For me, success is about achieving balance in all the different roles I play— as a wife, mother, CEO and businesswoman, friend, or community builder (I’m not always great at them all, but balance is what I strive for). Having three young children is a challenge for the best of us, but it’s about finding harmony and surrounding myself with people whose opinions I trust and value. Their support has helped me grow, personally and professionally, and taught me to lead by example, ensuring that I practice what I preach in every aspect of my life. It can be easy to get caught up in all the noise of what I should be doing, or where I should be investing my time. But I will always revert to the trusted few in my life.

When thinking about the strength in the community, my journey with FRANKIE4 is a perfect example. Since being with the business from its inception, I’ve seen our community grow from a small number of women visiting the podiatry clinics run by our founders, Al and Caroline McCulloch, to the thriving global community it is today. Our growth and success have always been rooted in the loyalty and strength of this community, and our exceptional product, of course.

In business, my acumen has been shaped by those around me who encourage balance, sustainability and care. Success isn’t about excelling in just one area, but in showing up authentically across all aspects of life, with the same values of care, accountability, and ambition that I reflect both at home and in the workplace. Ultimately, I measure success not only by personal achievements but by the strength of the community I help to build, including my incredible FRANKIE4 team, and the people I support along the way.

2. With technology and social media, how do you use the internet to help your business, and what's something you do to connect with people in person?

The internet and social media have been instrumental in helping us grow FRANKIE4’s community. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook allow us to connect with women from all over, sharing not just our products but the stories, experiences, and values that define who we are. Social media allows us to engage with our customers in real-time, listening to their feedback, celebrating their successes, and building a genuine relationship with them—one built on trust and a shared passion for great footwear that impacts their lives.

That said, nothing can replace the power of in-person connections. We place great importance on engaging with our community face-to-face, whether it’s through our in-store experience, pop-ups, or within the communities around our stores. These moments allow us to go beyond the screen and form deeper relationships. It’s incredibly rewarding to meet the women who support FRANKIE4 and hear firsthand how our products have impacted their lives. It is so special to cross paths with women whom I may have met 12 years ago when I was managing the podiatry clinics and they were patients coming in for their first pair of FRANKIE4s.

Technology helps us expand our reach, but those in-person connections are where we continue to solidify the bond with our community. It’s about bringing people together, whether online or in real life, and fostering a sense of community among the women who make FRANKIE4 what it is. We recently held a seasonal launch event which would traditionally be for ‘influencers’, but more than half of the guest list was customers of ours. The conversations and true passion for our brand was infectious and it was rewarding to sit at a table of amazing women who know the true value in our product and brand.

3. As a successful businesswoman, what advice do you have for other who are aspiring entrepreneurs or looking to advance in their careers?

My biggest piece of advice in business, but also in life, is to surround yourself with people you trust. You don’t have to be great at everything—no one is. What’s important is recognizing your strengths and letting your team shine in their areas of expertise. I know I’m fully equipped to be the best CEO I can be for FRANKIE4, but that also means giving space for those around me to excel at what they were brought into the business to do.  

Trusting the people around you, knowing their strengths, and allowing them to take ownership of their roles is key to success. It not only makes the business stronger, but it also allows you to focus on what you do best. Don’t feel like you need to have all the answers or do everything yourself. Build a team of talented, passionate individuals who share your vision, and together you’ll achieve far more than you could on your own. You also need to really believe in what you’re doing. We all know the line that you spend more time at work than at home, so you want to be doing that for a cause you believe in.  

Lastly, although cliché, just be yourself - people very quickly see through BS.  

Don’t be afraid to admit you’re wrong and continue to learn every day.  

4. In what ways do you actively contribute to building a sense of community, both in your personal life and through your business endeavors?

Building a sense of community is something I deeply care about, both personally and through FRANKIE4. For over 20 years, I’ve been a gym instructor (I still do it as a bit of a hobby and motivator to remain active). It’s about more than just fitness—it’s about the connection I have with the participants, motivating others, and creating an environment where people support each other. That sense of belonging is something I carry into everything I do. Finding time to do something for me, which inadvertently is for others, is so important for my balance.  

At FRANKIE4, our commitment to community goes beyond just shoes; it extends into our charity partnerships, which are at the heart of our business. Whether it’s volunteering at the annual Brainchild Camp in Australia, which I was lucky to do recently, or staying closely connected with the founders of The Cure Starts Now in the US, we are dedicated to giving back and staying involved. These partnerships allow us to make a tangible impact and form lasting connections with the incredible people and organizations we have made a commitment to. For me, building community is about showing up, being present, and making a difference both locally and globally. 


