I still remember stepping into Global-Mark in 2005, fresh out of high school, with no idea what “certification” even meant. My plan? Get some work experience, save a bit of money, and head off to uni. Fast-forward nearly 20 years, and here I am—part of the executive management team, still at Global-Mark, and about to turn 38.
Back then, most auditors were engineers or had a ‘technical’ background. Although I wasn’t an engineer, I was eager to learn. Even now, working in a team made up mostly of engineers has its challenges. We often approach problems from completely different angles—engineers focus on logic and precision, while I naturally lean towards people, behaviour, and dynamics. There have been times when we’ve struggled to understand each other, but over the years, I’ve learned how to bridge that gap. Communication, adaptability, and mutual respect have been key in building strong working relationships.
When I started, we were a tiny team of just five: Hervé and Maria (our co-founders), myself, and two others, plus a team of around 20 contractors. I was a trainee, then moved into technical administration while juggling uni. Even though I didn’t have a technical degree, I was always eager to learn. If a task needed doing, I’d put my hand up. If someone offered to teach me something new, I jumped in. Looking back, those moments of saying “yes”—to big and small opportunities—taught me more than any formal training ever could.
Of course, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. For a while, I was the only woman in the room—and usually the youngest by far. There were times when I’d suggest an idea, only to have it dismissed—then watch a male colleague say the exact same thing and get immediate buy-in. It stung. But over time, I learned: if your voice isn’t heard the first time, keep refining your message. Keep showing up. Keep pushing forward. Persistence pays off.
One thing that has made an enormous difference in my career is the women who have supported me along the way. I’ve been incredibly lucky to have had female managers throughout my journey, particularly in my early years at Global-Mark. I was nurtured, encouraged, and given space to grow, and now, with our female CEO, that support continues. I feel listened to, supported, and encouraged—especially in the moments when I don’t feel smart enough, old enough, or experienced enough. Having leaders who believe in you, even when you doubt yourself, is invaluable
About seven years ago, I moved into executive management—leading people who had been in the industry far longer than me. At first, I felt like I had to prove myself. But my deep knowledge of Global-Mark—combined with my ability to understand different perspectives, problem-solve, and build relationships—gave me an unexpected edge.
Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful to Global-Mark for taking a chance on me—a kid who had no clue what “certification” even was. In many ways, the company raised me. And I like to think I’ve given as much back in return. We’ve grown together, from a handful of employees and a team of contractors to a thriving, evolving organisation. Through it all, I’ve held onto my curiosity, my passion for learning, and my commitment to doing the right thing.
But I know my story isn’t unique. Women in industries like ours—whether in auditing, engineering, or leadership—still face challenges when it comes to being heard, being seen, and being taken seriously. I’ve been in meetings where I was overlooked, in situations where my contributions weren’t recognised until they came from someone else, and in rooms where I felt like I didn’t belong. And yet, here I am.
That’s why International Women’s Day matters. It’s about recognising the voices that have fought to be heard and making sure we continue to create space for the next generation of women coming through. It’s about showing that leadership doesn’t always look the way it used to—and that success isn’t reserved for those who fit a traditional mould.
So, if there’s one thing I’ve learned over these past two decades, it’s this: say yes. Say yes to learning, to challenges, to opportunities that scare you. Say yes, even when you’re not sure you’re ready—because the truth is, none of us ever feel fully ready. Growth comes from stepping into the unknown.
And for those of us in positions of influence, say yes to lifting others up. Take the time to mentor, support, and advocate for the women around you. Encourage different voices. Make room at the table. Because when we do that, we don’t just make things better for women—we make things better for everyone.
This International Women’s Day, I reflect on how far we’ve come, and how far we still have to go. Let’s keep saying yes, keep showing up, and keep making space for each other. You never really know where a single opportunity might lead.
Alexandra McQualter
