Events which celebrate and showcase women's successes play an important role in encouraging the next generation of high achievers, says one of New Zealand's leading agribusiness women.
Dannevirke-based Mavis Mullins, winner of the Rural category at last year's Women of Influence Awards, said the awards and other such programmes gave women a chance to share their stories and to encourage others.
"It's about building confidence - about giving women the courage to take control of their own direction, and giving them permission to be themselves to do business their way," she said.
In its fifth year, the Women of Influence Programme is designed to identify, recognise and celebrate the 100 most influential women shaping New Zealand across categories including Arts and Culture, Board and Management, Business Enterprise, Community and Not for Profit, Diversity, Global, Innovation, Public Policy and Rural.
Last year, which saw a record number of nominees, Mavis said she was delighted to have been selected as the winner in the rural category.
"I knew I had been nominated, but to win a category - crazy," she said.
"But what an honour and privilege to be amongst so many influential women.
"I think the biggest gift if people look up to you, is to be able to turn the mirror back on them.
"I tell people I'm from Dannevirke and I'm a wool classer, so you can do it too. Dannevirke is a special place."
Mavis said she was told early in her career she would need to leave her personal values at the door.
It was one piece of advice she was determined to ignore.
"My personal values are central to who I am and to how I work, there is no separation between me the person and me the businesswoman.
"This is an important lesson for many women to learn. You can be yourself and be successful."
And while Mavis treasured the experience of comparing notes at last year's Women of Influence Awards with a room full of women who had succeeded in everything from filmmaking to finance, her own sources of inspiration had been even more diverse.
"At first, I was strongly influenced by my parents, my father in particular.
"As I met more people, I came to understand how different various people's journeys through life were.
"Now, I'm inspired every day by all sorts of people," she said.
Mavis has a low-key, modest attitude. One she said reflected traditional Maori values of co-operation and humility.
It makes her a self-described "reluctant acceptor" of the recognition to come her way.
"I'm always very mindful of the others, the people who went before me, the people who stood beside me and behind me.
"We are all cogs in a bigger wheel," she said.
"Like a tall tower, a successful enterprise needs a strong and balanced foundation.
"That balance needs diversity of skills, of knowledge, of experience, of gender and culture.
"Everyone has a part to play in creating the whole. There are no templates as to who can be successful."
In 2005, Mavis was the first woman to manage a New Zealand shearing and wool handling team, competing in the world championships in Australia and bringing home two titles.
As well as holding a number of agricultural directorships, she was involved in the establishment of the 2degrees network.
She is patron of the Agri-Women's Development Trust and a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, was recently presented with distinguished alumni award by Massey University and will be inducted into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame in July.
* Nominations for the 2017 Women of Influence Awards opened on April 10; for more information, visit www.womenofinfluence.com