Helping those who need it to dress for success
14 March 2025 at 9:00 am
Donna De Zwart has a proven track record of creating organisations that are commercially successful and provide a meaningful service to those who are experiencing disadvantage. She has held a number of executive roles, locally and internationally, which have centred on the development of innovative strategies that empower diverse groups.
Donna is CEO of Fitted for Work, who help Australian women experiencing disadvantage get work, keep work and strive at work. They assist with personal outfitting, job preparation hub and a number of workshop programs.
Describe your career trajectory and how you got to your current position.
My career path has been anything but linear. I didn’t set out with a clear ambition to be in my current role. Instead, a series of life events shaped my journey and led me down diverse avenues. However, upon reflection, I can see common threads linking these experiences—particularly a commitment to social justice, creativity, and leadership. Although I never aimed to become a CEO, when this opportunity presented itself, it resonated deeply with me. It felt like the culmination of everything I had worked toward, allowing me to bring together all of my skills and experiences. It’s truly a privilege to be in a position where I can blend both my intellect and emotional intelligence to lead.
One of the most exciting aspects of my role is the variety—I never have two days that are alike, and there’s always something new to tackle. Our organization operates three distinct entities: the Fitted for Work Charity, and two social enterprises—The Conscious Closet and Supervention—so the work can be quite complex. My primary responsibility is ensuring that we stay on track with our strategic plan and meet the milestones we’ve set. A typical day might include a one-on-one with our Chair, a PR meeting with one of our key corporate partners, delivering a keynote speech, and participating in various internal meetings with our Leadership Team. It’s a dynamic mix, and that’s what makes it so engaging.
The biggest challenge I’ve faced—one that continues to be a challenge at times—is managing work-life balance. I’ve experienced burnout on several occasions, and it can sneak up on you if you’re not careful. Over time, I’ve realized that the consequences of burnout extend far beyond just your personal well-being; it affects everyone around you—family, friends, colleagues. The key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of taking full accountability for my physical and mental health. It’s a priority, and I no longer put the role ahead of my well-being. That means being more selective about what I say yes to, and setting boundaries—even when it’s difficult. I’ve come to understand that this isn’t just self-care, it’s an act of respect for myself and those I care about.
If you could go back in time, what piece of advice would you give yourself as you first embarked on your career?
I would tell myself: You belong here. Don’t waste any energy doubting your worth or falling into the trap of imposter syndrome. You’ve earned your place, and you deserve to be where you are.
How do you unwind after work?
After long workdays, I find the commute home to be a welcome opportunity to decompress. I enjoy listening to podcasts or audiobooks, as it gives me a chance to unwind before I get home. Though my role is very public-facing, I am an introvert at heart and cherish those moments of solitude. Once I’m home, I disconnect from my phone and enjoy quality time with my husband over dinner. Meditation and regular exercise also play a crucial role in helping me stay grounded and recharge for the next day.