5. What are your top tips for managing your time?

Wake up early and get your exercise in. It’s amazing how much clarity and focus you can get by starting your day before the rush begins. I also find that planning out my day ahead of time is essential—it keeps me on track and helps me prioritize the most important tasks. I’m also ok with things not going to plan, I think that is important, too.  

Another tip is to accept help when it’s offered. You don’t have to do everything yourself, and accepting support from others allows you to focus on what matters most. I also believe it’s crucial not to fall into the habit of letting things slide. If you commit to something, you need to show up and follow through. It’s easy to push things aside, but staying disciplined with your commitments builds trust and keeps your momentum strong. Time management is about consistency and accountability—balancing your responsibilities while staying true to your word. 

6. What are your words to live by that inspire you daily to take action?

I always remind myself how fortunate I am to be in the position I’m in. Even when things get stressful or overwhelming, I never let that detract from how grateful I am for the opportunities and responsibilities I have. It hasn’t all been luck—there have been years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance—but I still consider myself incredibly fortunate to do what I do every day. 

Whether it’s staying committed to exercise, running a business, or navigating the challenges of raising three young children, I constantly remind myself how lucky I am to be able to experience it all. Life’s demands can sometimes feel heavy, but reframing those moments as opportunities helps me stay grounded and motivated to keep moving forward. Gratitude, for me, is the key, no matter how tough the day might be. 

7. Who is your mentor and why?

I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Caroline, FRANKIE4’s founder, for nearly 14 years, and I consider her my mentor and grounding force. I’ve witnessed firsthand the sacrifices it has taken to grow our company into what it is today. Despite encountering numerous challenges and facing skepticism from others, she remained unwavering in her focus and mission. It takes incredible courage to have a dream and the determination to follow through, and in doing so, she’s helped more women than she ever thought possible. 

Her example taught me that leadership isn’t just about business decisions, but about staying true to your vision and building trust with those around you. Caroline also taught me a very important lesson about being protective of your time. When building FRANKIE4, I remember countless invites coming her way—lunches, dinners, and lavish events that would have been “fun”—but she was always so selective about where she invested her time and energy. That focus is one of the reasons FRANKIE4 has risen to where it is today. It all comes back to being mindful of who you want to share your precious time and energy with and making sure those investments align with your goals. 

8. Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to leave for your children and the community, both personally and professionally?

Professionally, I’m proud of the role I’ve played in growing FRANKIE4 into a business that has made a real difference in the lives of women, currently employing nearly 200 people, and having raised over $700,000 for our charity partners, selling over 2 million pairs of shoes, globally – among so many other incredible things over the past 14 years. We haven’t garnered over 120,000 5-star reviews for nothing. Our shoes offer women an option for them to live a better life, showing them that they don’t have to retire early, or limit their lives due to crippling discomfort, or sit out of the activities with their kids or grandchildren because they can’t walk any further in their uncomfortable shoes. I hope FRANKIE4 continues to thrive, helping women around the world for generations to come. 

For my children, I want to have the same impact that my mother has had one me. She worked hard, loved us even harder, and always made time to enjoy life. That’s the balance I strive for—teaching my children the value of hard work while also ensuring they know how important it is to cherish life’s moments. If I can leave them with that sense of love, strength, and joy, then I’ll have done my job as a mother. 

9. What is your favourite item in your closet and why?

My FRANKIE4 Thompson sandals in silver (coming soon). I was lucky enough to get a wear test pair, and I’ve been obsessed with them ever since. I wore them all through winter, and now they’ll be my go-to companion for summer. They’re the perfect blend of comfort and style, which is exactly what I need when I’m on the go. Plus, when they hit the market, knowing I was part of the process that helped bring them to life makes them my favorite shoe-child for now.  

10. What is your best advice to someone trying to balance being a mom while running a successful business? 

My best advice for someone trying to balance being a mom while running a successful business is to accept that you won’t perfect it—you can only do what you can do. I learned this lesson during a particularly challenging time when my husband was on deployment with the Australian Army. I was working full-time and managing three very young children, burning the candle at both ends, I realized after putting my ego aside how crucial it was to accept help when it was offered.   

It’s important to remember that seeking support doesn’t mean you’re failing; it means you’re being smart about your priorities. Whether it’s leaning on family, friends, or your team at work, asking for help can make a significant difference. Finding that balance is tough, but accepting help when offered, or even asking for it, can help you manage the demands of both motherhood and your career, allowing you to focus on what truly matters. Also, don’t forget about the things that make you happy, that give you balance. For me, that is my time to exercise before the sun comes up.    

Follow along and learn more about FRANKIE4:

https://us.frankie4.com/
https://www.instagram.com/frankie4footwear
https://www.linkedin.com/company/frankie4