Posted in PR and Communications, Business, Industry news, Top tips, Tools & Advice, Interview, Client,
International Women’s Day may only come around once a year — but the conversation about women in leadership is something we should be driving all year round.
That’s why, over the past few months, we sat down with 11 remarkable women leading the way in their industries to hear their stories, lessons, and advice for others following in their footsteps.
From navigating challenges to smashing glass ceilings, each woman brought her own perspective and celebrated the power of female leadership in her own way.
As we wrap up the series, we’re spotlighting the key themes and takeaways — from resilience and empowerment to the importance of authenticity — that deserve to be championed not just in March, but all year round.
Across all interviews, one theme that consistently resonated was the importance of self-belief. Whether it was Tina Coates reflecting on the advice from her late father — "You are as good as anyone and better than most” — or Laura Sofie’s advice about not waiting for permission from anyone else to get started start, each woman demonstrated the power of backing yourself, even when external pressures create doubt.
Sarah Scholefield also added:
“My key advice is to back your own instincts. I encourage young women to trust themselves. It's about knowing deep down that your decisions have merit and being willing to acknowledge and address things if they don't go as planned.”
This unwavering belief in one's own capabilities, especially when faced with adversity, has proven to be a critical factor in their leadership journeys.
A recurring topic throughout the series was resilience, and how it is often the key to overcoming challenges and building a successful career. Farzana Baduel, Daisy Ellen Omissi and Jessica Huie MBE spoke about the barriers they faced in the workplace like being the only woman in the room, to external biases or even moments of self-doubt.
As Farzana put it:
“Many women enter the industry on equal footing with men, only to find themselves facing a glass ceiling when they take on caring responsibilities — whether for young children, elderly parents, or family members in need. The reality is that women often bear a disproportionate share of caregiving, and this directly impacts career progression.”
However, what stands out is the ability to adapt and grow through those challenges. Nicole Yost also emphasised the importance of having the courage to pivot, when necessary:
“Remember to embrace the power of the pivot! Careers are not always linear journeys.”
The theme of women supporting other women was evident in nearly every conversation, from Laura’s reflection on how it’s "magic" when women lift each other up, to Tina’s call for senior women to nurture the emerging talent in their teams and networks. Jo also noted the value of creating "an inclusive & collaborative environment where people feel valued."
Both Amanda Powell-Smith and Sarah Howe spoke of the power of networking for women across all seniority levels. Sarah explained:
“One piece of advice I give to young professionals, including my own daughters and their friends, is to commit to one small networking action every week. Have a coffee with someone new, ask a mentor for insights, or join a discussion group.”
When women support one another, not only do they help create equal opportunities, but they also help foster a workplace culture where everyone can thrive, regardless of gender. Whether through mentoring, championing each other's success, or being a supportive voice, this solidarity is one of the most powerful tools in lifting up the next generation of female leaders.
Another theme that came through strongly was the idea that leadership isn’t about knowing it all — it’s about being open to learning, adapting, and evolving. Jo Patterson emphasised the importance of fostering an environment of trust and continuous learning, where teams feel safe to grow, challenge themselves, and bring forward their best ideas.
To add to this, Laura said, “Leadership isn’t about doing the same things over and over — it’s about daring to take the next step, even when you don’t have all the answers. And most importantly, it’s about being curious and kind while you do it.”
Both women underscored the fact that leadership isn't a static destination, but a dynamic journey that involves constant self-reflection, growth, and collaboration.
All of the women in the series highlighted the importance of proactively creating opportunities, rather than waiting for them to come. Jessica, and Jules Ugo in particular, spoke about how they actively sought out opportunities and carved out spaces for themselves, even in industries where women are still underrepresented.
Jules’ advice to young women was clear: " Say yes. Put your hand up. Step forward. So much of what has shaped my career has come from pushing myself that little bit further – getting involved in projects outside my job description, building networks, and staying curious. Those extra steps pay off in learning and experience."
These words underscore the importance of taking initiative and owning your path in leadership.
These interviews have shown us that women in leadership are shaping industries, breaking barriers, and paving the way for future generations.
From the importance of self-belief to the power of supporting one another, the insights shared here are a testament to the strength and resilience of women leaders across various fields.
As we move throughout the year, let’s remember that leadership is about more than just titles — it’s about creating space for others, continuing to grow, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Browse the full Women in Leadership series on our blog.
Want to learn more about how we can support your next project? Get in touch with The Work Crowd to explore how we can deliver the right talent, right when you need it.