Women. What's the point?

Today is International Women's Day, I find myself reflecting on the indelible impact that certain remarkable women have had on my personal and professional journey. Earlier, at a conference in Brighton with KSS, we were encouraged to contemplate our role models and to consider how we, in turn, might serve as role models to others. This challenge inspired me to think specifically of women, outside my immediate family, who have profoundly shaped my development.

The first person who springs to mind is Jacquie Speechley. Jacquie, in her wisdom, hired me thirteen years ago for my inaugural role in medical education, overseeing students from Imperial College. Over three years, Jacquie dedicated a minimum of thirty minutes every working day to mentor me. This level of professional commitment and investment in my growth was truly unparalleled. Jacquie was not only pragmatic and emotionally intelligent, but she was also an exceptional storyteller. Her absence is felt deeply in my daily professional life.

The second influential figure is Dr. Ceri Sims , my former lecturer. Before meeting Ceri, I confess, I was rather one-dimensional, often imposing my personality on others and showing little regard for cognitive compromise. In 2018, Ceri planted a seed of reflective growth within me, a seed that flourished beyond all expectations and led me to graduate with distinction in Applied Positive Psychology. It was an enlightening transformation, to say the least.

Today, I am immensely privileged to be supported by numerous strong, capable women who I believe genuinely have my best interests at heart. These are women I admire profoundly and from whom I continue to learn a great deal. Their influence is a constant source of gratitude for me.

On this day of celebration and reflection, I urge you to think about the female role models in your life. Who are they, and how have they shaped your path?