From Teen Dreamer to Fashion Powerhouse - Colleen Callander

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In an exclusive interview with Corporate World, Colleen Callander - award-winning former CEO of Sportsgirl, entrepreneur, best-selling author, keynote speaker, founder- Mentor Me Women, business strategist, and board advisor, opens up about her remarkable journey, upcoming books, and insights from her career.

At just 16, Colleen Callander took a bold leap into fashion, trusting her passion over convention. A choice that would shape a remarkable three-decade career leading two of Australia’s most iconic brands. Along the way, she learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about courage, authenticity, and empowering others, building cultures where people feel valued and inspired. Through moments of self-doubt and leaps of faith, she discovered that confidence grows through action, resilience, and belief in yourself. Her upcoming book, The Power of Confidence (Wiley Publishing, 2026), reflects this journey, offering stories, strategies, and a 30-day program to help others overcome self-doubt, step into their power, and lead with courage. Join us as we explore her story, lessons learned, and the experiences that continue to shape her path.

1. You began your retail career at just 16, choosing fashion over finishing your education. What inspired that bold decision so early in life?

At just 16, I found myself at a crossroads. While many of my peers were mapping out university plans, I felt an irresistible pull toward the world of fashion. For me, retail was never simply about clothes, it was about people, connection, and creating meaningful experiences. My parents had instilled in me the values of hard work, integrity, and self-belief, and it was those values that gave me the courage to take what others might have seen as a risky path. I trusted my instincts, convinced that passion and determination could carry me further than convention ever would. From the moment I walked into my first retail job, I knew I had found where I belonged. That leap of faith not only shaped who I became, it became the foundation of a three-decade journey that would ultimately lead me to the role of CEO at two of Australia’s most iconic fashion brands. Looking back, I see now that the choice I made at 16 wasn’t simply about entering fashion, it was about trusting myself and building a future on my own terms.

2. Looking back at your 30-year career in retail, what would you say was the defining moment that set you on the path to becoming CEO?

Looking back, one moment stands out as a turning point in my journey. Early in my career, I was offered a leadership role that honestly felt way beyond what I thought I was ready for. On paper, I wasn’t prepared, but something inside me said, “Just go for it.” That leap of faith changed everything.

It showed me that leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being willing to try, to learn, and to trust yourself even when the path isn’t clear. Taking that step gave me the confidence to embrace challenges as opportunities and to grow into roles I never imagined I could fill.

Since then, I’ve approached every position thinking about people first, how to bring them together, build a strong culture, and lead with courage and kindness. That moment taught me the real power of people and the importance of creating spaces where everyone can feel bigger than the role they play. That philosophy has shaped everything I’ve done on my journey to becoming CEO.

3. Having led two of Australia’s most iconic fashion brands, what key lessons did you learn about building and sustaining a strong brand identity?

A brand is so much more than a product; it’s about emotion, connection, and community. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that authenticity is everything, because customers are incredibly savvy and can sense when a brand is genuine or not. For me, building a brand identity has always meant creating something bigger than fashion—something that inspires confidence, celebrates culture, and fosters a real sense of belonging, while supporting and uplifting women in ways that resonate far beyond the shop floor. It’s about staying true to your values while evolving alongside your customers. A strong brand identity isn’t built through a single campaign or product launch; it’s cultivated every day through the stories you tell, the experiences you create, and the way you make people feel. Equally vital are the people behind the brand, because when your team is connected to the vision, culture, and purpose, their energy radiates outward and builds loyalty, trust, and impact that can last for decades.

4. You often talk about the importance of “winning cultures.” How did you cultivate such cultures at Sportsgirl and Sussan?

Culture doesn’t happen by accident; it’s built with intention. As CEO, I learned that a winning culture starts with people, and my philosophy has always been People + Purpose + Passion = Profit. I focused on creating environments where people felt valued, empowered, and inspired to bring their best selves to work, fostering open communication, celebrating wins both big and small, and encouraging collaboration over competition. Giving people a voice was crucial, because when your team feels heard, they feel connected. I also built initiatives that went beyond business goals, tapping into both our people’s and customers’ sense of community through mentoring, purpose-driven campaigns, and values-led programs. The result was a culture where work became more than a job; it became an opportunity to be part of something bigger. When people feel proud, connected, and inspired, performance naturally follows, and that’s the heartbeat of a thriving organization.

