Category Emerging Talent
Returning to work after a career break in tech and digital can feel like stepping into the unknown. There’s excitement, of course—but also uncertainty. Will I remember how to do this? Have things changed too much? How will I balance work and home?
For Rosie O’Toole and Danielle Cain, those questions felt all too familiar. But with the support of the Coles Relaucher, a program designed for women with an engineering background in tech and digital, they found their footing—and more than that, they found confidence, connection and career growth.
Rosie, a Project Manager in the Finance and Procurement Technology team, joined the inaugural Relauncher intake in January 2022. For her, the decision to return was about more than just getting back to work. It was about doing it with the right support, and in an environment where she could grow. Rosie says:
The program gave me the tools and support I needed to confidently re-enter the workforce.I focus on coordinating between different stakeholders to ensure our projects not only meet deadlines but also propel us towards our strategic objectives
Danielle joined the second intake of the program in March 2023 as a Senior Business Analyst in the Data & Intelligence team. Like Rosie, she had taken time away from the workforce to care for her family—and like many women in her position, returning came with a few nerves. But when she heard about the Relauncher Program through word-of-mouth, she knew it sounded different. Danielle says:
It offered exactly what I needed—a supported pathway back into a senior role,” Danielle explains.
One of the features of the program that stood out most to Danielle was the flexible entry point. She was able to start in a job-share role alongside another Relauncher, giving her time to ease back in while balancing family commitments. That flexibility was a game-changer.
It balanced my professional ambitions with personal responsibilities in a way that made the transition manageable and really positive.
For both women, mentorship played a huge role in their journey. Each was paired with a dedicated mentor (separate from their manager) who helped them navigate their new roles, connect with stakeholders, and understand how teams worked across the organisation. That sense of guidance, both formal and informal, made a big difference. Danielle went to say:
Having someone to check in with made everything feel less overwhelming. It wasn’t just about orientation—it was real advice, insight, and encouragement.
Rosie agrees.
What stood out to me was how supportive the people at Coles are. You’re not doing it alone. You’re part of a team that genuinely wants to see you succeed.
Along the way, both women picked up new skills—everything from collaboration tools like Teams, Jira and Confluence, to stakeholder engagement and leadership in senior discussions. But more than anything, they rebuilt their confidence and rediscovered their professional identities.
Rosie says:
If you were good at your job before you took a break, you will be good again.
Dannielle went onto add.
It’s more than just a return-to-work program.It’s a supportive community that understands your needs and sets you up for success.
Now well into their roles, Rosie and Danielle are proud of how far they’ve come—and they’re encouraging others to take that step too.
Rosie says:
Coles is a fantastic place to work.The people are amazing, the culture is inclusive, and you’ll learn so much.
For anyone thinking about returning to work in tech and digital, they both agree on one thing: go for it. Because when the right support is there—and when you’re surrounded by people who genuinely care—returning to work doesn’t just feel possible. It feels like the start of something exciting.
Dannielle Cain (Left) Rosie O'Toole ( Right
