Not having a leading female figure in her own circle took her down the path to create that networking space in Tamworth, and now Moree, to fill the same need she saw in others.

It's her passion and desire to test herself that epitomises the spirit of International Women's Day this year, with the theme 'choose to challenge'.

"When Michelle [Morgan] and I first started Savvy Birds, it was out of the fact that we were really wanting mentors, and we didn't have those in the community," she said.

"It felt really disjointed, there wasn't a place for women to come together in a networking sense."

Having moved to Moree 18 months ago to be with her partner, after spending 10 years in Tamworth as a psychologist, Ms Smith found the same desire for connection - in an amplified way.

Evidenced when her International Women's Day 120-seat event, put on with her new 'side hustle' business Gro Events, sold out in less than 20 minutes.

"It indicated to me there was a craving from other women out there to be inspired too," she explained.

"Professional women are wanting something that's a bit meatier - leadership, mentoring, how can they be more strategic.

"That is what is lacking for rural women. The further west you get out of Tamworth, that real professional and business networking context doesn't exist."

Something else she sees is lacking, is women celebrating the "shiny" in other women.

"Sometimes as women, we can be intimidated by other women who are shiny, the 'tall poppy' syndrome kicks in, or we feel confronted by progressive women," she explained.

"What we need to do, is celebrate them, encourage them, and then those shiny women need to use their light to bring other women on their journey."

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In her own path, Ms Smith has faced challenging female bosses, but also recognises the remarkable leaders, both female and male, she's had as well.

Laughing when she thinks of herself as a role model, she quickly knows what advice to give to other women looking to challenge themselves.

"Try and find your element, and work with integrity to get it," she states.

"It's always about leading with integrity, not being threatened by others, but instead looking for their strengths and trying to become part of that. Look to how you can work with someone to build on your owns strength - see mentors that foster the good in you, and then try and pass that on to people you are leading."

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