World Maternal Mental Health Day with Gidget Foundation Australia

Gidget Foundation Australia is an organisation iknowho actively supports. In recent years we have recruited the position of CEO on a pro-bono basis, attended multiple fundraising events and worked to share knowledge of the amazing work they do.

Today is World Maternal Mental Health Day, part of a global campaign to raise awareness of maternal mental health issues and draw attention to essential health concerns for mothers and families.

So, what better time to take some time out for a chat with CEO Arabella Gibson about the foundation and the importance of supporting new parents within our community.

For those who are not aware of Gidget Foundation Australia, can you let us know a bit about the organisation?

Gidget Foundation Australia is a not for profit that exists to promote emotional wellbeing for expectant and new parents and to raise awareness of perinatal depression and anxiety.

We work with parents, their health providers and the wider community to ensure those in need receive timely, appropriate and supportive care.

Who is affected by Perinatal Depression and Anxiety?

Across Australia, 1 in 5 new mums and 1 in 10 new dads suffer from perinatal depression and anxiety (PNDA). That’s almost 100,000 expecting and new parents each year.

Over 50% of new parents will experience adjustment disorders.

How does Gidget Foundation Australia support members of the community who may be at risk?

The Gidget Foundation’s programs include:

Gidget Emotional Wellbeing Screening Programs in hospitals
Gidget House, providing free psychological support (10 sessions) for families experiencing emotional distress during pregnancy and early parenthood.

We have Gidget House locations in North Sydney, Merrylands, Randwick, Queanbeyan, North Shore Private and The Mater Hospital.

Start Talking, providing free video call psychological support (10 sessions) to parents in regional areas experiencing emotional distress during pregnancy and early parenthood

Where should someone go to get support if they’re concerned for themselves or a loved one?

The Gidget team can help with information about accessing our range of support services on 1300 851 758.

A trusted GP is a wonderful support, as is the PANDA National Helpline 1300 726 306.

What is the organisation aiming to achieve in the next few years?

It is our plan to expand the Gidget House model of care nationally and to continue to reach more regional, rural and remote parents in need so that they can access our Start Talking video counselling service.

We are also working hard to drive awareness of perinatal depression and anxiety, to increase the broader community understanding and to educate expectant and new parents of the symptoms and risk factors.

In what way do you secure funding to support the foundations' work?

Gidget Foundation Australia primarily relies on the generosity of the community and corporate support through our fundraising appeals and events such as the Gidget Ladies’ Lunch and Bun in the Oven.

Some of our funding comes from grants including government grants and other trusts and foundations.

How can our audience get involved with Gidget Foundation Australia? Have you any events coming up?

As Mother’s Day approaches we are asking the community to show their support for the mums who are not ok.

By donating to Gidget Foundation Australia you can help ensure that expectant and new mums in need are able to access the support they need.

Another fun way to support our work is by holding your own fundraising event.

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By Kristina Gerdov • September 3, 2025

For many growing businesses, marketing is often something that gets added to the to-do list of already busy managers or existing teams. A social post here, an email there, and maybe a campaign when there’s time. But without dedicated expertise, marketing rarely delivers the consistency and commercial results your brand needs to grow. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to bring in a dedicated marketing resource, here are the key things to consider and how to ensure your first hire is set up for success. 1. The Telltale signs If your demand generation has stalled, you’re struggling to convert interest into sales, or your brand presence feels disjointed, it’s time to stop relying on ad-hoc efforts. A dedicated marketer can build and execute a strategic plan that drives consistent results and positions your brand for long-term growth. 2. What to avoid It can be tempting to look for a “jack-of-all-trades” who can do a little bit of everything. The reality? Even the most talented marketer will struggle without clear goals and defined outcomes on what the business is looking to achieve. Hiring without clarity can lead to underwhelming results and frustration on both sides. Be specific about the expertise you need and the outcomes you expect. 3. Why this hire is so important to get right Your first marketing hire is more than just another role, it often lays the foundation for your brands future growth engine. The right hire can build momentum and shape how your future team evolves. The wrong hire however, can stall progress, waste budget, and leave you back at square one. 4. Fractional vs full-time Not quite ready for a permanent commitment? Fractional marketers can be a great short-term solution to get things moving while you build the case for a full-time hire. Just be clear on their remit. Fractional marketers are ideal for campaigns, projects, or interim support, but they’re not typically suited to long-term brand building or team development. 5. What kind of marketer do you actually need? Marketing as a discipline is broad, as are the tools used to reach your desired target audience. Do you need someone to drive digital acquisition, manage partnerships, develop content, or build brand strategy? Start by clarifying your business’s biggest priorities and pain points, then match the skillset accordingly. The clearer you are upfront, the better the outcome. 6. How to set them up for success Hiring the right person is only half the job. To see results and maximum impact, you need to set your new hire up for success. This means: Clear KPIs so they know what good Vs great looks like The marketing tools and access to the resources they need to deliver Integration into cross-functional conversations with key decision-makers from day one Bec Godkin, Senior Talent Partner says “Marketing can’t succeed in a silo. The deeper your marketer is connected across the business and understands the various levers that shape success, the greater their impact will be” Hiring your first marketer is an exciting step - it signals growth, ambition, and the desire to build something bigger. By being clear on what you need, avoiding common pitfalls, and setting your hire up for success, you’ll give your business the best chance to thrive. At iknowho , we specialise in helping brands make their first marketing hire. If you’d like to talk through what kind of marketer is right for your business, we’re here to help.

