Breaking Down Barriers: An Interview with Bianca Panozzo, the #FemaleBoss Behind Express Retail Group

"Establishing myself as a successful female boss has been a journey full of opportunities and challenges," Bianca said. "Along the way, I have learned that surrounding yourself with like-minded people is key to achieving success."

As the Co-Founder and COO of Express Retail Group, Co-Founder of the Barbershop Express franchise, and a successful Franchisee of Salon Express, Bianca Panozzo has truly established herself as a #FemaleBoss! In honor of International Women's Day and Women's Month, we sat down with Bianca to learn more about the journey that has led her to become such a successful business leader.

"Establishing myself as a successful female boss has been a journey full of opportunities and challenges," Bianca said. "Along the way, I have learned that surrounding yourself with like-minded people is key to achieving success."

"I learned so much from the people I worked with and the challenges I faced, and these experiences have shaped me into the person I am today,"

Bianca's path to where she is today did not follow the traditional approach of attending university and pursuing a planned career. "It all started with a traineeship in finance, but it was my creative approach to problem-solving that caught the attention of my boss, who steered me towards marketing," she explained.

Through her non-traditional path, Bianca gained exposure to many different areas in large companies, which she believes has been truly priceless. "I learned so much from the people I worked with and the challenges I faced, and these experiences have shaped me into the person I am today," she said.

One of Bianca's most meaningful moments along the way was ERG’s recent symposium 2023 It’s About Me. "Witnessing people opening up and supporting each other in such a unique and positive way was truly inspiring," she said. "It was a reminder of the power of coming together as a team to learn, grow, and support each other."

"Witnessing people opening up and supporting each other in such a unique and positive way was truly inspiring," she said. "It was a reminder of the power of coming together as a team to learn, grow, and support each other."

Despite her success, Bianca has faced many challenges as a female in getting to where she is now. "Feelings of self-doubt and imposter syndrome have held me back from pursuing new opportunities and reaching my full potential," she said. "Nevertheless, I have always made time for self-reflection, recognizing the importance of acknowledging my progress and learning from the accomplishments of other women."

Bianca's advice for young women starting their career in business is to find a mentor or role model. "Seek out women who have already made a mark in the business world and can offer guidance and support," she said. "Having a mentor can help you navigate the challenges of starting out in a new industry and can provide valuable insights into the industry."

"Seek out women who have already made a mark in the business world and can offer guidance and support," she said. "Having a mentor can help you navigate the challenges of starting out in a new industry and can provide valuable insights into the industry."

Express Retail Group takes pride in their commitment to empowering women in honor of International Women's Day and Women's Month. With over 95% of their teams across Queensland & Western Australia being women, the company not only supports and celebrates females in their workplace and community but also provides incentives to recognize and reward their progress and efforts.

Bianca believes that "Together, we can break down barriers and create a more equitable and inclusive workplace."

To further this goal, Express Retail Group has partnered with White Ribbon Australia, an organization dedicated to ending men's violence against women and promoting gender equality and respectful relationships. Their ultimate goal is to create a society where women can live free from violence and abuse. To support this worthy cause, Express Retail Group will donate $2 to White Ribbon Australia for every L'Oreal Tecni.art product sold in their Salon Express salons from March 6th to 31st, 2023.

Learn more by following us at @salonexpressaustralia and salonexpress.com.au