Gemma Manning named AusMumpreneur finalist in two categories

Gemma Manning has been named a finalist in two categories at the national AusMumpreneur Awards: Global Brand and Marketing & Communications.

Manning is founder and chief executive officer of Manning & Co, a strategic marketing and communications consultancy focused on B2B technology businesses. The awards programme said her selection reflects 18 years of building the firm into a business with clients across Australia, Asia-Pacific and other markets.

Her career change followed a setback in 2008, when she said she was denied a return to her corporate role after maternity leave. She then set up her own consultancy, building the business while raising two daughters.

The recognition comes amid broader growth in female entrepreneurship in Australia. More than half a million Australian women identify running a small business as their main job, accounting for about 35% of small-business owners.

The AusMumpreneur Awards were created by sisters Peace Mitchell and Katy Garner to recognise mothers in business across fields including innovation, sustainability, technology and global business. The programme receives more than 2,000 nominations nationally.

Garner outlined the purpose of the awards in a programme statement.

"There are so many incredible women right across Australia balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, and these awards are a chance to share their stories and celebrate their success," said Katy Garner.

Career setback

Manning's business operates largely in the technology and IT sectors, where women remain underrepresented in senior commercial and leadership roles. Her story combines commercial growth with the experience of building a company after a career interruption linked to motherhood.

According to details released with the nomination, Manning & Co has developed an international presence since it was founded in 2008. The consultancy describes its work as strategic marketing and communications advisory services for business-to-business organisations.

Manning said the turning point that led to the company's launch remains central to her professional identity.

"When I was told I couldn't return to my corporate role after becoming a mother, it was devastating. But that moment sparked my determination, and I have never looked back. Founding Manning & Co enabled me to create the kind of business we need more of - one driven by a growth mindset, opportunity, inclusion, kindness and nurture, and an unwavering belief that motherhood should empower, not hinder, a woman's career," said Gemma Manning, founder and chief executive officer of Manning & Co.

Women in tech

Manning has linked the nomination to a wider effort to encourage more women into sectors such as IT and technology. That emphasis reflects an ongoing debate in Australia and elsewhere about representation in industries traditionally dominated by men.

Her company's work in B2B technology has raised her profile in that market, where communications and brand advisory firms often operate across several countries and support clients seeking access to multiple regional markets. The business says it works across Australia, Asia-Pacific and beyond.

Manning said the recognition was meaningful because it highlighted mothers in leadership.

"This recognition is incredibly special because it shines a spotlight not just on longevity and business success, but on the fierce resilience, trailblazing determination and powerful sense of community that mothers bring to leadership and entrepreneurship every day," said Manning.

The dual finalist placing also highlights how founder-led advisory firms can grow from individual professional networks into cross-border businesses. In Manning's case, that growth has been tied to a niche focus on technology and IT clients, as well as branding, media, content and related communications work.

More broadly, the nomination adds to a growing body of stories about women who have started businesses after facing barriers in established workplaces. For policymakers, investors and business groups, those accounts have become part of a wider discussion about childcare, flexible work, return-to-work pathways and the structural challenges that can shape women's career progression.

Manning said she wants younger women to see a wider set of possibilities when entering male-dominated sectors such as technology and IT.