Celebrating International Women’s Day
This month marks International Women’s Day and, in recognition of the incredible achievements of women across the Alliance, three of our leaders are sharing their learnings and reflections. Together, Kellie Becker, Lillian Kallman, and Bindi Palmer provide a glimpse into their inspirations and motivations for success, and offer some advice to future generations of aspiring leaders working in global finance.
Kellie Becker, Partner at Plante Moran, celebrates the importance of team collaboration and self-confidence:
1. How do you approach inspiring a team, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment?
I consider myself more of a motivator than an inspirational figure. I engage team members in projects, create a vision, and share stories to tap into everyone's potential. In building a team, I include individuals from the administration team to interns, staff, and senior partner levels. Everyone has something valuable to contribute, and by making each person feel valued, we encourage a collaborative and inclusive environment. If you are enthusiastic about a particular area, your team will likely be inspired by your passion and share in the excitement.
2. What's a key lesson you've learned throughout your career, that you wish you could have known from the beginning?
I have learned the importance of valuing myself and not doubting my abilities excessively. While a healthy amount of doubt can be beneficial, it is crucial to building and maintaining self-confidence.
3. Why do you believe that International Women's Day is significant?
International Women's Day provides an opportunity for individuals who may not have female mentors and leaders in their lives to get exposure to them globally. Each person is unique, but seeing oneself in others can foster self-belief and empowerment. I am inspired by women all around the world.
Lillian Kallman, Director at PT ACube TIC International, recognises that inclusivity and flexibility will pave the way to the future:
1. How do you approach inspiring a team, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment?
Inspiring a team starts with trust and transparency. I believe in empowering people by giving them the tools and autonomy they need to succeed, while fostering open communication so everyone feels heard and valued. Our team thrives on collaboration, and I’ve always emphasized inclusivity by encouraging diverse perspectives. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) aren’t just buzzwords for us—they’re foundational values. Our company needs to reflect the communities we operate in and the clients we serve. DEI is a strength, not a burden. It drives innovation, fosters creativity, and ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered.
This has been key to our growth, especially when we opened our office in the Philippines towards the end of the pandemic. Managing offices in multiple locations has required us to strengthen our communication and support systems even further, ensuring that our inclusive approach extends across borders and teams.
2. What's a key lesson you've learned throughout your career, that you wish you could have known from the beginning?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of embracing uncertainty. Early in my career, I thought leadership meant having all the answers, but I’ve realized that it’s more about asking the right questions and being open to learning from others. Flexibility and continuous growth are critical, especially in fields like certification, where standards evolve and innovation is constant. My work on the IFCC (PEFC Sustainable Forest Management) standardization committee has reinforced this—there’s always more to learn, and that’s a strength, not a weakness.
3. Why do you believe that International Women's Day is significant?
International Women’s Day is a chance to celebrate progress, but also to reflect on the work still ahead. It highlights the achievements of women in all fields and serves as a reminder of the barriers that remain. As a woman leading a certification body in a traditionally male-dominated industry, I see firsthand the importance of visibility and representation. I’m proud that we’ve built an organization where diversity and inclusivity are foundational values—not just for show, but as a real driver of our success. This day is about inspiring the next generation of women leaders while recognizing those who’ve paved the way.
Bindi Palmer, Partner at Xeinadin, advocates for following your instincts and prioritising individuality:
1. How do you approach inspiring a team, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment?
Be real, straightforward, honest, open and transparent in dealing with the team and most importantly encourage self belief and confidence. This creates a safe trusting environment where team members can be themselves, grow and contribute; I would encourage all team members to embrace and accept difference. To encourage self-belief, we should treat the team as if they were clients. Focus on the relationship and be open in communication.
2. What's a key lesson you've learned throughout your career, that you wish you could have known from the beginning?
Always TRUST your gut instinct.
It’s really important to ensure that business and professional values align so that your working environment is one that “lifts you up” allowing you to find “your tribe”
3. Why do you believe that International Women's Day is significant?
It’s a day of celebration where we can all stand back and look at what has been achieved by women progressively over the months, years, decades, centuries gone by. It's also a day to celebrate the “individuality” of women, valuing eclecticism and variety- moving away from stereotyping. It’s a moment to reflect how Internationally women can support and promote each other, as diversity and equality is still not equal across continents and countries. Praxity is a great platform to raise awareness of these matters.