NIDHI SHARMA
Nominee for what Award/s
Mum Who Moves Mountains Award
Empowered Online Award
Mum Who Moves Mountains Award
Mum Who Moves Mountains Award
1. Share a story where you balanced motherhood and ambition.
When I first launched Guni SMS, my Twin Daughters were still young. I’d spend my mornings packing school lunches and drop-offs, and then dive straight into client calls, software demos, and business meetings. There were nights I’d be working on proposals with one hand and holding a sick child in the other. Balancing motherhood with building a tech business in a fast-moving industry was not easy — but I refused to choose one over the other. I wanted my kids to see that their mum could dream big and be there for them.
2. What inner strength helped you carry it all?
Resilience and belief. There were moments of guilt, doubt, and exhaustion (not spending much time with my girls, especially during their teenage years, when distraction matters a lot)—but what carried me through was a deep belief that I was creating something meaningful for both my family and the community. I reminded myself often that every challenge was shaping not only my business but also the example I was setting for my teen daughters— about what’s possible for a woman in leadership.
3. How do you lead your family and your community at once?
By showing up with purpose and heart. At home, I lead by listening, loving, and being present — even when time is limited. In my community, I lead by supporting women-led businesses, mentoring young professionals, and building tech tools that make communication easier for others. I involve my family in my journey — they celebrate my wins and learn from my struggles, and I make sure they know that their support is my foundation.
4. What sacrifices have you made, and what joys have you gained?
One of the biggest sacrifices has been time — especially with my teenage daughters. Fourteen is such a crucial age, when they need their mum emotionally, and there have been moments I’ve had to miss out — whether it’s late-night chats, after-school catch-ups, or just being present without my phone in hand. That’s the part that weighs heaviest.
But there’s so much joy too. My heart fills up when my girls cheer me on, saying, “Mum, you won a new client? Let’s celebrate — can we eat out tonight?” They see my struggles — the late nights, the stress, the persistence — and instead of resenting it, they support me. Those small celebrations and proud smiles remind me I’m not just building a business, I’m showing them what strength, ambition, and resilience look like in real life.
5. What message would you give to other mums feeling overwhelmed?
You’re doing better than you think — and you don’t have to do it all perfectly to be an amazing mum. There will be days when the guilt creeps in, when the to-do list never ends, and when it feels like you’re being stretched in every direction. Breathe. Pause. Remind yourself that even in the chaos, you are building something beautiful — whether it’s a business, a dream, or just holding your family together with love.
Ask for help. Say no when you need to. And celebrate the small wins — because they matter. You’re not alone, and there is so much strength in being soft, fierce, and human all at once. Keep going, mama — you truly are moving mountains.
Empowered Online Award
Empowered Online Award
1. What inspired you to step into the online space?
Stepping into the online space wasn’t just a business decision – it was a personal mission. As a woman in tech over 40, I wanted to prove that innovation and age are not mutually exclusive. Through Guni SMS, I saw a gap in how Australian businesses, especially women-led and small enterprises, communicated with their audiences. I was inspired to help bridge that gap with smart, accessible, and secure digital Text messaging tools that truly empower business owners to connect with their customers in meaningful ways.
2. What were your biggest fears or challenges going digital?
The biggest challenge was overcoming the fear of visibility and the fast-paced nature of digital evolution. The online space can be intimidating – full of new platforms, jargon, and constantly shifting algorithms. As someone who didn’t grow up with social media or digital-first tools, it was daunting to present myself confidently online while also representing a tech company. Building credibility in a male-dominated industry while learning the ropes of digital communication was tough – but worth every step.
3. How has your online presence created impact or change?
My presence online has helped humanise the Guni SMS brand, making it more approachable for small business owners, especially women who may feel overwhelmed by technology. Through webinars, LinkedIn conversations, digital networking, and educational content, I’ve supported hundreds of businesses in using SMS and digital tools to grow. More importantly, I've helped women-led businesses feel confident in adopting new tech, showing them they don't need to be 'tech experts' to thrive in a digital world.
4. What platforms, tools, or strategies helped you own your digital voice?
LinkedIn has been a powerful platform for me to share my voice authentically. It's where I’ve built professional relationships, shared client success stories, and celebrated our wins at Guni. I’ve also embraced tools like Canva for visual storytelling, Zoom for connection and education, and HubSpot to create personalised communication flows. What’s helped most, though, is staying consistent and real – showing up not as a “perfect” tech leader, but as a relatable one.
5. What lessons would you share with women hesitant to embrace technology?
Start small, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Technology isn’t just for the next generation – it’s for you, and it can become one of your most empowering tools if you give it a chance. You don’t need to know everything – you just need to begin. Surround yourself with supportive voices, invest in learning one tool at a time, and celebrate your progress. You’re not “behind” – you’re right on time to start your digital journey.