7 Questions with Nadia

In honour of seven consecutive years of sponsoring She Leads Conference, the She Leads team asked Nadia seven questions to get her take on all-things business, working in Canberra, women in leadership and the advice people don’t usually part with but you should absolutely be hearing.
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Nadia Pessarossi

Founder, Pulse 8 Strategies

1.) You’ve seen She Leads from the inside as our champion sponsor so what’s something about this conference that surprised you that you didn’t expect going in?

Seven years ago, I walked in not really knowing what to expect. I had heard such powerful things about the conference, so becoming a sponsor felt like an easy yes. But after attending that very first event, I was completely sold…for life. What surprised me most is that She Leads isn’t just a conference—it’s a feeling. It’s the kind of experience that stays with you long after you leave the room.

The emotions, the learnings, the connections—it’s more than just a conference. There’s an energy in the room that is both powerful and deeply personal. Most importantly, She Leads creates a space for genuine empowerment—something every woman in leadership needs. You hear stories that truly resonate, you connect with like-minded people, and you feel seen in a way that is rare and incredibly impactful.

I’ve attended many conferences over the years, but I’ve never walked away with this kind of feeling. And the most remarkable part? Every single year, it just gets better!

2.) Canberra has a reputation for being a government town… what do people consistently get wrong about building a business here, and what’s the hidden advantage locals rarely talk about?

“Yawn” is honestly my first reaction—because this is exactly what people get wrong about Canberra.

Yes, government is a major presence, and it can be an incredible client base—but that’s only part of the story. What people overlook is the depth and diversity of this city. Canberra is home to thriving privately owned businesses, impactful not-for-profits, and a growing entrepreneurial community. It’s not one-dimensional—it’s layered, connected, and full of opportunity.

The real hidden advantage? It’s the people and the accessibility to them.
In Canberra, you are never too far removed from decision-makers, collaborators, or future clients. But you have to be willing to step into that. You have to get out from behind the screen.

Get into the room. Start the conversation. Build genuine relationships.
Social media has its place and yes, it’s great for visibility and reach…but in a city like Canberra, nothing replaces the power of the human connection. When people know you, trust you, and understand what you bring, that’s where the real opportunities start to unfold. That’s the part people don’t talk about enough and it’s where Canberra truly shines.

3.) What’s the one thing you wish more sponsors understood about why a room like She Leads actually matters for business?

Yes—you can look at it through a traditional lens. Your target market, all in one room. 300 executives, middle managers, and emerging leaders sitting right there. From a marketing perspective, it makes perfect sense—brand awareness, visibility, connection. But for me, it’s so much more than that. What I wish more sponsors understood is the impact behind the opportunity.

My contribution isn’t just about putting a logo in front of people—it’s about helping make this room possible. It’s about ensuring ticket prices stay accessible, so more women can be there, in that space, having those conversations, feeling that sense of belonging and empowerment.
She Leads has to run every year and If I can play even a small role in making that happen, then I’m all in.

Yes, I am building awareness for my business—but I’m also using that platform for something bigger. Something meaningful. I am using my powers for good.
And honestly… my question is, why wouldn’t you want to be part of that?

4.) What’s a piece of advice that gets handed to women in business constantly that you think is actually holding them back?

I think we are still being told to be the “bigger person.” To stay polite, calm and accommodating. To soften our voices instead of using them where it truly matters. And I honestly believe that’s holding us back.

You don’t have to take the higher road every time. Stand up for yourself. Speak up. Challenge the status quo. Question what doesn’t make sense. Question to understand. Keep pushing, keep trying and embrace failure, because it is often our best teacher.

We need to have the confidence to make ourselves heard. To be bold. To take up space without apology. Because really… what’s the worst that can happen?

5.) What’s the one thing you’d tell a woman who’s being underpaid and underestimated right now… not the diplomatic version, the real version?

Underpaid and underestimated? Here’s the real talk: Get out.
Go. Find a place where they see your value, pay you what you’re worth, and actually respect you.

Stop waiting for them to change. Stop hoping they notice. You deserve better.

So… get out and claim it.

6.) What’s something that genuinely works in business that no one wants to say out loud?

It’s the human connection. That’s it. There is so much talk about AI and Co-Pilot etc and these are fantastic tools but people want authenticity.
Everyone groans about networking events—but here’s the truth: they work. You go to one event, meet one person, and everything can change. One conversation can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

And let’s not forget the classics—good old-fashioned customer service. To the Millennials and the Gen Z’s – PICK. UP. THE. PHONE! You got this!! Treat people well. Listen. Follow through. Show up. That’s still where the magic happens.

7.) What’s the worst advice you’ve ever taken onboard and how long did it take you to realise it?

“Join the public service!”

I did a stint in Government, and don’t get me wrong—I genuinely believe everyone should experience it at some point. It’s important to understand the incredible work the Government does and the people behind it. Everyone needs to understand the function and processes.

But here’s the truth: it just isn’t for everyone. I realised that pretty quickly. Yet my whole teenage years and early adulthood, I was told this was the “best path” — for the Superannuation, for stability… yeah, okay!

Lesson learned: Safe advice is the one that slows you down.

