You get what you give

THIS International Women’s Day, with its theme of Give to Gain, Barefruit Marketing founder Claire Harding embodies what it truly means to lead with generosity.

Fourteen years ago, Claire founded Barefruit while on maternity leave – a bold leap of faith fuelled by sleep deprivation, new perspective, and a quiet confidence in everything she had built before. As a woman in her thirties who had spent 15 years climbing the career ladder, she had to trust that what she had given to her life and relationships would pay off. It did.

Today, Barefruit is a full-service marketing agency with offices in Byron Bay and the Gold Coast, built on a foundation of great work, honesty, fairness, and people-first values. The team spans different genders, nationalities, ethnic backgrounds and life stages – and yes, even two non-human members.

But what makes Barefruit stand out isn’t just the work. It’s the way they work.

Claire has built a culture where giving isn’t a strategy – it’s a way of being. The team gives flexibility, trusting that great work doesn’t only happen in an office between nine and five. They give respect regardless of role or age, and trust instead of micromanagement. They give space – for family, for hobbies, for mental wellbeing. In return, they gain loyalty, creativity, and a team that genuinely shows up for each other and their clients.

“Give to Gain is about creating equality in workplaces where everyone has access to opportunity,” Claire says. “As leaders, we should be mentoring, guiding and opening doors for everyone – that’s my retirement plan.”

That spirit of giving extends well beyond the office walls. Across the Barefruit team, time and energy are donated to causes close to their hearts. They advocate for vulnerable children in Kenya, support people with disabilities, rescue animals, contribute thousands of pro-bono hours to local charities, and help young people build confidence and resilience through sport. For Claire, doing good isn’t separate from doing good business – it’s inseparable from it.

Over 14 years, Barefruit’s curiosity has led them into industries as varied as fresh produce farming, hemp, organic food, motorhome manufacturing, beer and touring events. They don’t claim to know everything – but they bring effort, care and genuine enthusiasm to every brand they touch.

For Claire, it all comes back to balance. Give opportunity, gain a talented team. Give flexibility, gain trust and loyalty. Give your time and attention, gain meaningful relationships. It’s a philosophy that has shaped not just a successful agency, but a genuinely good place to work and to be.

Fourteen years in, Barefruit is still growing, still evolving, and still committed to doing business in a way that is real, curious, brave, fun and fair.

This International Women’s Day, Claire Harding’s message is simple: give more, and watch it come back to you.