Success isn’t about labels – it’s about mindset

IN MY EXPERIENCE >  by Fran Chalmers, MediaCast managing director >>

IN THE LEAD-UP to International Women’s Day, I had been reflecting on my own success as a business owner and whether or not being a woman has played a role in my success.

Truthfully, I don’t know that it has… and I’d love to tell you why.  

I fundamentally believe that success isn’t about circumstances, labels, or external validation — it’s about persistence, adaptability, and making the tough decisions at the right time.

Reflecting on my career so far, I realise that some of the most important lessons I’ve learned had nothing to do with being a woman in business, but everything to do with the mindset needed to build something that lasts.

Building something that matters

When I first started my agency, I wasn’t thinking about breaking barriers or defying expectations. I was thinking about how to create a unique offering, deliver value, and build something that mattered.

My business hasn’t achieved success because of who I am — it succeeds because I have a strong vision, a willingness to take risks, and an unwavering commitment to hard work.

There’s a tendency in today’s world to define success through external factors — gender, background, or industry norms. But in reality, success is built from the inside out.

It’s about resilience in the face of setbacks, the ability to pivot when challenges arise, and a relentless focus on growth. It’s about making smart decisions, surrounding yourself with the right people, and never settling for mediocrity.

Focus on the challenges

Looking back, I see that the key moments in my career haven’t been shaped by being a woman in business, but by how I approach each challenge.

Early on, I worked in the automotive industry, an environment where men vastly outnumbered women. But instead of seeing that as an obstacle, I saw it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and prove myself through the quality of my work.

When I co-founded my agency (MediaCast), my focus wasn’t on how my gender might impact my success—it was on how I could build something innovative and enduring.

As MediaCast marks its 10-year anniversary, I’ve been reflecting on what it takes to sustain and grow a business in an ever-changing industry.

The most valuable lessons I’ve learned apply to anyone looking to achieve success, regardless of background:

• Adaptability is everything. The landscape is always shifting, and the most successful people are those who can evolve with it. Staying rigid in your thinking or approach will only hold you back.
• Surround yourself with the right people. Success isn’t a solo journey. Finding business partners, mentors, and collaborators who challenge and complement you is critical.
• Take risks, but make them calculated. Every opportunity carries some level of risk, but success comes from making informed, strategic decisions.

At the end of the day, success isn’t about labels—it’s about mindset. It’s about the choices you make, the habits you cultivate, and the determination you bring to every challenge.

And that’s a message that applies to everyone.

www.mediacast.com.au

BUSINESS ACUMEN IN ACTION

To illustrate how Fran Chalmers and her team faced – and reacted to – many challenges MindCast dealt with over the past decade, Business Acumen asked her to list the more significant ones. Business owners and leaders will recognise and identify with many of these challenges – and ask the obvious question: ‘How would I proceed in a similar situation?’ 

#ends