Inspiring advice from amazing women
As a women-owned agency, International Women’s Day always brings up interesting conversations and reflections. We all have different stories and experiences, with lessons learned along the way. Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of meeting and collaborating with so many talented and inspiring women and we want to put the spotlight on them to share their wisdom.
We asked them all a question:
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? Or what advice would you give to your younger self?
These inspiring women are Founders, CEOs, Managing Directors, Marketers, Creatives and more. By sharing their thoughtful and insightful words, we hope to inspire others to thrive in their careers, and celebrate each other’s achievements.
“People want to be helpful so ask for help even when it’s uncomfortable.”
“At the age of 10 I was given a framed quote that read ‘Start each day in a happy way’. The frame has long since been lost, but to this day I try to start the day with a smile on my face.”
“The advice I would give to my younger self is, if you set yourself a goal, just believe in yourself and the rest will fall into place. If you do not believe in yourself, how can you expect anyone else to? Surround yourself with people who inspire you, motivate you and boost your confidence, you will then radiate positivity and succeed at whatever you put your mind to.”
“Stop saying sorry when it’s unwarranted and understand that as long as my creative vision is clear to me, I’m on the right track.”
“Saying - ‘I need help’, ‘I made a mistake’, and ‘I feel vulnerable’ doesn’t mean you are weak. It is in fact a sign of strength because you show courage before fear, humility before pride, and authenticity before pretence. Inspiring leaders will seek to understand without passing judgement and lift people up in times of need. So, it is okay to ask for help.”
“Be a Tigger! Tigger is enthusiastic, friendly, caring and jumps over hurdles! When times are tough it
can be hard to be a Tigger… it’s easier to be an Eeyore… walking around with a black cloud over your head… you have to find the energy to become a Tigger again and help those around you to become Tiggers too.”
“Success is failure turned inside out. Let go of your fear of failure as it will make your dreams impossible to achieve. True success comes from endurance, perseverance, courage, and learning from our failures.”
“Running a business doesn’t have to feel like hard work for you to be doing a good job. So you don’t have to fill all the hours with all the things.”
“The best career paths aren’t always a straight line. What I mean by this is sometimes a sideways move or a short-term secondment to a project or moving into a less senior position in a different industry can all be great opportunities to develop and to gain new experiences which will help with long-term career success. It’s important to have plans and goals to have something to aim for but it’s equally important to be able to adapt and change your plans when an exciting opportunity that you weren’t expecting crosses your path.”
“Scarlett O’Hara’s resilience is a lesson to us all. She nailed it when she said ‘Tomorrow I’ll think of some way … after all, tomorrow is another day’.”
“The best advice I was given, - ‘It’s not what you do, it’s how you go about doing it’ – it struck a cord with me early on in my career. At times we’re so focused only on the delivery, that we forget to take people on the journey with us. Remember people will always remember how you made them feel first, than the piece of work being delivered.”
“If others don’t see your potential or offer you opportunities, work out how you can create these opportunities yourself. Always know your potential and try things out. You never know what you might achieve.”
“The answers you are looking for are already within – trust that little voice inside and be brave enough to share that message with everyone that will listen. That voice is there for a purpose, intertwined with your unique passions to help inspire others to do the same!”
“Explore and see as much of the world that you can. The world is so beautiful and unique, fill it with all the memories and moments.”
“I would love to talk to my younger self and tell her that you are enough, that everything will be okay, that mistakes don’t define you or anyone else, empathy is a strength, that joy really can be part of your every day, and energy generates energy - in life, in work, in relationships and in love.”
“‘Don’t be afraid and trust your gut!’
When I was younger, I used to play it safe, rationalise everything, and let my brain drive my choices. Twenty year old Kim was way too methodical and influenced by other people’s opinions. I was afraid to make a bad decision, afraid of thinking differently than my close circle of peers, and I had no confidence in my own abilities.
I’d tell younger Kim to believe and trust in yourself. Listening to your inner voice and getting out of your comfort zone will bring you to places you’d never imagine would be possible: moving countries, working around the world, launching your own business, giving lectures at universities, talking on stage, and a whole lot more. Yes, it will be scary and challenging at times, but the outcome of the risks you’ll take will be what you’re most proud of.”