International Women's Day is a perfect occasion to celebrate the women who are not just part of the workforce but are actively reshaping it. Today, we're introducing you to two such remarkable leaders: Jody Fazldeen and Dionne Sharp, the dynamic duo steering the ship at Talentpath Recruitment.
Jody and Dionne have been instrumental in connecting exceptional talent with thriving businesses across Australia. Their recent partnership with Dixon Appointments further amplifies their commitment to evolving with the modern workforce.
We had the pleasure of engaging Jody and Dionne in a candid Q&A session, delving into their experiences, insights, and the wisdom they've gathered along the way. So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and prepare to be inspired by the stories and advice of two women who are not just leading but transforming the recruitment industry.
Overview of your business, and your current role?
We are the leaders of Talentpath Recruitment, a specialist recruitment agency operating nationally. Our mission is to connect great talent with great businesses, while continuously evolving to meet the needs of the modern workforce. Recently, we have expanded through a partnership with Dixon Appointments, strengthening our reach and impact.
What advice do you have for women just starting out in their recruitment career?
Jody Fazldeen:
The best decision I ever made was starting a business with my best friend. If you have the chance to build something with someone you trust and admire, go for it! If that’s not an option, surround yourself with great advisors and mentors who will support you throughout your journey. Recruitment is an industry where relationships matter - so invest in building strong connections, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to take up space.
Dionne Sharp:
Work hard, work smart, and surround yourself with great people. Find mentors and networks that you can lean on because having strong professional relationships can make all the difference. Push yourself out of your comfort zone and take risks - growth doesn’t happen when you play it safe.
What inspired you to step into leadership/start your own recruitment business?
Jody Fazldeen:
I’ve always been passionate about recruitment - it’s an industry that is all about relationships, connections, and having the ability to genuinely change someone’s life. I love the purpose behind what we do. At the time I started, I had just had a baby, and I knew that if I was going to dedicate myself to something, it had to set my heart on fire. That’s exactly what recruitment does for me.
Dionne Sharp:
We understood the impact recruitment has - on businesses, on careers, and on people’s lives. In 2017, we were seeing too many incredible women leave the industry because part-time work wasn’t valued. We wanted to create a business that embraced different ways of working, attracting and retaining great people who could bring fresh perspectives to the industry.
Who was the most influential woman in your career? Why?
Jody Fazldeen:
My mum, without a doubt. She’s the embodiment of resilience and adaptability. She raised three kids while always working, shifting across industries and roles - from running a pub to bookkeeping to now working in PGA tournaments. She has even driven dump trucks! Her attitude has always been: “I can do anything I want to do,” and that has been a huge inspiration to me.
Dionne Sharp:
I’ve had the privilege of working with some incredible women throughout my career, but one of the biggest influences was a CEO I worked with early on. She had an incredible presence, a genuine desire to help people reach their potential, and she held everyone to a high standard. She taught me so much about leadership, accountability, and the importance of lifting others up.
What can our male allies do to uplift women and advance equality in the workplace?
Jody Fazldeen:
One of the most powerful things men can do is engage in the conversation - not shy away from it. They don’t need to take sides or have all the answers, but simply being curious and open to understanding the experiences of women in the workplace is key. Willingly taking a seat at the table and actively participating in discussions around gender equality sends a strong message of support.
Dionne Sharp:
I’ve been lucky to work in female-dominated environments for most of my career, but I know that’s not the case for everyone. One of the biggest ways men can support women is by sharing the mental load - both at work and at home. When men take on more responsibilities outside of work, it creates space for women to pursue career success without being burdened by additional pressures.
Conclusion:
Jody and Dionne's perspectives on mentorship, resilience, and the pivotal role of male allies in promoting workplace equality serve as powerful reminders of the collective effort required to foster inclusive environments.
As we commemorate International Women's Day, let's embrace the lessons shared by Jody and Dionne: invest in relationships, support one another's growth, and challenge the status quo.
Here's to inspiring women like Jody and Dionne, who lead with empathy, courage, and a commitment to meaningful change. May we celebrate them today and every day.
