It feels difficult to celebrate International Women’s Day when there are so many women struggling across the world. The scenes of families being forced apart as the women and children leave their homes in Ukraine is so distressing. Other women are learning how to use weapons so that they can defend their homeland. Around the world many women are living in fear of abusive partners or are facing violence.

I am continually amazed about the resilience of women and how they do so many things at work and home. When I am coaching I hear about how they are juggling the demands to do the best for their family and also at work. Women will often doubt themselves and their ability and be affected by imposter syndrome. Others will see how capable they are in a way they cannot.

As a women, over 50 and running a business, I have been inspired by so many wonderful women over the years. As a child my grandmothers were formidable women who had overcome so many challenges not least they had raised their families during a world war. I have also seen the strength and resilience of my Mum. She inspires me on a daily basis with her love, care, and creativity.

There are so many women in PR that I have so much respect for, and there are definitely too many to name. But today I will celebrate all women who push the boundaries within communication, who push through the glass ceiling and who will do things their own way.

During my 21 years in policing I worked with amazing women with bravery and courage who were driven to make a difference to people’s lives. Again, there are too many to name but I hope they will recognise themselves in that description. Some were Chief Officers, some were detectives, and some were senior officers. They made me realise that I could do anything I wanted to if I set my mind to it and put some effort and commitment into it.

None of the women I am talking about set out to be inspirational. It just came from what they did, how they behaved, how they helped people, and how they made a difference. This blog is a thank you to all of the women who have inspired me and who continue to inspire me to try and make a difference in my own way.