International Women’s Day

Who are the women who have shaped you?

On the eve of International Women’s Day, I want to celebrate some of the women, past and present, who have inspired me…

… not just for their talent and achievements, but for their willingness to challenge norms, and stay true to their beliefs.

🌟  Jane Austen – whose sharp wit and fearless storytelling challenged convention, brightened my teenage years, and proved that quiet observation can be a powerful force.

🌟 I still remember my Ladybird book on Florence Nightingale, the pioneer nurse who saved countless lives by redefining healthcare - and data science - to fight for hospital reform, despite huge resistance from the establishment.

🌟 Jacinda Ardern – a leader who governed with courage and clarity and a very human connection, showing that strength isn’t about volume but about values, even in the face of criticism and threats.

🌟 Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – a writer and speaker who has opened my mind and heart with her stories that challenge perspectives, refusing to shrink her voice or soften her message.

🌟 Adele – for her unmistakable voice and for rejecting industry expectations, staying unapologetically herself: funny, sincere, and refreshingly real.

Women who inspire for their courage, creativity, and charisma.

For daring to be different.

For using their voices for good.

And to the role models and sources of inspiration closer to home — wise women, friends and mentors who have helped me grow, and shaped my life for the better,

Thank you ✨

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash