Torquay-based Shebah CEO Sarra Stewart nominated for top award

A Surf Coast boss nominated for a top business award has revealed the important link between remote work and juggling life as a mum.

Shebah CEO Sarra Stewart has been nominated for a women in business award. Picture: Alison Wynd

A Torquay chief executive officer nominated for a top business prize has revealed the important role remote work plays in her workplace.

Shebah boss Sarra Stewart, who took the reins of the all-female rideshare service last year, was nominated across the business excellence and business innovation categories at the 2023 AusMumpreneur Awards.

“People need to understand that women know how to get the job done,” she said.

“Women with children aren’t a hindrance, it’s actually a plus for business.”

The company leader has been on-board with Shebah since its humble beginnings in 2017, seeing it through a change of ownership and the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I was so lucky that when my youngest son was born, Shebah as a workplace provided a nanny for me when I needed it,” she said.

“I could breastfeed when I needed to, but I could also be at work because there was someone looking out for my child.”

Ms Stewart, who runs the company from her Surf Coast home many days, said she’d been able to tackle the top job with the support of the company.

“I think remote workplaces are a huge benefit to so many parents,” she said.

“Any mother in a remote job will get twice as much work done because they know how to multitask and get stuff done.”

It’s also an attitude she wants to extend to her employees, with a flexible working environment front of mind.

“Allowing staff the flexibility is so important,” she said.

“It’s not important that they’re there nine to five, it’s about getting the job done. I don’t mind if they’re sitting on a beach at noon, if the job’s getting done hats off to you.”

Adding to the family-friendly atmosphere, Shebah drivers all hold Working With Children’s Checks and passengers are provided with car and booster seat options.

“I’m so thrilled and humbled to be nominated,” she said.

“There are so many women out there probably doing so many more amazing things, but it’s nice to be noticed for your contribution as a mum because there’s not always someone thanking you for that job.”

Winners of the 2023 AusMumpreneur Awards will be announced on August 23.

Originally published as Torquay-based Shebah CEO Sarra Stewart nominated for top award