Stepping into leadership
Hilary McMillan has always been driven by a passion for people and making a difference. After pursuing a Bachelor of Business with a major in Human Resources, she embarked on a career that led her to a pivotal HR role in a podiatry business, which would later evolve into the global brand FRANKIE4. Now, with over 14 years at the company, Hilary oversees a growing team and has helped them reach incredible milestones, including selling over two million pairs of shoes.
What inspired you to pursue a career in your field, and how did you get started?
After finishing school, I spent a few years figuring out my path and eventually pursued a Bachelor of Business with a major in Human Resources in Sydney. I’ve always been fascinated by people and how I can make a difference in their lives.
While waiting to hear back from a paramedic application, my partner was posted to Brisbane with the ADF, and I moved with him. I applied for an HR manager role at a podiatry business, and coincidentally, the owners were in Sydney so I managed to land an interview. At the same time, I was accepted into the paramedics course, but I decided to take the HR role instead.
Fourteen years later, FRANKIE4 has grown from a podiatry clinic into a global brand with 10 stores, 200+ employees, and over 2 million pairs of shoes sold. Looking back, I’m grateful for the opportunities that led me here, even though it required years of hard work and dedication.
What moment in your career are you most proud of, and why does it stand out to you?
Stepping into the Group CEO role at FRANKIE4 is a career highlight, but there’s one moment that stands out in particular. I remember the nerves I felt before hosting my first company-wide meeting in this new role. I don’t usually get nervous, but in that moment, I really felt the weight of the responsibility.
When I opened the meeting, I looked out at the entire team and made a commitment—almost like a pledge—to tell them why I was the right person for the job. I expressed my genuine passion and deep care for this brand, which may have been more than some of the team realised. Being able to speak authentically in that setting was an honour I’ll never forget.
How significant is the support of family and friends in helping you throughout your career and life?
The support of family and friends has been absolutely vital in both my career and life. For me, success is about achieving balance in all the roles I play—whether as a wife, mother, businesswoman, or friend. I won’t claim to have perfected it, but that balance is something I constantly strive for. Having three young children is a challenge in itself, but finding harmony comes from surrounding myself with people whose opinions I trust and value.
Their support has been instrumental in my growth, both personally and professionally. They remind me to stay grounded, help me navigate the challenges I face, and encourage me to lead by example.
Outside of work, what activities or passions keep you energised?
For over 20 years, I’ve been a gym instructor, and while I still do it as a hobby and a way to stay active, it’s about so much more than just fitness. It’s about the connection I have with participants, motivating others, and creating a supportive environment where people lift each other up. That sense of community and belonging is something I carry into all aspects of my life.
FRANKIE4
- T: 0416 021 995
- E: [email protected]
- W: frankie4.com