What is a Fractional CMO and could one be right for you?

By Kristina Gerdov • June 25, 2025

Discover what a Fractional CMO is, the benefits they bring, and how to know if hiring one is the right move for your business.

How personal branding can supercharge your job hunt in 2025

By Kristina Gerdov • May 13, 2025

In 2025, personal branding isn't just a buzzword – it's important for anyone navigating the job market. The uncomfortable truth is this; you're likely being Googled more often than you're being interviewed. In a digital-first world, your personal brand can potentially boost your career prospects. So how can you leverage it to stand out during your job hunt? 1. Your brand is what people say when you're not in the room Personal branding isn’t just about the polished version of yourself that you post on LinkedIn. It’s what others say about you when you’re not around. Consider how you’re being perceived online and offline. Is your brand consistent, authentic, and aligned with your career aspirations? What would potential employers say about you when they Google you? To start refining your personal brand, think about your values, your goals, and how you want others to perceive you. This means showcasing your strengths, yes, but also acknowledging your struggles and learning moments. Authenticity can give you a competitive edge. 2. Lead with curiosity, not just expertise Publicly asking thoughtful, insightful questions. It positions you as someone who is constantly learning, open to feedback, and not afraid to explore new ideas – a thought provoker and idea leader in your space. In the job hunt, this quality can set you apart from others who might be more focused on offering answers than asking the right questions. So, when you’re engaging with others online or in an interview, try focusing on asking questions that spark deeper discussions. Your curiosity and willingness to learn can make a lasting impression. 3. Your personal brand is about becoming known for the right things Remember, personal branding isn’t about trying to become famous. It’s about being known for the right things – the things that align with your career goals and the value you want to offer to employers. For job seekers, this means ensuring that your online presence and interactions reflect your expertise, passion, and ambition. When crafting your personal brand, be deliberate. Think about the skills, values, and personality traits you want to highlight. 4. Be consistent and intentional The foundation of a strong personal brand is consistency. Your personal brand is built in the small, everyday actions – how you engage with your network. Consistency in your interactions helps shape how people perceive you and helps create a brand that’s memorable. If you're job hunting, it's critical to show up consistently both online and offline. This includes engaging with industry professionals on LinkedIn, contributing to discussions, and demonstrating professionalism in all your interactions. 5. Small steps to narrow the gap So, what's the gap between how you see yourself and how others might perceive you? The goal isn’t perfection, but making small, consistent adjustments that move you closer to aligning your internal brand with how you’re seen externally. It could be tweaking your LinkedIn profile, starting a blog, or sharing your expertise. What’s one small thing you could do this week to move the needle and narrow that gap? Whether it’s posting a thoughtful comment on a relevant post, reaching out to someone in your industry, or sharing a story of a recent challenge, small actions can have a big impact over time. 6. Share struggles, Not just wins When it comes to personal branding, it’s easy to fall into the trap of only sharing successes. However, some of the most credible personal brands are built on transparency – sharing the struggles and lessons learned along the way. It’s interesting to see how you handle setbacks, not just your triumphs. Embracing imperfection in your personal brand helps paint a fuller picture of who you are. Whether it’s sharing a challenging project you worked on or a time when you faced a setback and how you overcame it, these stories can help demonstrate your resilience, problem-solving abilities, and growth mindset – qualities employers are eager to see. In today’s market, personal branding isn’t just a nice-to-have. By being intentional, consistent, and authentic, you can build a personal brand that resonates with potential employers, ultimately setting you up for success in your job hunt. So, there’s no better time to start than now.