THE WAY of Life in Australia🇦🇺 (EN) Career and Motherhood in Australia: The Real Stories of Working Women

Every month on WOMENCANFLY.CO’s blog series, The Way, we introduce inspirational women who live around the world. 

This time we introduce Ayumi Takaku, who works in the Japan Practice at KPMG Australia. 

After working at a Japanese trading company, Ayumi moved to Australia on her own to pursue graduate studies, seeking a work environment where she could be herself.

Along the way, she faced numerous challenges, including language barriers, adapting to a new environment, and balancing career and childcare. Yet, guided by her belief that “effort never betrays you,” she gradually created new career opportunities in Australia.

In this article, Ayumi shares real-life stories about the differences between working cultures in Australia and Japan, the mindset she uses to build her network, and the pivotal moments that shaped her career.

For anyone who dreams of working overseas one day, or who feels the urge to change their current environment, we hope her story offers the encouragement needed to take that first step forward.

Speaking at the AJBWN International Women’s Day event

“I can’t end like this” — The career limits she felt in Japan

After graduating from university, Ayumi joined a Japanese trading company. While she worked in a supportive environment, a growing sense of discomfort gradually took hold.

“At the time, I was hired as a general clerical staff member. As I became more aware of the differences in the quality of work and future career prospects between myself and colleagues in career-track positions, I started to feel that my own career would remain limited if I stayed on this path.”

Even when she was entrusted with some responsibilities typically handled by career-track employees, she was told, “It’s still too early for a woman to do that much.” She began to feel suffocated by the invisible lines drawn around women’s careers.

If the organization and system were not going to change anytime soon, then she had to change her own environment. While continuing to work, Ayumi prepared for graduate school in Australia, stepping toward a major turning point in her career.

“I wanted to build my career as something that truly belonged to me—something I could be satisfied with.”

Rather than waiting for change, she chose to take action. Encouraged by her father’s words, “Go and challenge yourself,” Ayumi moved to Australia at the age of 26, determined to break through the barriers she had felt in Japan’s corporate world.

With her host family who welcomed her upon her arrival in Australia

A chance connection that opened the door to her career in Australia

“If you take action, your future will move.”

This belief came to life through a fateful encounter that marked the beginning of Ayumi’s career at KPMG.

On the day of her graduate school commencement ceremony in Australia,  the keynote speaker was a senior leader overseeing the Asia division at KPMG Australia. Deeply moved by the speech, Ayumi felt an overwhelming urge to simply say thank you.

“I looked up their name and sent an email immediately.”

That single action changed everything. Soon after, she received a surprising reply:

“You are the first graduate who has ever emailed me. Let’s meet.”

During their casual meeting, Ayumi spoke openly about her background, experiences, and aspirations. Touched by her sincerity and initiative, the executive made an unexpected proposal.

“Let’s create a new position for someone like you.”

True to those words, a role that had not previously existed was created, and Ayumi began her career as a member of KPMG’s Japan Practice team. Years later, she now plays a key role bridging internal teams and clients.

“Opportunities aren’t given—they’re created. If I hadn’t sent that email, my life today might look very different.”

Turning inspiration into action may seem like a small step, but it has the power to change the future.

The day her path to KPMG began —at her graduation ceremony

“I had no choice but to do it” — Challenges and struggles in graduate school abroad

At 26, Ayumi moved to Australia alone and began studying business in graduate school. The foundation of her confidence and communication skills was built through small daily efforts she had been making since high school.

“I used to talk to the ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) every day. That habit of speaking up gradually built my confidence, and it helped me approach people proactively once I started graduate school in Australia.”

However, the two years of graduate study were far from easy.

“If you asked me whether I would do it again, I’d say no. It was that tough.”

At the time, digital resources were limited. She carried heavy textbooks to the library every day and searched for information manually. Writing academic papers in English was especially demanding, with strict grading that penalized even minor grammatical errors.

She asked native speakers she knew to proofread her long essays and continued to work steadily through each assignment. In her final semester, the stress even affected her skin—but she kept telling herself that this was not an endless tunnel.

“If there was time to feel discouraged, I chose to act instead. I believed that as long as I kept moving, a path would eventually open.”

What sustained her was determination and self-belief.

Another key focus during her graduate school years was her approach to networking. Rather than simply expanding contacts, she emphasized respect for others’ time and a strong sense of giving.

“Instead of thinking about what I could gain, I focused on what I could offer. That mindset naturally builds trust and leads to unexpected opportunities.”

She actively attended career events and seminars, viewing them as investments in her future. Each small step gradually expanded her network and later became an important foundation for her career.

Canoeing experience at a Christmas function with colleagues

A society that values results — A new model of working as a woman in Australia

Having built her career in Australia for nearly a decade, Ayumi has continued to thrive even after taking two maternity leaves. Behind this lies a culture that values performance and flexible working arrangements.

“You’re neither favored nor disadvantaged because you’re a mother. You’re evaluated purely on performance, which feels very fair.”

In Japan, she felt there was an invisible ceiling for women, where effort did not always translate into recognition. In contrast, Australia evaluates people regardless of gender, allowing her to return to the same role after childbirth and work flexibly, including reduced hours.

“Each time I returned, I was welcomed back warmly. I’m truly grateful for that understanding culture.”

There are also differences in work style. In Japan, detailed instructions from supervisors are common, whereas in Australia, independent thinking and initiative are expected.

“If you’re passive, you won’t be evaluated. What matters is how you think creatively and produce results on your own. I really enjoy that freedom.”

Having an environment where you don’t have to give up your career because of life events such as childbirth offers hope—not only for women, but for everyone.

 Completing the City2Surf race with a stroller

“You can pull luck toward you” — How action shapes the future

Throughout her career, Ayumi has consistently valued one simple yet powerful principle: When in doubt, move first.

“You shouldn’t be stingy with your motivation. When you act, the scenery changes. That’s why I never stopped moving.”

From talking daily with her ALT teacher in high school, to building networks through local events in graduate school, to opening the door to KPMG with a single email—each action accumulated into an opportunity.

“Luck doesn’t come to those who wait. I believe you pull it toward you through effort.”

Today, Ayumi co-founded AJBWN (Australia Japan Businesswomen’s Network)  with friends, working to share diverse career models with the next generation of working women.

“I hope that seeing me work while raising children helps someone think, ‘This kind of life is possible too.’”

No matter what choices you make, the future is never fully predictable. But the people you meet and the views you discover beyond fear only exist because you chose to move forward.

Ayumi’s journey is living proof that, regardless of age, circumstances, or position, life can be changed by taking just one step.

A special day welcoming the Tokyo Governor to Australia as an AJBWN member

We look forward to Ayumi's next challenge.

Thank you for reading this, and  we are always here for you !

Women can fly.

Much love, xxx

Team WCF

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