Carrie Edwards-Britt is a Women of Storm member who wears a number of very different hats - not all of them purple.
As Managing Director of The Amazing Baby Company and CEO of MGI Golf, as well as Non-executive Director and Chair of Yarra Valley Grammar School Board, she has shown passion, persistence and an ability to never take no as an answer.
Whilst she has encountered challenges throughout her established career, Carrie says she has “double, maybe triple the amount of stories of the wonderful people who welcomed me to both industries and have since been my greatest supporters.”
Carrie started The Amazing Baby Company in 2007 and has grown the business into a multi award winner and one of Australia’s largest independent distributors of baby products.
TABC has a portfolio of nine international brands and there’s one special brand of Carrie’s own, Betti, named after her gran who turns 99 in July.
“I entered the baby industry as a Managing Director. It was not an overly welcoming experience,” she said.
“I was 24 and female. Many of the brands I approached to extend our portfolio, would not take meetings with me, assumed I was the assistant or were condescending.
“I was surprised for such a female friendly industry the store owners, head buyers, head sellers were mainly middle aged, men.
“I am not ashamed to say I used my father to get my foot in the door or get appointments when they wouldn’t meet with me. It probably won’t surprise you to know that he was given a meeting right away.
“I was also met with doubt or resistance from other females because I wasn’t a mum.
“I am still not a mum and believe that I have been just as successful in this industry without being a mum because I am passionate about business and the brands I represent.”
The golf industry is one that has been part of Carrie’s life for almost as long as she can remember.
Her father started MGI Golf 31 years ago in the garage of their family’s suburban home.
“I used to work in the office on school holidays stuffing statements in envelopes and am now proud to be CEO of his global (golfing) empire,” she said.
“Being a female CEO in the golf industry has been even more challenging.
“I work with some amazing men in the golf industry, who are great supporters and mentors, however I frequently come up against misogyny and sexism.
“I’d like to think I’m relaxed and not overly sensitive and that I can certainly take as well as I give, but it can wear me down at times.”
Women of Storm has allowed Carrie to combine her love of the club, her passion for business and to connect with like-minded women.
“Most women don’t get the chance to have their story told or their achievements celebrated.
“One of the many things I love about the WOS program is we get to hear from local women, who are excelling in their field, share their success stories and challenges.
“They are real women, mostly living in our mighty Melbourne town and Storm give them a chance to celebrate their achievements.”
For those thinking of joining Women of Storm, it’s an unequivocal yes from Carrie.
“There are many “women in business” groups, however I have found kindred spirits, such as Natalie from Equidi and Jess from CoinTree, through the WOS program.
“It’s great to be able to talk business, share our struggles and hear of their personal journeys to make me feel supported and that I’m not alone.
“Storm has this way of making their programs feel intimate but offering diverse experiences.
“I honestly learn something new at every event. I look forward to seeing the women I have met through the program and seeing how they are and how they are progressing.
As for how to rise to the next level in both business and life, Carrie shares the following pieces of sage advice.
“Don’t see other women as your competitors. They are your greatest allies. Help promote women around you, even in your own industry and workplace. The connections you can make with like minded women are like no other.
“Also, it’s ok to doubt yourself, but don’t give in to that fear. Imposter syndrome affects everyone, not just women, so you are not alone.
“Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone you admire or respect and ask for help, guidance or feedback.
“However, my biggest advice, and something I live by, is the power of Random Acts of Kindness (RAOK).
“Tell someone without being prompted that they are doing a great job, or you love their outfit.
“Send a handwritten note to thank your friends for being your friends. Take in a coffee to your favourite co-worker.
“Write a favourable LinkedIn recommendation to someone who deserves some public praise.
“Kindness is free and doing a RAOK can change someone’s mood, day, life and it doesn’t have to cost you anything, but your time.”
