Meet the leaders: Tahnee Sharp

Tahnee Sharp is the founder of The Marketing Room, a leading independent marketing consultancy. Here, she lets us in on how she worked through feeling “completely stuck” at one point in her career. 

What is the best piece of feedback you’ve received?
The best feedback I’ve received is to always focus on the ‘why’ behind what I do. 

What advice would you give to anyone juggling work and other life commitments?
Be kind to yourself. You don’t have to do it all perfectly. Set boundaries, prioritise what truly matters and remember it’s okay to ask for help.

What keeps you awake at night?
What doesn’t? As a mum alone the brain runs wild at nighttime and then add in work commitments and responsibilities — it’s a never-ending hamster wheel. 

Who is the best leader you have ever worked for and why?
It’s hard to name just one because great leadership comes in many forms … But I admire leaders who listen deeply, empower their teams and lead by example without ego.

Was there ever a time when you felt stuck in your career and if so how did you work through it?
Yes, I felt stuck — completely stuck — and frustrated after having kids, as the traditional pathways didn’t align with my professional goals. I worked through it by taking a step back, defining what mattered to me and taking a leap of faith to create something different in The Marketing Room.

Who do you most admire?
I admire people who create change — both in small, meaningful ways and on larger scales. People like Jacinda Ardern [former New Zealand Prime Minister] who lead with empathy and authenticity, inspire me deeply.

How are you using AI in your life?
AI helps me streamline tasks, generate ideas, and create efficiencies, allowing me to focus on more strategic and creative aspects of my work. It’s a tool I use to work smarter, but not do the work for me. 

What if anything would you like to see change for women in the workplace?
I’d like to see workplaces remove biases and outdated norms around gender roles. Women shouldn’t have to choose between their career and family and men should feel equally supported in taking on caregiving roles without stigma.  

Do you make new year’s resolutions and if so, what is it?
No, I don’t – I believe in setting goals year-round not waiting for a yearly reminder. I will reflect on the year that has been and what’s to come at the start of each year. 

If you were elected Prime Minister what is the one thing you would change?
Where do I start! But in line with what my purpose is currently, I would make flexible work arrangements the norm across all industries, ensuring no one is left behind because of their life circumstances.

Who are three women you’d like to be in the room with when making a big decision?
[Former Australian politician] Julie Bishop and my two girls. They would all give it to me straight and be honest with feedback.