Happy International Women’s day

Happy International Women’s day

I am proud to be a woman

I was lucky enough to be raised by an extremely strong woman, who inspired me and promoted the importance of believing in myself. This self-belief enabled me to carve a career in my industry that’s hugely male dominated. I felt privileged to fly the flag for women and never allowed gender to define my leadership or how others viewed me as a strong leader.

However, I was misguided in believing that to keep up we must sacrifice our home-lives and relationships. Having my daughter opened my eyes up to new possibilities and new paths. I wanted to continue my career but work to my own schedule. That’s why I started Evolve. Working around my daughter and a worldwide pandemic, I have found my place and I am succeeding in my field with even more love and passion for the work than I’ve ever felt possible.

Like many parents, watching my child grow has given me new adaptable skills. Skills that I would like to champion in the workplace rather than having them hidden behind the hostility shown by companies once flexible work hours is mentioned. The statistics on qualified female teachers who haven’t returned to teaching since having their children was something that really shocked me. I wanted to create a company that believed in their teachers and understood that every individual’s situation is unique.

I had my daughter 10 weeks prematurely and was in awe of the numerous women I met in the NICU who displayed pure tenacity and strength, not just physically but mentally too. Mothers, Nurses & Doctors. Some of whom I’m lucky enough to now call my friends. Whilst my personal journey has always been an empowering one, there are still so many amazing women in the UK that’s skills go unrecognised and undervalued. According to the ‘Global Gender Gap report 2020’ gender parity will not be attained for another 99.5 years.

So, to those feeling their confidence has taken a hit, those of you who are nervous to re-join the work place and just those of you who need to be reminded of how amazing you are:

Be proud of yourselves!