In March 2024 I was on a panel for Mews to mark #IWD2024. Organised by Femme Palette and
joined by fellow panellists Emily, Mary and Charlotte
We shared stories from our career paths, each so varied from the next. Which reminded me of another conversation I was having on a podcast recording is that there is no right career path. We each need to make choices that are right for us. This includes knowing what you want and having the right to change your mind. Sometimes opportunities come to you, sometimes you go looking for it and sometime life happens.
Across the panel was a mix of operational, corporate and founder experience. Some had some great
mentors in the early part of their careers, others not so much. Challenges for women included learning to speak up and lack of support for women's career progression.
The lack of support or feeling of loneliness is one that regrettably I often felt, and I did not know where to turn. This is why I created the Inspire Community, I do not want anyone to ever feel like they are alone.
What stuck with me was examples that Charlotte shared. She and her husband run a hotel together in the UK and she said she just wants to be treated like the men. Example she used was when vendors
come to the hotel, they greet her husband with a handshake and then get awkward with her. All she wants I a handshake, the same as her husband. Why is this so difficult?
