For International Women’s Day 2026, we had the privilege of talking to some of the amazing women that we work alongside about IWD.
From across varying industries, we asked two of our clients a range of questions about who inspires them and the best pieces of advice they had been given, and they were lovely enough to share their answers with us.
Ticketmaster Australia is proud to celebrate and highlight the talent, creativity and strength of the women that we work with every day.
Melissa Jarvis, Managing Director – Operations at MG Live (part of the Mushroom Group)
Melissa has worked for MG Live for almost four years, as the Managing Director of Operations on an incredible range of music events.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate the achievements of women from all walks of life. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made, while reaffirming our commitment to creating further meaningful opportunities and building pathways for future generations. It’s also a reminder of the power that comes from empowering one another, recognising how far we’ve come, and continuing to champion progress for the women of today and tomorrow.
What has been your proudest achievement throughout your career?
My proudest achievement will always be being a mum to my two beautiful girls. Balancing motherhood with a full‑time career in a demanding industry is not easy, but it has always been worth it. Every challenge, every late night, and every moment of juggling feels meaningful when I remember who is watching. I want them to see that they are capable of anything they set their minds to. If I can show them strength, resilience, and love along the way, then that is the legacy I’m proud to build.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given? And what’s a piece of advice you would pass on to others?
The best advice I’ve ever been given is that as leaders, we are only ever as strong as the people around us. It is important to focus on developing others, creating space for them to thrive and recognising that our success is always shared. It reminded me that leadership isn’t about being the strongest voice in the room; it’s about empowering the voices around you.
The advice I would pass on is aim to make a positive impact wherever you go, and never stop striving to better yourself or your circumstances.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is Give To Gain – what does this year’s theme mean to you?
I believe this theme reflects the true power of generosity. Offering knowledge, creating opportunities, extending kindness and giving women the space to be heard and valued.
In return, we gain stronger teams, more inclusive environments and a community where women feel confident and supported to rise.
The more we give, especially to the next generation, the more we’ve helped shape a future where our daughters, colleagues, and peers can thrive without limits.
Laura Cochrane, Commercial Director at Foundation Theatres
Laura has been working at Foundation Theatres for 8 years, working her way up from Head of Projects & Development to her current role as Commercial Director.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
On a personal level, IWD provides a moment for me to reflect on two things I am very grateful for. Firstly, the incredible group of women that I have the privilege to call friends. I feel deeply thankful for, and proud of, the women that surround me, personally and professionally, and proud of the way that we can support, advocate and look after each other with kindness and honesty.
Secondly, I reflect on how thankful I am for the village around me that gives me the privilege to be a mother and work, a privilege I am very cognisant not everyone gets. For me that is my incredible husband, and my mum, without whom I wouldn’t be able to do the work I am so passionate about. Whilst advocacy for women in the workplace is vital, it can’t happen without equal value being on those that support the women at home.
So on a very personal level, IWD it is a day of thanks, for the women that have paved the way before me, and for the support network that allows me the privilege to be a mother and a colleague – things that both bring me a lot of joy. In the past year however, as we raise our beautiful, opinionated, and full of joy children, IWD provides a catalyst to re-focus my determination on continuing to advocate for equality in a hope that they will grow up in a world that allows them to follow their dreams and always be provided equal opportunities.
What has been your proudest achievement throughout your career?
My proudest achievements at work come in the small moments. The moments where I can connect with a team member, understand their needs, frustrations, or concerns, and help guide them through these and to being a better version of themselves in the workplace and thrive. Watching our team find their purpose, deliver great work and thrive in the workplace is what makes me really proud.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given? And what’s a piece of advice you would pass on to others?
I recently read a theory that you can’t catch all the balls thrown at you, it’s about understanding which balls are important to catch in that moment, and which will bounce if you drop them and you can catch it on the return.
Sometimes that means leaving work so that you can be there for your mums doctors appointment or kids recital, some times it means missing dinner with your family to ensure a work project is delivered, but calmly being able to understand which ball to catch is a metaphor that I use a lot, and try to share with the team. You can’t be everything to everyone, so be considered in where your time is spent to ensure meaningful impact.
