rooms.

Can you share with us a few tips on how you balance self-care and the pressures of CEO life?

I think the biggest thing I have learnt is to do what I can with what I have and not put unnecessary pressure on myself to do X amount of self-care etc. Some days I have time to go for a 30 minute run, others I only have time for a 5 minute KIC mini - but I do try and do some type of movement each day for my mind. I also find finding 5 minutes in the day to do a quick guided meditation really helps manage my stress levels too.

Laura’s ‘cracked the code’ in her own way. From opening conversations around body image, to embracing confidence, her work shows that empowerment comes in different ways - from the boardroom, to the gym.

To us, ’cracking the code’ means ensuring women feel empowered with equal opportunities, where worthiness isn’t up for debate. It also means conversations around gender inequality don’t stop today, and definitely don’t stop when people get uncomfortable. Today and everyday, talk about your experiences and hopes for an equal future. And like Laura, change rooms if the ceiling is ever above you.