Manning & Co. is proud to announce that our Founder and CEO, Gemma Manning, has been named a finalist in both the Global Brand Award and Marketing & Communications Award at the 2026 AusMumpreneur Awards.
The 2026 AusMumpreneur Awards received more than 2,000 nominations from across the country, recognising excellence in entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, and business growth. The awards showcase Australia’s leading mothers in business who are making a significant impact through entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation. For Gemma, this recognition is especially meaningful because Manning & Co. is built from a challenge that many working mothers still face today.
When her eldest daughter, Charlotte, was a baby, Gemma was told her corporate role was no longer available after returning from maternity leave, because her workplace believed that a new mother could not successfully balance parenthood with a demanding career. Rather than allowing that setback to define her future, Gemma channelled it into creating something of her own.
That decision became the foundation of Manning & Co.
Over the past 18 years, Gemma has grown the business into an award-winning strategic marketing and communications consultancy, helping organisations across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region navigate change, build stronger brands, and embrace emerging technologies, including AI.
Reflecting on her journey, Gemma said:
“When I was told I couldn’t return to my corporate role after becoming a mother, it was devastating. Looking back, that experience lit a fire in my belly. Starting Manning & Co. gave me the opportunity to create the kind of workplace and business I wished existed: one built on opportunity, inclusion, and the belief that becoming a mother should never limit someone’s career.”
As the mother of two daughters, Gemma has long been a passionate advocate for equity in the workplace. Throughout her career, she has spoken openly about the importance of creating environments where women are supported to lead, grow, and succeed, while also recognising that true equity means creating opportunities for women of all backgrounds and abilities.
“This recognition is incredibly special because it celebrates not only business success, but the resilience, determination, and community that so many mothers bring to leadership and entrepreneurship,” Gemma said.
“I’m proud of what we’ve built at Manning & Co., grateful to our incredible team and clients, and honoured to stand alongside so many inspiring women who are changing industries across Australia while being fantastic mothers.”
The entire Manning & Co. team congratulates Gemma on this well-deserved recognition and wishes her success at the awards.
