Leaving the ladder down
Rebecca Johnson’s journey is a story of breaking barriers, embracing challenges and contributing both to the business world and to empowering women in her community. The Centre City marketing manager’s remarkable career is an inspiration for women who dare to break moulds and pursue their passions.
Rebecca’s entry into marketing wasn’t through the conventional university route. She honed her skills through handson experience, innate communication abilities, organisational prowess and composure under pressure. Climbing the corporate ladder took years of hard work, but her dedication paid off.
Her first career-building role at David Jones in Australia laid the foundation for her leadership and management skills, setting the stage for her future endeavours and passion for the retail industry.
A pivotal career moment came a few years ago. “A friend and I started a small boutique PR firm that worked with over 25 emerging brands. However, after a few years, I realised I wasn't ready for the pressures of running my own business, and eventually the company wound down.”
But every cloud has a silver lining. Rebecca was offered a role as publicist for the Taranaki Garden Festival, a significant move. When that contract ended, she was offered the job as marketing manager for TAFT, which presents the garden festival. “I was in my element, and able to develop, implement and deliver strategic marketing and communications campaigns for WOMAD, Taranaki Arts Festivals, Taranaki Garden Festival and other TAFT events.”
This helped her recognise that she thrived as part of a larger organisational structure. “Taking away the pressure of owning a business gave me the freedom to enhance my creative and communication skills to deliver better results.”
Rebecca lives by the mantra: “Leave the ladder down as you climb it.” Her commitment to supporting and uplifting other women defines her approach to success. Working on Centre City's reinvigoration, she aims to contribute to a destination offering an enhanced customer experience and one that revitalises the city's vibrancy. She has been involved with the Taranaki Women Refuge Pop-up Shop for several years, the preloved fashion event raising vital funds to provide women with the resources to remove themselves from situations no women should have to be in.
For Rebecca, the day is an opportunity to reflect on progress, and assert the potential and power of women. “We must come together, celebrate each other, and strive towards a future where our collective strength and determination shatter every glass ceiling.”