International Women's Day - a fabulous excuse to spotlight the extraordinary women who are not just climbing the career ladder but redefining its very rungs. Today, we're introducing you to Kahli Fenn, the dynamic General Manager of iknowho, a specialist marketing recruitment company that's been connecting top-tier talent with stellar brands since 2008.
Kahli's journey from advertising to recruitment leadership is a testament to her passion for nurturing talent and fostering inclusive workplaces. Her insights into leadership, mentorship, and the pivotal role of male allies in advancing workplace equality are both enlightening and inspiring.
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Kahli for a candid Q&A session, where she shared her experiences, advice, and the influences that have shaped her remarkable career.
Who is iknowho and tell us about your current role?
iknowho is a specialist marketing recruitment company connecting handpicked talent and top-notch brands across both the agency and corporate sectors. We’re ex-marketers with a consultative approach and long-standing relationships with our first clients from 2008, still our clients today over 16 years later. In my current role as General Manager, I manage the day to day running of our business across people and operations, working together with our Founder, Dene Gambotto, to drive our strategy and growth.
What advice do you have to women just starting out their recruitment career?
Be open, transparent and honest in all your interactions. If you are driven by doing the right thing and treating people well, you will be remembered and it’s relationships that drive revenue. People will always remember how you made them feel.
What inspired you to step into leadership?
I naturally progressed into leadership in my advertising career prior to recruitment and it was here that I discovered my passion for helping others grow in their careers and seeing the impact of a strong team with a shared vision. We’re a small team at iknowho but each individual is unique, experienced and contributes to our vision and I’m inspired daily.
Who was the most influential woman on your career? Why?
It has to be our founder Dene. Dene has taught me not only the skills to run a business but also skills on how to manage motherhood and career which has allowed me to continue to grow personally and professionally whilst also growing my family.
What can our male allies do to uplift women and advance equality in the workplace?
Male allies can uplift women by actively ensuring diverse shortlists for job roles, especially in male-dominated industries. They can mentor women for leadership positions, speak up against unconscious bias and advocate for transparent pay structures and equal parental leave policies, ensuring women have the same opportunities to advance and balance their careers and personal lives. I also encourage men to take paid parental leave if they have the opportunity – I’ve seen firsthand the incredible benefits it brings to both families and workplaces and we need male leaders to pave the way so it’s not just a box ticking benefit but something that is actually demonstrated successfully. It helps challenge traditional gender roles, promotes a fairer distribution of family responsibilities, and creates more equal career opportunities winning both in the home and the workplace.
Conclusion:
Kahli's perspectives on authenticity, mentorship, and the critical role of male allies in promoting workplace equality serve as powerful reminders of the collective effort required to foster inclusive environments.
As we celebrate International Women's Day, let's take Kahli's advice to be open, honest, and driven by integrity in all interactions. Support one another's growth, challenge biases, and advocate for policies that promote balance and equality. Together, we can create workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Here's to the women like Kahli, who inspire us to lead with empathy and drive meaningful change. May we celebrate them today and every day.
