Could you share a bit about yourself—who you are, what you do, and your biggest loves
Kia ora, I'm Geena Kumar, the founder of Ticked Off (www.tickedoff.co.nz). I'm a professional business organiser and problem solver, basically a helping hand for busy executives, small business owners, artists, creatives, and working parents to get that ‘thing’ off their to-do-list. I thrive on variety and love working with interesting people on all sorts of projects. My biggest loves? Seeing my clients succeed, the satisfaction of a perfectly organised system, and of course, spending time with my partner Simon and our two cats, Susan and Walter (@walt.er.gram).
International Women's Day is about celebrating women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. What’s something that makes you proud to be a woman? Or something you’ve personally achieved that you’re proud of?
I'm incredibly proud of the resilience and adaptability women demonstrate every day. We juggle so many roles and responsibilities, often with grace and strength. Personally, I'm proud of building Ticked Off from the ground up. It's been a journey of learning and growth, and I'm thrilled to be supporting other businesses, especially women-led, to achieve their goals. As a woman in business, I've created a service model that acknowledges and supports the complex juggling act many professionals face. My greatest achievement has been establishing trust with diverse clients and watching them grow as I help clear the path for their success.
When you think about the meaning of International Women’s Day, which powerful woman comes to mind and why?
It's hard to pick just one! I'm fortunate to be surrounded by incredible women. My best friends, Louise Hilsz and Eliza Walker, are two of the most powerful influences I have. Louise’s blend of creativity, productivity, self-assuredness and radiating body confidence is something I strive for. My other best friend, Eliza Walker, demonstrates the power of empathy and is an amazing working mother, all while being such a loyal friend. And my sister, Janice Kumar-Ward, is a powerful businesswoman in her own right, leading her interior architecture firm, JKW, with vision and strength. They all remind me of the diverse strengths’ women possess.
What do you think is the unique superpower that women possess?
I think it's our ability to multitask and see the bigger picture while also paying attention to the details. We're often excellent communicators and collaborators, which are essential skills in both business and life. We often have an innate talent for understanding both the practical and emotional aspects of situations, allowing us to create solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term impacts. And let's be honest, we're masters of getting things done!
Despite progress, New Zealand still faces an 8.2% pay gap between men and women, with an even wider gap for wāhine Māori and Pasifika women. What do you believe is the most impactful step businesses can take to close this gap?
From my corporate experience as a culture and engagement consultant to working with various businesses, transparency is key. Businesses need to conduct regular pay audits, identify any discrepancies, and take immediate action to rectify them. This includes not just base salary, but also bonuses, benefits, and opportunities for advancement. We also need to address unconscious bias in hiring and promotion processes. Additionally, businesses need to recognise and value different brains, working styles and create flexible working arrangements that don't penalise career progression.
We’ve noticed you support many women-led or owned businesses. What have these experiences taught you about the strength and resilience of women in business?
Working with women-led businesses has been incredibly inspiring. I've seen firsthand their dedication, passion, and resourcefulness. They often face unique challenges, but they persevere and find creative solutions. It reinforces my belief that supporting women in business is crucial for a thriving economy.
What advice would you give a younger Geena?
Don't be afraid to take risks and follow your passion. Believe in yourself and your abilities, even when things get tough. Find a mentor or community of supportive people who can offer guidance and encouragement. And remember, it's okay to ask for help – that's what Ticked Off is here for!