On Thursday, March 6, we hosted a dynamic International Women’s Day breakfast panel event with our friends at M3 Consulting, bringing together over 70 attendees for an engaging discussion on how businesses can actively support women and girls in advancing into leadership, decision-making roles, business, and STEM fields. Our esteemed panellists shared their experiences, insights, and practical strategies to drive change.
Championing Women in Leadership and STEM
Nicola Harrison, Senior Associate Director and building surveyor at GIA, shared her personal journey through various firms, highlighting the key lessons and strategies that helped her navigate and thrive in leadership roles. She emphasised the importance of mentorship, inclusive workplace policies, and programs that actively support women in climbing the career ladder.
When asked, “What are the most impactful ways businesses can break down barriers and actively support women and girls in advancing into leadership, decision-making roles, business, and STEM fields?” she underscored the necessity of fostering a culture of equity, offering targeted leadership training programs, and ensuring representation at all levels of decision-making.
Nicola’s key takeaway: “Creating pathways for women is not just about opening doors, but ensuring they have the support, resources, and confidence to walk through them.”
Empowering Women Through Informed Health Choices
Claire Webb, founder of Supreme Being, brought a crucial perspective to the conversation – how businesses can empower women and girls by supporting informed health decisions.
Addressing the question, “In what ways can businesses play a role in empowering women and girls to make informed decisions about their health, and how can this contribute to accelerating change in women’s advancement in the workplace?” Claire highlighted that a workplace culture that prioritises women’s health through flexible policies, wellness programs, and open conversations ultimately leads to better engagement, productivity, and retention.
She advocated for integrating holistic well-being into corporate strategies, noting that “When women feel supported in their health, they are more empowered to take on leadership roles and push forward in their careers.”
A CEO’s Perspective on Driving Change
Richard Hollingworth, CEO of M3, provided a broad overview of the day’s themes, reinforcing the need for systemic change. He emphasised that true progress requires commitment at leadership level, where inclusive policies are not just encouraged but embedded in a company’s DNA.
Reflecting on the broader theme of International Women’s Day, Richard noted: “Organisations that actively invest in gender diversity don’t just benefit women, they drive innovation, enhance decision-making, and create stronger, more resilient businesses.”
His call to action? Businesses must move beyond performative support and implement concrete, measurable initiatives that foster an environment where women can thrive.
The Path Forward
Our panel discussion, Chaired by Emily D’Enrico Project Director at M3, reinforced a vital message: supporting women and girls in leadership, business, and STEM is not just an equity issue – it’s a business imperative. From mentorship programs to health-conscious workplaces, from leadership training to structural inclusivity, the steps we take today will shape the leaders of tomorrow.
As we reflect on the insights shared during our panel, the question isn’t if we should support women and girls, it’s how quickly we can break down barriers and create real, lasting change.