7 Questions with Nadia

In honour of seven consecutive years of sponsoring She Leads Conference, the She Leads team asked Nadia seven questions to get her take on all-things business, working in Canberra, women in leadership and the advice people don’t usually part with but you should absolutely be hearing.
Image Not Found

Nadia Pessarossi

Founder, Pulse 8 Strategies

1.) You’ve seen She Leads from the inside as our champion sponsor so what’s something about this conference that surprised you that you didn’t expect going in?

Seven years ago, I walked in not really knowing what to expect. I had heard such powerful things about the conference, so becoming a sponsor felt like an easy yes. But after attending that very first event, I was completely sold…for life. What surprised me most is that She Leads isn’t just a conference—it’s a feeling. It’s the kind of experience that stays with you long after you leave the room.

The emotions, the learnings, the connections—it’s more than just a conference. There’s an energy in the room that is both powerful and deeply personal. Most importantly, She Leads creates a space for genuine empowerment—something every woman in leadership needs. You hear stories that truly resonate, you connect with like-minded people, and you feel seen in a way that is rare and incredibly impactful.

I’ve attended many conferences over the years, but I’ve never walked away with this kind of feeling. And the most remarkable part? Every single year, it just gets better!

2.) Canberra has a reputation for being a government town… what do people consistently get wrong about building a business here, and what’s the hidden advantage locals rarely talk about?

“Yawn” is honestly my first reaction—because this is exactly what people get wrong about Canberra.

Yes, government is a major presence, and it can be an incredible client base—but that’s only part of the story. What people overlook is the depth and diversity of this city. Canberra is home to thriving privately owned businesses, impactful not-for-profits, and a growing entrepreneurial community. It’s not one-dimensional—it’s layered, connected, and full of opportunity.

The real hidden advantage? It’s the people and the accessibility to them.
In Canberra, you are never too far removed from decision-makers, collaborators, or future clients. But you have to be willing to step into that. You have to get out from behind the screen.

Get into the room. Start the conversation. Build genuine relationships.
Social media has its place and yes, it’s great for visibility and reach…but in a city like Canberra, nothing replaces the power of the human connection. When people know you, trust you, and understand what you bring, that’s where the real opportunities start to unfold. That’s the part people don’t talk about enough and it’s where Canberra truly shines.

3.) What’s the one thing you wish more sponsors understood about why a room like She Leads actually matters for business?

Yes—you can look at it through a traditional lens. Your target market, all in one room. 300 executives, middle managers, and emerging leaders sitting right there. From a marketing perspective, it makes perfect sense—brand awareness, visibility, connection. But for me, it’s so much more than that. What I wish more sponsors understood is the impact behind the opportunity.

My contribution isn’t just about putting a logo in front of people—it’s about helping make this room possible. It’s about ensuring ticket prices stay accessible, so more women can be there, in that space, having those conversations, feeling that sense of belonging and empowerment.
She Leads has to run every year and If I can play even a small role in making that happen, then I’m all in.

Yes, I am building awareness for my business—but I’m also using that platform for something bigger. Something meaningful. I am using my powers for good.
And honestly… my question is, why wouldn’t you want to be part of that?

4.) What’s a piece of advice that gets handed to women in business constantly that you think is actually holding them back?

I think we are still being told to be the “bigger person.” To stay polite, calm and accommodating. To soften our voices instead of using them where it truly matters. And I honestly believe that’s holding us back.

You don’t have to take the higher road every time. Stand up for yourself. Speak up. Challenge the status quo. Question what doesn’t make sense. Question to understand. Keep pushing, keep trying and embrace failure, because it is often our best teacher.

We need to have the confidence to make ourselves heard. To be bold. To take up space without apology. Because really… what’s the worst that can happen?

5.) What’s the one thing you’d tell a woman who’s being underpaid and underestimated right now… not the diplomatic version, the real version?

Underpaid and underestimated? Here’s the real talk: Get out.
Go. Find a place where they see your value, pay you what you’re worth, and actually respect you.

Stop waiting for them to change. Stop hoping they notice. You deserve better.

So… get out and claim it.

6.) What’s something that genuinely works in business that no one wants to say out loud?

It’s the human connection. That’s it. There is so much talk about AI and Co-Pilot etc and these are fantastic tools but people want authenticity.
Everyone groans about networking events—but here’s the truth: they work. You go to one event, meet one person, and everything can change. One conversation can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

And let’s not forget the classics—good old-fashioned customer service. To the Millennials and the Gen Z’s – PICK. UP. THE. PHONE! You got this!! Treat people well. Listen. Follow through. Show up. That’s still where the magic happens.

7.) What’s the worst advice you’ve ever taken onboard and how long did it take you to realise it?

“Join the public service!”

I did a stint in Government, and don’t get me wrong—I genuinely believe everyone should experience it at some point. It’s important to understand the incredible work the Government does and the people behind it. Everyone needs to understand the function and processes.

But here’s the truth: it just isn’t for everyone. I realised that pretty quickly. Yet my whole teenage years and early adulthood, I was told this was the “best path” — for the Superannuation, for stability… yeah, okay!

Lesson learned: Safe advice is the one that slows you down.