International Women’s Day

BASE Programme Director at Battersea Power Station

Store Manager of Marks & Spencer at Battersea Power Station

Managing Director of Vagabond Wines

Co Founder of BoomCycle and United Fitness

Head of Communications & Marketing at Battersea Power Station

Head of Battersea Power Station Residential Sales

Chair and CEO of Stanfords

It’s a day to celebrate women, and their achievements and courage, no matter how large or small

International Women’s Day celebrates resilience, progress, and the ongoing fight for equality. It is a moment to recognise the achievements of women past and present, to amplify our voices, and to push for meaningful change in workplaces, communities, and society. As a black Caribbean woman who has worked hard to reach my position, I understand the importance of visibility and representation. This day reminds us to lift as we climb, creating pathways for future generations of women.

Raises awareness that inequality still exits and needs to be addressed in order for humanity to reach its full potential 

A day of reflection and a day to remind me what I should be doing every other day of the year. I truly believe that gender equity is a mission that benefits all. Especially in my work place, I want to make sure everyone feels comfortable, safe and included to come to work in the right way. 

The idea for me is to inspire women with the passion in their life. Maybe their passion is in the arts, maybe the theatre, maybe its sports, maybe its business. I, myself have two passions, I am passionate about business but I love sports as well and so I think for every women there is an opportunity to get involved and exhibit their passion and support those that came before them and provide inspiration and leadership in the field they are most interested in.

A moment to take gratitude for everything that has been done to give me the rights I have today, probably a moment of gratitude for the amazing women around me and inspire me on a daily basis. Also, a moment to reflect on what is left to do and my part to play in that. 

It’s a moment to pause and really celebrate all those incredible women that I have the pleasure of working with on a day-to-day basis not only in the team but also peers, colleagues and everyone around the world who really strives to empower women and ensure we have as equal world as possible.

Stacey Abrams, a female politician and voter activist who changes peoples live through voter education

The women in my life professionally and personally are capable strong women who inspire me every day much like Frida Kahlo who through her personal pain continued to be resilient, strong and advocate these exact strengths I have mentioned!

Working in hospitality its impossible to pick just one, I am privileged to be surrounded by amazing, formidable women everywhere I go on a daily basis. Given we are in Vagabond in Battersea Power Station, today I would say Kate. Kate is the general manager of this site, who has recently put herself forwarded for an ops assessment so she is on that development programme with us and she is lead by the incredible head of operations, Sarah - another formidable, inspiring operator who no doubt has a part to play in why Kate has put herself forward for that.

I am inspired by strong, fearless women who have shaped history and continue to drive change. Women like Baroness Doreen Lawrence, who turned personal tragedy into a lifelong fight for justice. Dame Shirley Thompson, who broke barriers in classical music. Michelle Obama, whose grace and leadership have transformed conversations around education, race, and women’s empowerment. And of course, the women in my own family—my mother and sisters—who instilled in me the values of hard work, determination, and integrity.

There are many women who inspire me but if I was to pick one it has to be Serena Williams, a 23 time Grand Slam Champion. She was a beautiful tennis player who broke barriers and you could see her determination and work ethic that came through in every match she played which she’s recently transferred off the court into business with her launching a successful venture fund that focuses on investing in early stage companies, particularly those led by women, as well as focusing on inclusive and accessible products.

My mother is my one true inspiration – she’s kind, strong and selfless and if I could be half the woman she is, then I would be very proud. She has sacrificed so many things over the years to provide me and my siblings with the opportunities we have today. Mothers in general inspire me – we live in a challenging world and being a role model to our kids, working hard, providing love and helping them navigate the world is so challenging (and rewarding)

There are so many, that is a difficult question. The people that really inspire me are women sporting heroes and one in particular is Dara Torres, and American Swimmer and at the age of 40 she won her 11th Olympic medal. I think Dara is a great inspiration, she managed to do something that most people half her age can’t manage to do so she is inspirational to me.

I would tell my younger self: You belong in every room you step into—own it. Never let self-doubt or external barriers stop you from striving for what you want. Seek mentors, build a strong network, and don’t be afraid to take up space. Work hard, but also take time to rest and celebrate your wins. Most importantly, lift others as you climb—success is even more rewarding when shared.

Never worry about what others are doing – don’t compare yourself – just focus on what you are doing, do it with integrity and honesty and do your best and the rest will come. That’s all you can do.

Being confident in your ability and listening to others, you are never too old to listen and learn from others.

Be authentic, when I look back to some of the advice that has been given to me in the past, I always think it is given with good intent. However, the advice that has been helpful is the advice that has allowed me to show up as myself and I think that is really important for representation. For young women and the future generation of women leaders should see women being themselves. Strong and confident in leadership position, that is what inspires people, that is what makes them think I identify with that person, I could be in that role one day so I would say, show up be yourself, be confident and be authentic. 

Reach higher, dream bigger and find things that you could never dream possible to work towards. 

Sleep longer. I find it difficult to get enough sleep, find enough time for exercise or yoga, or sitting and reflecting. The world doesn’t have to be just about working, which often most of us in business feel we get sucked into working most hours of the day and night so make sure you have enough time for a good night sleep and enough time for yourself is really important.