The Women Who Shape Us

Grace Charles on Her Mum’s Quiet Strength

This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating the women who shape us with their wisdom, care, and strength. Grace Charles, a passionate HR Business Partner and self-professed introvert “in hiding,” opens up about the incredible influence her mother has had on her life. Grace may not have children of her own, but the life lessons passed down from her mum have deeply shaped who she is today.

A Foundation of Family and Fairness

Grace describes her family – her mum, older sister, and younger brother – as her safe space. “My family are genuinely my favourite people to spend time with,” she says. While her siblings are the storytellers and extroverts, Grace identifies more with her mum’s quiet, steady presence.

One of the most powerful lessons her mother taught her is to “always do the right thing, regardless of whether people are watching or not.” That moral compass, built on fairness, honesty, and humility, has guided Grace throughout her life and career. 

“She’s the first person to place herself in the back-row,” Grace shares, “but you can guarantee she’ll step forward to advocate for something she believes in.”

Little Gestures, Big Love

A tradition that always makes Grace smile is the mysterious Valentine’s Day cards she and her siblings receive every year, signed anonymously, but suspiciously similar to her mum’s handwriting. “It’s a simple gesture, but a tradition I love. I keep all of these cards in a box at home. They make me reflect on the types of traditions I might like to create if I had a family of my own one day.”

Resilience in the Face of Loss

Grace’s mum became a single parent when her husband passed away, leaving her to raise three young children while navigating her own grief. “I’m sure she had days where she wasn’t sure she would get through it,” Grace reflects. “But she did. And those hard times forged unbreakable bonds between us.”

That reminder is something Grace hopes to pass on to future generations: “Even on your hardest days, there are always brighter ones ahead.”

A Quiet Career Influence

Though Grace’s career path in HR differs from her mum’s role as a library technician, the foundational values are the same. “She’s always taught us that it’s important to be responsible and show accountability for things and people outside of ourselves,” Grace says.

Her mum’s emphasis on kindness and respect has also shaped Grace’s approach to work: “The consideration I have for others has contributed to building strong relationships in my career. That’s something I’m really proud of.”

Quick Fire with Grace

What do you call your mum?
Mum

What did your mum call you when you were in trouble?
My full name—Grace Charles (or, jokingly, ‘Disgrace’)

What’s the one tech thing your mum can’t figure out?
Taking photos! Somehow her photos are always blurry – it’s a running family joke.

How would your mum describe what you do?
Before I started working in HR, I think she saw it as just admin. Now, after hearing about my work, she’s realised how deeply human, complex, and strategic the role can be.