Though International Women’s Day is behind us, we are continuing to spotlight voices from across the industry as part of our IWD Voices series, with leaders sharing their journeys, experiences, insights, and the lessons that have shaped them.
Next up, we speak with Mayara Sharma, Director and Business Head at MultiFit.
In our conversation, Mayara reflects on what this year’s theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” means to her, how her understanding of fairness has evolved with experience, and what she believes has genuinely improved for women in the workplace.
She also discusses the responsibility of senior leaders to shape equitable cultures beyond policies, and the change she hopes the next generation of women will inherit.
The theme for International Women’s Day 2026 is “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” What does this mean to you professionally and personally?
To me, “Rights. Justice. Action.” is a reminder that progress only happens when conversations turn into real change. Professionally, it means creating spaces where women feel supported, respected, and confident to grow into leadership roles.
Personally, I think it’s about lifting each other up and making sure opportunities are accessible to every woman, no matter where she comes from or what stage of life she’s in.
What first drew you to your industry, and was there a defining moment that set your career in motion?
What drew me to the fitness industry was the belief that fitness should feel enjoyable and empowering, not like something people are forced to do. I’ve always wanted fitness to feel like a lifestyle people genuinely want to be part of, not just a task they check off their list.
That’s what excited me about building spaces where movement is fun, engaging, and something people look forward to.
Over time, I realized that the real magic of fitness lies in the community around it. When people train together, encourage each other, and celebrate progress together, it becomes much more than just a workout. That sense of belonging and shared energy is what truly set my journey in motion.
How has your understanding of fairness changed as you’ve gained experience and seniority?
Early in my career, fairness felt like treating everyone the same. With experience, I’ve come to understand that fairness is really about creating equitable opportunities.
People come from different backgrounds and circumstances, and true fairness means recognizing those differences while ensuring everyone has the support and opportunities they need to grow. As leaders, it’s about creating systems and environments where people can thrive.
I would love to see workplaces where women don’t feel the need to constantly prove their capabilities.
As conversations around women and work have evolved, what do you think has genuinely improved—and where is more action still needed?
One positive shift has been the growing visibility of women in leadership and decision-making roles. More conversations are happening about representation, workplace culture, and creating environments where women can step into leadership confidently.
However, there’s still work to be done in normalising women in these roles. Real progress will happen when women leading teams, building businesses, or shaping industries is seen as completely natural rather than something that needs special recognition.
Is there a project or initiative you’ve worked on related to women’s empowerment that you’re particularly proud of?
At MultiFit, one of the things I’m most proud of is that we don’t treat strength or capability as something defined by gender. Our philosophy has always been that fitness is for everyone.
You’ll find women in our community lifting, coaching, competing, and pushing their limits just like anyone else. Our programs aren’t designed to separate or limit women, they’re designed to empower people equally.
For us, true empowerment means creating an environment where women feel confident stepping into any role, whether it’s as athletes, trainers, or leaders within the community.
What responsibility do senior leaders have in shaping more equitable workplaces, beyond statements or policies?
Leadership shapes culture. Beyond policies, senior leaders need to actively create environments where people feel heard, respected, and encouraged to grow.
That includes mentorship, supporting diverse voices, and ensuring opportunities for growth are accessible to everyone. When leaders consistently model these values in everyday decisions, inclusion becomes part of the culture rather than just an initiative.
What is one change you would like to see in workplaces for the next generation of women?
I would love to see workplaces where women don’t feel the need to constantly prove their capabilities.
The next generation should grow up in environments where women leading teams, building businesses, and making decisions is seen as completely natural. When organizations truly embrace diverse leadership styles and perspectives, everyone benefits.
Quick Hits
A trend you are excited about (or not excited about)
The growing focus on holistic wellness. People are starting to understand that true fitness includes mental health, recovery, and community support, not just physical performance.
A creative campaign or representation of women that inspired you
One campaign that stood out was #LikeAGirl by Always. It challenged stereotypes around confidence and turned a phrase that was often used negatively into something empowering.
A piece of advice that stayed with you longer than expected
“Don’t wait until you feel completely ready.”
Opportunities often show up before confidence does, and stepping forward anyway is often where the biggest growth happens.
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Two flags:
1. **P2 placeholder** — I’ve written “a leader at MultiFit” since no name or title was provided. Drop in the full name and title when available and I’ll reformat that line.
2. **”normalising”** — the subject used British spelling in her answer. I’ve preserved it verbatim in the Q&A as required. The word appears only in her answer, not in any Claude-written copy, so no correction was needed on my end.
