5 OCTOBER2025W MAN LEADERGLOBAL W MAN LEADERGLOBAL Editor's NoteOn the Rise: Women in Decision-Making Roles Across Australia's Business WorldWomen's journey to achieve equality in the workplace has been an ongoing struggle. Women all across the world have been striving hard to overcome the many biases and challenges that befall their way. The story is the same across all countries and Australia is no exception. Recent reports suggest that women are grossly underrepresented in all major decision-making roles across almost all industries in Australia. The nation's workforce currently comprises of only 22.3 percent women CEOs and 35.1 percent of all key management positions. In terms of boardrooms, women make up 34 percent of all board members, and only a meagre 18 per cent of women serve as board chairs.The paltry statistics continue to emerge. A recent report by Chief Executive Women found that women represent a small percentage in major leadership roles across all of Australia's top ASX-listed companies. With progress being made at sluggish pace, it will take 100 years to achieve true gender equality in Australia's top public companies. In such a scenario, celebrating existing women entrepreneurs and leaders becomes even more critical. The current edition of Global Woman Leader does exactly that. We feature a list of emerging women leaders making their mark in the Australian business landscape.One such name is Marco Zietsman, Principal of ZARCHITECTS, a South African, qualified architect with over three decades of experience. Mentored by her father and brother, she founded a successful practice before relocating to Australia. Today, she co-leads ZARCHITECTS with humility, purpose, and deep personal commitment to thoughtful, context-driven design and mentoring the next generation.We also feature an interaction with Deborah Johnston, a transformational psychologist and coach with more than 30 years of leadership development and organisational consultancy experience. As founder of Deborah Johnston Consulting, she inspires women to overcome inner barriers and lead authentically. Her neuroscience, psychodrama, and practical-wisdom-informed, human-centred style ignites deep and lasting change.Read more about these women leaders and get to know the secret to their success.Your thoughts are welcome. Rachita SharmaManaging Editor
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