Empowering Women in Nutraceuticals: A Vision for Equality and Growth
Gillian Fish, Founder and CEO off The 6AM Agency
Empowering Women in Nutraceuticals: A Vision for Equality and Growth
At Women In Nutraceuticals (WIN), the spirit of empowerment and inclusion fuels our mission to drive meaningful change within the industry. This International Women’s Day, we are honored to share insights from Gillian Fish, Founder and CEO of our newest Silver Sponsor, The 6AM Agency. Her journey and commitment to gender equity exemplify the transformative power of leadership, mentorship, and purpose-driven business practices.
A Legacy of Social Justice and Empowerment
Gillian Fish’s story is one of resilience, influence, and unwavering dedication to social justice. Growing up in apartheid-era South Africa, she was raised by two remarkable maternal figures—her white mother, Zelda, an award-winning investigative journalist, and Selina, her Black mother figure, whose wisdom and care shaped her upbringing.
“Had Selina been born with white skin, she would have undoubtedly been a CEO. But in the harsh reality of apartheid, that was not possible. Instead, she became our nanny, mentor, and lifelong inspiration.”
This powerful dual influence instilled in her a deep-seated belief in using privilege and influence to uplift others. From advocating for Nelson Mandela’s release during her university years to fostering leadership and education initiatives, Gillian has remained steadfast in her mission to create opportunities for others.
The Ubuntu Philosophy: A Foundation for Change
At the core of The 6AM Agency’s values is Ubuntu, an African philosophy that translates to ‘I am because we are’. This principle underscores the agency’s commitment to empathy, shared responsibility, and community well-being.
“Gender and societal equality are integral to this philosophy. It recognizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of all people, emphasizing that our humanity is deeply shaped by relationships with others. Together we can make a difference.”
These values are not just ideals at 6AM; they are woven into every aspect of the company’s operations, shaping an inclusive and equitable workplace culture.
6AM’s Commitment to Gender Equity
The 6AM Agency takes concrete steps to ensure gender equity and workplace inclusivity through a range of strategic initiatives:
Flexible Work Policies – Supporting parents and caregivers with remote work and flexible hours.
6AM Global Collective Wellness Program – Weekly sessions dedicated to holistic well-being, fostering both professional and personal growth.
Growth Accelerator Program – Empowering women to find their voice, develop leadership skills, and advance their careers through mentorship and tailored leadership training.
Non-Profit Support & Industry Advocacy – Actively volunteering with WIN and recently becoming a Silver Sponsor to further its mission.
Championing International Women’s Day – Amplifying conversations around gender equity through awareness campaigns and industry engagement.
These initiatives have resulted in a deeply engaged workforce, increased leadership participation, and a workplace culture where diversity and inclusion are not just policies but lived experiences.
A Call to Action for Industry Leaders
Gillian’s vision extends beyond 6AM’s internal practices—she advocates for a systemic shift in the nutraceuticals industry.
“The nutraceuticals industry, like many others, has long been male-dominated, and it’s time to break those barriers. Sponsoring women is not just about opening doors; it’s about ensuring they have a seat at the table, their voices are heard, their contributions are valued, and they have opportunities for growth.”
She urges CEOs to actively educate themselves on the challenges women face in the workplace. “True leadership requires an open heart—one that listens deeply, observes without bias, and cultivates gratitude. When we acknowledge our own privileges, we gain a sharper awareness of the barriers others face.”
Moreover, she emphasizes the importance of women supporting one another, calling for a culture of collaboration rather than competition. “Too often, internalized insecurities and competition hold us back. The real path to progress lies in lifting each other up, celebrating one another’s successes, and fostering a culture of true inclusivity. Understanding and
championing one another is the only way forward.”
The Future of WIN and the Nutraceuticals Industry
Gill’s contributions to building WIN’s marketing efforts in the early days directly contributed to our successfully establishing a place in the nutraceuticals industry. Her efforts were so notable that she was chosen as the first recipient of the WIN Heroine Award, presented to an individual WIN member whose volunteer efforts have been especially significant, and materially contributed to advancing WIN’s mission. And now she’s taking her support further. Through its Silver Sponsorship, The 6AM Agency is poised to play a crucial role in WIN’s next phase of growth.
“Attracting more dynamic volunteers, sponsors, and partners who align with WIN’s values and vision to join the already excellent cohort is paramount in this next phase of growth. Strengthening this ecosystem will not only expand the organization’s reach but also enhance its long-term impact.”
She envisions a future where gender diversity is no longer seen as a women’s issue but as a collective effort. “True impact happens when inclusion is intentional—when we actively create pathways for women to thrive, not just survive, in this industry.”
At 6AM, diversity and inclusion are more than corporate buzzwords; they are guiding principles that shape every decision and action. Through mentoring, leadership development, and a steadfast commitment to social responsibility, Gillian and her team are driving real, lasting change.
Join the Movement
Gillian’s words are a powerful reminder that change begins with action. As WIN continues to expand its global reach, we invite industry leaders, businesses, and individuals to join us in advancing gender equity within the nutraceuticals sector.
“It takes a village to raise a child. It takes a collective to make a lasting impact. If 100 people each contribute just 1% toward progress, together we achieve 100% improvement. By working collectively, we can drive meaningful change across the supply chain and beyond, furthering WIN’s goals and making a lasting impact.”
Let’s make this International Women’s Day a moment of reflection, commitment, and collective action toward a more inclusive and equitable industry.
Learn more about Gillian and The 6AM Agency HERE.
