Buckle up folks as we sit down with Gina Forde of Obsidian Marketing Solutions, a trailblazer who brings passion, intelligence, and unstoppable courage to everything she does. In this exclusive Q&A, Gina speaks candidly about her journey, challenges, and triumphs — in her own words. Let’s dive in!

What inspired you to start your business or pursue this career path?
I was 50 when I started my business and to be completely honest, just prior to starting my business, I was working for someone who didn’t align with my morals and business ethics. I guess this was the motivating factor, but the driving factor was my passion for small business in general and my joy at seeing decent people succeed. I realised I had the skills and knowledge to support this, and I also realised I shouldn’t have to compromise on my business ethics – so working for myself means I don’t. Equally, my desire to work with small business owners who were genuinely and positively contributing to our community was also a huge factor.

Is there a woman in your life you admire or are inspired by? and why?
Oh wow – “a woman”? There are SOOOO many women in my life I admire and who provide inspiration to me. In fact, I would say EVERY woman in my life does this on some level or another. I draw strength and inspiration from the amazing tribe of women around me every single day in both my personal and professional associations.

“I draw strength from the tribe of amazing women around me”

What failure or setback are you most grateful for, and how
I am most grateful for the Mendacious-Michaels and the Debbie-downers of Logan! These people reminded me that actions always speak louder than words. It inspired me to be bolder and louder in my truth, so I couldn’t hear the nay-sayers anymore! It drove me to work harder, be better, do better so that there was no misunderstanding about who I was as a person and what my business ethics are. It created a thirst for empowering and encouraging others to make positive connections in our business community to grow and encourage a strong network. These people taught me that when you are truthful and up-front and stand up for yourself – you don’t always win a lot of friends, but you win the right ones, which is way more important to my values.

What’s a misconception about women in business that you wish would disappear?
I think that women’s expectation of other women in business can be the worst! With some older women, (like my age!) I see that some really patronise or condemn younger women in business. I think maybe because the older women have done the hard yards in a (generally speaking) patriarchal and sometimes misogynist environment of the 1990’s and early 2000’s that they seem to have unconsciously adopted some of these traits themselves? They are closing themselves off to the amazing learning opportunities that these up-and-coming bright young women can add to our business community. With some younger women – I see that stereotypical millennial and Gen Z attitude towards older women that is also very patronising. When in fact – if we combine both the tecno-understanding and the fresh bright ideas with the test-of-time experience and learned wisdom, we are unstoppable!

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
Firstly, it marks the day I launched my business in 2019! Secondly, it’s a day to celebrate all women — strong, smart, messy, classy, joyful, tenacious, and everything in between. I believe our individuality and authenticity are our greatest strengths and inspiration to others. Both our successes and mistakes can help lift other women. Imperfections are human, but true character is defined by how we handle them. Despite our differences in backgrounds, experiences, and passions, when women uplift each other, incredible things happen — and I know this firsthand.