Getting to know the Human Quotient team

Martina Wilkinson

Martina Wilkinson, Marketing Assistant at Human Quotient Group.

Creativity with purpose and a heart for connection

At Human Quotient Group, we believe our strength lies in our people—those who lead with purpose, show up with heart, and are committed to creating lasting impact. 

In this edition of The Human Element,  we’re spotlighting Martina Wilkinson, who this week (in October, 2025) celebrates her one-year anniversary with Human Quotient Group.

Through Cowork Coplay to part of the Human Quotient Group team

Martina’s journey with Human Quotient Group began as a participant in the Cowork Coplay Perth 2024 program — an experience she describes as both inspiring and transformative. Coming from a background in marketing and communications, she immediately connected with HQG’s purpose and the sense of belonging the program created within the Defence partner community.

Mere months later, Martina’s talent aligned with the business’s needs. After a conversation with Claire (our Co-Founder and Director) who’d identified Martina’s skills and passion during the program, Martina joined the HQG team, bringing her creativity, insight, and a genuine passion for storytelling to her role as Marketing Assistant. Today, she helps shape the stories about what the social enterprise does and amplifies community voices.

Insights from Martina

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What's exciting about Defence industry or community?

“My connection to Defence industry started on a very personal level. My husband serves in the Navy, so I’ve been part of the Defence community for several years now. I joined the Cowork Coplay program in Perth in 2024 to explore what my next career chapter could look like.

What I found through that experience was a community of people who understood the unique challenges and strengths that come with Defence life. It reignited my passion for meaningful, purpose-driven work.

Fast forward 7 months after the program ended, the opportunity to join Human Quotient Group came up. It felt like a full-circle moment—from participating in a program that supports Defence partners, to now helping share those stories, as well as stories about our other work. I love helping to drive that impact from the inside. That’s what excites me most about this sector: the people, the purpose, and the chance to contribute to something bigger than yourself.

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What is the one thing you wish people knew about your job?

That it’s never just about words on a page or a pretty post on social media. Good communication is about trust, clarity, and connection. It’s about understanding people, not just audiences.

In marketing and communications, especially in a purpose-driven space, you’re constantly balancing creativity with strategy. Behind every story, post, or campaign, there’s a lot of listening and consideration, for tone, lived experience, and the message’s impact. Every colour, phrase, or post timing is intentional, all with the hope that what you share resonates, provides value and makes someone feel understood.

Martina is a marketing and communications specialist working to amplify Defence community voices.

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If you could only name one thing, what would you like to see in Defence industry?

I’d love to see even more focus on the wellbeing and career development of Defence and veteran families. They’re such an important part of the Defence community, yet their experiences too often are made to exist in the background.

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What's your best tip for great work-life balance? What do you do to unwind & find calm?

I’ve learned that balance doesn’t mean equal, it means intentional. Some days the scales tip toward work or other commitments, other days it’s family or rest, and that’s okay. My calm usually comes from the simple things: a beach walk, a good coffee, or those quiet early mornings before the house wakes up.

My toddler has taught me to slow down and really appreciate the little things. There’s something grounding about watching a child find joy in everyday moments; it’s a good reminder to do the same.

Being originally from Finland, what you might call the Nordic approach to balance has always stayed with me. The idea that life isn’t all about productivity, but about living well. It’s about taking time to breathe, to be present, and to find harmony between what you do and how you feel. I try to bring a little of that mindset into my everyday life.

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What's one thing you are grateful for today?

I’m grateful for the community, the people who show up to events or to work at HQG. They understand this lifestyle and make the juggle feel lighter.”

Cowork Coplay Perth 2024 participants working on goals

Martina and other participants working on their goals during Cowork Coplay Perth 2024 session.

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What's currently on your bucket list?

A family trip exploring somewhere new in WA, there’s still so much of our beautiful state I haven’t seen.

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What's your theme song for 2025 or word for the year?

If I’m being honest, my playlist these days is very much curated by my toddler — so Let It Go (from Frozen) and How Far I’ll Go (from Moana) are definitely on repeat. And honestly, they’ve become a bit of a soundtrack to our year.

My husband has been away a lot with work, so it’s been mostly me and my daughter navigating the day-to-day together. Between the solo parenting stretches, work, and all the little life moments in between, those songs have taken on a whole new meaning. One could even say it’s been all about letting go of perfection and trusting that we’re finding our own way.

If I had to choose a word for 2025, it would be “navigate.” Because that’s what this year has been about: adjusting the sails, finding direction in the unknown, and realising that even when things feel unpredictable, you can still move forward with purpose (and maybe a bit of Disney magic).

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What’s your proudest professional accomplishment?

I don’t know if it’s the proudest, but it’s definitely up there among the top few. A few years ago, in one of my previous roles, I had the opportunity to play a central part in organising a series of multi-day VIP stakeholder events in an international location. It was an absolute whirlwind of a project but it all came together beautifully. Seeing it unfold in real time, with people genuinely connecting and enjoying the experience we’d worked so hard to deliver, was incredibly rewarding.” 

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What do you think makes our team culture unique?

There’s an authenticity in how we show up for each other, we celebrate the wins, share the juggle, and genuinely care. It’s rare to find a team that blends professionalism with empathy so seamlessly, but that’s what makes it special. You never feel like it’s just a job here; it always feels like more, and people actually care about what they do. There’s also a shared sense of purpose that makes the work feel incredibly fulfilling.

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What advice would you give to someone considering a career change or just starting out their professional journey?

Be curious. Every experience, even the messy or uncertain ones, teaches you something that will matter later. Your career doesn’t have to follow a straight line; the best paths often come from following what feels meaningful, not just logical.

And take the leap, even when it feels scary. I’ve moved continents 3 times and started again from scratch, and while it hasn’t always been easy, it’s always been worth it. Growth often happens in the moments that push us out of our comfort zone. If it makes you happy and aligns with who you want to become, it’s worth taking that first step.

Cowork Coplay Perth 2024 celebration

Cowork Coplay Perth 2024 participants, Claire and Navy personnel celebrating at the end celebration of Cowork Coplay Perth 2024 program.

Purpose meets authenticity

For Martina, what makes Human Quotient Group unique is its genuine heart, a team that leads with purpose, creativity, and care. Having first experienced Human Quotient Group’s impact as a participant in the Cowork Coplay Perth 2024 program, she knows first-hand the power of community and connection. Now, one year on as part of the team, she continues to help shape the stories that celebrate Defence families and the people behind the purpose. It’s this authenticity and shared commitment to making a difference that makes Human Quotient Group feel like more than a workplace, it’s a community that truly understands.

Interested in more snippets into our team’s background?

Follow us on LinkedIn for more stories like Martina’s and to connect with our growing HQG community.

You can also connect with Martina on LinkedIn to follow his professional journey.