5. What do you believe distinguishes good leaders from truly great leaders in today’s fast-changing business environment?

Great leaders inspire, influence, and leave a lasting impact. In today’s rapidly evolving world, what sets them apart is emotional intelligence, adaptability, and authenticity. They don’t just focus on strategy; they craft a vision and bring people along on the journey. They listen as much as they speak, lead with both courage and kindness, and aren’t afraid to show vulnerability or admit when they don’t have all the answers. They surround themselves with people who complement their strengths and understand that culture drives performance, valuing people just as much as results. True leadership isn’t about title or authority; it’s about empowerment. The leaders I admire most are those who lift others, create space for diverse voices, and leave people feeling larger than the roles they occupy. In a world of constant change, the greatest leaders are those who inspire belief. Belief in themselves, in their teams, and in the future.

6. Were there any moments of self-doubt in your career, and how did you push through them?

Absolutely. There were times I walked into a boardroom and silently wondered, Do I really belong here? I’ve definitely felt imposter syndrome, questioning if I was “enough” or if my voice mattered. What helped me push through was realizing confidence isn’t about knowing everything, it’s about trusting yourself to take the next step anyway. Every time I spoke up, even with a racing heart, I felt a little stronger, a little more certain. Mentors and my support network were my anchors, reminding me of my strengths when I couldn’t see them myself. Looking back, those moments of doubt weren’t setbacks, they were lessons in courage. They taught me that being brave doesn’t mean you’re fearless; it means you keep moving forward, even when fear is whispering in your ear.

7. You’ve described your book Leader by Design as the “guidebook” you wish you had at 16. What key principles from the book do you believe every aspiring leader should embrace?

Leader by Design was written to inspire and empower people to step into leadership with confidence. I believe every aspiring leader should embrace self-awareness, purpose, and confidence. Self-awareness is about truly knowing who you are and what guides your decisions. Purpose gives meaning to your actions and inspires others to follow, while confidence grows through taking action, even in uncertainty. Leadership isn’t about a title. It’s about how you show up every day in business and in life. Setting boundaries, building resilience, and leading with kindness are just as vital as strategy. Ultimately, leadership is a choice, and when you choose to lead with courage and authenticity, you unlock not only your potential but also the potential of those around you.

8. What advice would you give to young women who want to break into leadership roles but may lack confidence or mentorship?

My advice is simple: don’t wait to feel confident before taking that first step. Confidence grows each time you act, even when you’re scared. Say yes to opportunities, trust yourself to figure things out, and lean on people who lift you up. Mentorship doesn’t have to be formal; sometimes it’s just asking questions, listening, and learning from those you admire. Leadership isn’t about being the loudest. It’s about showing up authentically, consistently, and with courage. Celebrate small wins, focus on progress, and remember: your voice, your story, and your perspective matter. When you lead with self-belief, you inspire not just yourself, but everyone around you.

9. You have a new book being released in 2026 with Wiley Publishing called The Power of Confidence. Can you tell us a little about that?

I’m thrilled to share the upcoming release of my new book, The Power of Confidence, with Wiley Publishing in 2026. This book is the culmination of my personal and professional journey and the lessons I’ve learned about confidence, leadership, and living with purpose. Confidence is often misunderstood. We think it’s something you either have or don’t, but in reality, it’s something we can all build, nurture, and choose every day. The book is both personal and practical: I share stories from my own life and career, alongside tools, strategies, and a 30-day transformation program to help readers overcome self-doubt, rewrite their story, and step into their power. My hope is that it inspires people to stop waiting until they feel “ready” and start taking the small, courageous steps that build lasting self-belief. Because when you change your confidence, you truly change your life.