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Saturday, February 14, 2026

Drive to Succeed: What Working Women REALLY, REALLY Want – As Told By You!

Toyota Rav4

DRIVE TO SUCCEED: CAPSULE’S WORKING WOMEN’S CAREER HUB, POWERED BY TOYOTA

We know how important networking is for the professional woman – we’re up against it in almost every area in the workplace, from pay equity, career opportunities, discrimination and balancing work life with becoming mothers. 

Having a professional network is not only a nice-to-have for women, but VITAL for career progression, stability, advancement and opportunities. One Forbes article reported that female managers are less likely to feel included in key networks within their organisations, and that women face greater challenges in (well everything, let’s be honest) networking specifically, because there are, quite simply, not enough women in high-powered positions to encourage the growth. 

We say, as politely as we can, stuff that. 

Toyota have a proud tradition of powering New Zealanders at grassroots level to achieve greatness – whether that’s on the sports field or in their careers. Now, we want to focus that spirit on women, and bringing wāhine together to support, motivate and inspire each other to thrive. 

Women know better than anyone that life takes a village, and it’s no different when it comes to our careers. Here’s our way of changing the game for us working women! Along with monthly columns, we’ll be reaching out and forming a community with you, New Zealand’s working women, on Substack and via a dedicated Instagram channel where you can connect with like-minded gals, potential mentors and the network you need to thrive in your career.We know how important networking is for the professional woman. Women know better than anyone that life takes a village, and it’s no different when it comes to our careers. Here’s our way of changing the game for us working women! Along with monthly columns, we’ll be reaching out and forming a community with you, New Zealand’s working women, on Substack and via a dedicated Instagram channel where you can connect with like-minded gals, potential mentors and the network you need to thrive in your career.

To get things into gear, we’re looking back at our story series What Working Women Really Want, which isn’t disappearing, but will become part of our new career hub. For two years we’ve been asking what working women really, actually want – rather than what we’re ‘meant’ to want – and are there things that we don’t yet know we want?

We’ve gathered some of the key quotes, points and suggestions from some of our greatest hits – and there are plenty more to come!

Drop a Day For the Same Pay – Could a 4-Day Week Really Benefit Both Employees AND Employers? “If my organisation has reduced my work time, is listening to me and giving me tools to be more productive, then I enjoy work more. I go home. I’m nice to my family. I sleep better, I’m less fatigued, I’m not burned out. Then I bring that happier person with me to work. I feel valued, and motivated to be productive.”

How Can You Find A Job That Matches With Your Values? “Futureful matchmakes employers and employees for compatibility and capability – and initially doesn’t include any information about ethnicity and gender!”

The ‘Death of Ambition’: Are We Still Trying to Climb the Ladder? I felt fine in myself. I just felt less ambitious, in the usual sense of promotions, pay rises etc. I just wanted to enjoy and be good at my job, to have enough time with my family, to finish work on time. All of that was my new ambition!”

Multitasking: Is It The Key To Productivity, Or A Workplace Myth? ““First, notice and jot down when and how you mono-task and multi-task. Afterwards, look back at when you were most productive.”

Paid Menstrual Leave? Exploring the Policy Pushing Back Against the Minimisation of Women’s Pain: Since periods are a biological reality for half the world’s population at one time or another, paid menstrual leave is about acknowledging the huge struggle some women face to just get through debilitating periods each month.”

The Part-Time Power List: Will Working Part-Time Sideline Or Derail Your Career & If So What Can We Do About It? Plus, Meet the Powerful Part-Timers Who Are Making Change (and Bank!) “If someone needs to fulfil the needs of a family, particularly a young family, we need part-time work for people. Like, it’s just maths.”

Leaning Out? Why Women Are Saying ‘No’ to Hustle Culture: Many women have realised that family and health are far more important than a job – and realised they’re not that keen on more tasks, extra hours or hustling to get ahead at the office.”

Working Season 1 GIF by SHOWTIME

#WorkSchoolHours Improves Productivity & Staff Well-Being. So How Do You Make It Happen At Your Work? “You’re not powerless; ‘here are some ways you might be able to push for change’, as opposed to ‘here are tips and tricks to help you manage working in the current system’.”

Why It’s Time To Lose The Shame Around Menopause In The Workplace:The first thing is to get used to saying the word menopause out loud. It’s about managers and workmates being good humans. It’s about feeling seen and heard.”

The ‘Ask Gap’: Do Women Negotiate Salaries And Pay Rises Less Than Men Do? “Examine what the market rate is for a job in this industry at this level. Ask what the salary/salary range is. Negotiate for yourself like you would for a friend. Explain what justifies a pay rise.”

There are many, many more stories to come – but do let us know if you have any story ideas – and check out our special DRIVE TO SUCCEED Instagram channel for more updates!

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