A Slice of Success: Domino’s Women in Pizza
A Franchisee at 21 and now owner of six Domino’s stores employing some 200 staff, Lindsay Tod is all about crushing convention.
“If I had a dollar for every time a customer asked to speak to the ‘real’ boss,” she says. “I am just so proud to be a female franchisee and businesswoman. I hope my staff – especially my young female staff – see me being fearless and know they can do whatever they want in life.”
In addition to managing multiple Domino’s stores, together with her husband Jason, Lindsay is also a new mother, and the first female representative on the Domino’s Franchisee Advisory Council for Victoria.
If it sounds like a juggle – it is! But Lindsay, wouldn’t have it any other way.
She is just one of many inspiring female leaders making their mark at Domino’s, from franchisees, to store managers, to corporate executives.
As a company, Domino’s is committed to reaching at least 40 per cent female representation at a Board, Global Leadership and Country Leadership level by 2030. But this is certainly not the end goal – it’s just the next exciting step in our women in pizza leadership journey.
Read more about Lindsay and meet some of our female pizza powerhouses below.
Lindsay Tod
Multi-unit franchisee, mother-of-one, Franchisee Advisory Council member, Domino’s Leadership Eagle winner
What do you love most about working at Domino’s?
I love to see our team grow around us. I have always been passionate about seeing young people step into their potential and truly grow. Even if an employee is only with us for a season, I hope that they walk away more equipped and empowered to face their next role or challenge in life.
What challenges, if any, have you experienced as a woman in business?
I was only 21 when Jason and I first became Domino’s franchisees. Combine young age with being a female… and well, there have certainly been some challenges! However, the greatest thing about being underestimated is that you can always use it as an element of surprise to your advantage. Embrace it and prove them wrong.
What’s your best business advice?
If you can be anything, be kind. Never underestimate the importance of kindness. But don’t confuse kindness with weakness. You can be kind, but still hold high expectations.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and to make them openly. Humility is a great trait to have. It reminds those around you that they too can make mistakes – and learn from them.
Be fearless. You are only limited in what you can do by the restraints you put on yourself.
What’s the greatest tip you would give aspiring young businesswomen?
Never, ever be afraid to speak up and ask questions. I am constantly asking questions. What’s the worst that could happen?
Tracy Llewelyn
Domino’s Head of Communications ANZ, General Manager of Domino’s registered charity Give for Good, Domino’s ANZ Leadership Team Member, mother of two
What challenges, if any, have you experienced as a woman in business?
To be honest, it’s pressure and challenges I have put on myself. I have had two babies in my eight years at Domino’s, which means two periods of maternity leave. Anyone knows how much you miss at work in a day or week of annual or sick leave, so the struggle to come back in after nine months and the pressure we put on ourselves to pick up where we left off is a lot.
I’m determined to normalise sharing more about our children, families and life away from work. I don’t think we do enough of that, and I would like to be part of that change.
What’s your best business advice?
Never change who YOU are to fit the organisation. Find a company or brand that truly thrives off your personality and which you can contribute and make a real difference to.
Be the change you want to see in this world. Don’t complain that you wish something was different – contribute positively to the changes you want to see.
Never ask for permission to the do the job you want to do. In some way, just start doing it – add value and then people will miss it when you stop.
How do you achieve a work/life balance?
Work/life balance is so subjective and what works for one doesn’t necessarily work for another. I love to work, but I also love my family time. Two tips: I never take my phone to the park with the kids. I am working really hard on being present, but it’s something I always consciously work on. I also safely pull over off the road and park my car a street away from home to stop and check my phone and clear any emails so when I get to my driveway, I am present with my family and don’t have any distractions.
What do you love most about working at Domino’s?
I love that no day is ever the same. I thrive in the crazy! And Domino’s certainly has a lot of that… in a positive way. I love how passionate our people are and that no idea is off limits.
Jeanine McQuillan
Domino’s Samford Store Manager, community giving superstar, mother of one and caregiver to her nephew
What’s your favourite thing about working at Domino’s?
As store manager, I love having the freedom and independence in how I can best run the store.
Working for a global company, I also really appreciate the constant encouragement and close support each store is provided. I especially appreciate the culture Don Meij (Domino’s Group CEO) has instilled in encouraging staff progression and showing how you can achieve your business goals – no matter who you are or where you are in life. It’s really inspiring.
What challenges, if any, have you experienced as a woman in business?
In my prior job, career progression as a woman was definitely a challenge. It can be difficult to enable any change in a work culture defined by male-dominated leadership. However, when I joined Domino’s, I could not only see female leadership in action, but it was actively encouraged. It was really refreshing to move to an organisation that accepts that women can lead, and especially in the QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) industry, where it can be rare, but here it’s not. I like helping to break that stereotype.
Why is gender balance and having a diverse workforce important to you?
Having representation across a workforce and in senior management helps inspire others. After all… you cannot be, what you cannot see!
Domino’s Samford is heavily involved in the community, helping to spread joy to customers throughout COVID-19 with personalised pizza box messages, participating in local events and raising ‘dough’ for local charities.
