Some careers are built by following a well-defined path. Others are shaped by curiosity, courage and a willingness to keep evolving. 

Suzana Ristevski's career reflects the latter. Based in Melbourne, Suzana is Chief Marketing Officer for Google Australia and New Zealand, leading the marketing of some of the world's most recognised products, including Search, Pixel, Android, Gemini, Google AI, Ads and Chromebooks. Alongside her executive career, she also serves as a Board Director of the North Melbourne Football Club, bringing her commercial expertise to one of Australia's most recognised sporting organisations.

Long before joining Google, Suzana had built a career around understanding people, shaping brands and leading through change. It’s experience that spans industries and organisations, but is connected by a consistent curiosity about what moves people and how meaningful change happens.

Yet ask Suzana what influence means today, and her answer has little to do with titles or visibility.

"Influence is quiet gravity. It's the ability to pull people toward an idea, a feeling, or a change without having to shout."

It’s a philosophy that reflects the way she approaches both leadership and life. Less about seeking attention, more about creating momentum that others naturally want to follow.

Ask Suzana what she wishes more women felt confident doing, and she answers without hesitation.

"I wish more women felt confident claiming their space at the table, whether that's signalling for the promotion they've earned or raising their hand before they feel '100% ready.' There is so much power in giving things a shot, even if there is a possibility you may get rejected. If for the only reason that you decided you are worth it."

There is an optimism in that perspective. It recognises that confidence rarely arrives before opportunity, and that backing yourself is often the first step towards growth. It’s a philosophy that has shaped Suzana's own leadership journey and one she hopes more women embrace.

There is a similar clarity in the way Suzana defines living well. Less about striving for balance, more about staying engaged. Continuing to learn, doing meaningful work and showing up for the people who matter most.

And what does living well look like right now for Suzana?

"I think living well is about staying engaged. It's the simple things like a day at the beach and fresh air, but also the buzz of doing good work and showing up for my family and friends. I try to stay curious and keep learning. I've always felt that if you're interested in life, you stay interesting to the people you love."

IN HER WORDS

On influence

"Influence is quiet gravity. It's the ability to pull people toward an idea, a feeling, or a change without having to shout."

On great style

"I think style is the most honest form of self-editing. It's less about fashion and more about the courage to be comfortable in your own story. Great style doesn't seek validation; it simply announces who you are without you having to say a word."

On rituals

"I'm at my best when I've had a bit of space before the world wakes up. Depending on where I am, that's either walking Monty, my dog, in Melbourne or hitting the beach at Bondi for a workout. It's not anything fancy, just fresh air and a bit of quiet to help me focus before I dive into life."

The woman she'd invite to a dinner party

Meryl Streep — "She's the perfect example of someone whose creative power only got stronger with age. She hit her stride and took on her biggest roles well after fifty, which is a great reminder that you don't have to fade into the background just because you're getting older."

Her advice to other women

"Your perspective is your greatest asset. Use it unapologetically."

HER CURRENT LINE-UP

Reading

Eight Million Ways to Happiness by Ruth Ozeki

Listening to

Frontier CMO podcast with Josh Spanier

Watching

Love Story

Women of Influence is a Chic Notes series celebrating women defining their own path, and whose ideas, work and perspectives inspire and uplift.