Inspired by Susan O’Neill and her mother’s resilience, Kristin left accounting to pursue her passion for teaching kids to swim. She leads with collaboration, modernizes with technology, and partners with Rainbow Club to ensure every child can learn to swim. Here, she shares her journey, challenges, and inspirations. Let’s Dive in (pun intended) to Kristen Bayne Q&A.

Which women Inspire you the most?
Susan Oneil – as a fellow swimmer I loved her dedication to her training and her mantal strength to know what she wanted and go for it. She was also very humble and just went about what she needed to do.

Also my mum who focused on raising our family, and once we were older, she became a successful GM of a family-run business in Brisbane. Now, as a mother myself, I appreciate the sacrifices she made when we were young. Her journey reminds me that I still have plenty of time to achieve success in my own career.

What your International Women’s Day message?
Dream big and go for it.

What would you tell my younger self?
Take more (professional) risks, change job, start your business now!

What’s the proudest moment of your career so far?
Following my dream and buying the swim school business. I am a risk adverse person by nature so this was a big deal for me but so far I am loving every second of it and I can’t wait to continue to grow both the business and myself personally.

“I believe every child should know how to swim and unfortunately that is not the case..”

How has your business adapted to changes in technology or customer expectations?
When I purchased the business only 12 months ago it was still paper based, we have introduced the staff to computer skills they did not have before, implementing an online booking system and utilising programs like Microsoft office.

What role does sustainability or social responsibility play in your business?
I believe every child should know how to swim and unfortunately that is not the case. We are currently working with Rainbow club (a not-for-profit organisation) who teaches children with disabilities. Working with them allows children who may not be suited to our mainstream lesson still have the benefit of swimming lessons. We are currently participating in an Autism swim training program to widen our skill sets to allow us to reach more children. We also love hosting many of our local schools for their school swim programs.

How has your business adapted to changes in technology or customer expectations?
When I purchased the business only 12 months ago it was still paper based, I have introduced the staff computer skills they did not have before implementing an online booking system and just utilising programs like Microsoft office.

What does International Women’s Day mean to me?
A day to celebrate all that women have achieved but to draw attention to the journey we still have to go through.