Interview with Zahrah Roush

What’s your industry background and current role?

I’ve been in the industry for 23 years, with 20 of those years with FCTG. My role involves leading the content product strategy and supplier relations for FCM and delivering the overall product business plan. I also work on identifying opportunities to increase product revenue, land attachment and adoption of new products, while working closely with Air and Land procurement and our suppliers.

What makes a great leader?

Some of the attributes I value in great leaders is Clarity – being clear but concise, with their vision and actions; Courage – displaying acts of fearlessness; Passion – there is nothing more inspiring than working for a leader who is passionate and has energy to produce exciting results and Authenticity – this is my most valued attribute, a leader who is clear on their strengths, limitations and in control of their emotions, very powerful!

What benefits do women bring to the table?

Competencies for effective leadership, and areas where I believe women excel include emotional self-awareness, conflict management, empathy, and teamwork – all essential for effective leadership in an organisation.

Who is your greatest influence?

It has always been my late mother, she passed away 13 years ago, but in her short 46 years of living she achieved such incredible things, even when the odds were against her for most of her life. She taught me to persevere, be consistent and to always aim high. In my current work life, I am fortunate to work with some of the most inspiring ladies in leadership, such as Melissa Elf, Sue McEvoy, Sam Rykers, Shelley Poten, Felicity Burke and Kristy Fennell, to name a few!

What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learnt?

My biggest takeaways have been to be authentic and to know your values. Values have a major influence on one’s behaviour and once I knew what mine were, it made being a leader much easier.

What’s the best decision you have ever made?

My best decisions have been when I’ve taken a leap of faith to take on a new role within FCTG. I did this recently, leaving Operations to move into Product and it has certainly allowed me to develop further and to understand the other side of the business.

What’s the worst decision you’ve made?

I don’t have any regretful decisions. I feel content in the fact that some things haven’t worked out as expected, but these weren’t bad decisions (as defined by me) – just opportunities for other experiences or a different view.

What’s the biggest barrier for women in progressing their career?

Confidence. I find that women (myself included), doubt their ability or have a fear of putting themselves out there.

What do you think deters some women from aspiring to top leadership roles?

Fear of the unknown and a lack of confidence.

What advice would you give to any woman considering the next step in their career?

You are much more powerful than you know.

Can you tell me about your involvement with Womenwise?

I’m on the Womenwise Committee representing FCM nationally and I’m passionate about creating connections with women in FCTG. I have been supporting groups of women in our corporate business to set up Womenwise Chapters in their local states. These chapters meet regularly to support each other, provide guidance and inspiration. I’m also a Qld Team Leader on the FC Foundation.

How do you juggle working full-time with having two young boys?

My life is busy and lots of fun, but I try my best to be fully present when I am with my boys so I can focus on my career when I am away from them. When my career and my mum duties cross over, which they often do, I involve the boys in my work. They often come to the office with me if I need to go outside of hours and they are curious little men, so I help them to understand what I’m working on, so they can be empathetic if I have to be away from them.

‘Each for Equal’ is the theme for IWD 2020 - what does equality mean to you?

Equality to me is about every individual having an equal opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents