Today is International Women’s Day. And as a female-lead business, we couldn’t let the day pass us by without celebrating the strong, talented and driven women within our team. In this post we invited them to share stories of those who inspired them to follow their passion, what it’s like to be a women in tech, and their thoughts on equality and inclusion – the theme for this year’s day.

I am always inspired by women who break through

Which incredible women inspire you to follow your passion, and why?

I am always inspired by women who ‘break through’. Who love what they love and are prepared to do anything to achieve their goals – even in areas where women are seen to be a taboo. I’ve always been sporty. My husband loves boxing so me not being interested would be a no go – and also my association with ‘Off the Ropes’ a mental health charity using the sport of boxing to improve health and well-being.

Katie Taylor is someone I admire. She used to pretend she was a boy to get fights and tuck her hair up inside her headgear. After a fight when she used to take off her headgear and her hair cascaded out of it the guys would be in uproar. I love that. She went onto win countless amateur titles and then lobbied the IOC to allow women fighters to the Olympics – which they did in London 2012. So it’s a sport that has only recently recognised females. That’s astounds me, its still quite recent.

What does equality mean to you?

Obviously, people all have their own views. But if you have a passion, why should you be overlooked because of your sex. Also boxing is a more controversial sport and people may not want to see a woman fight. But it seems quite of lot of people do want to – look at womens football, the crowds are growing and also we have a world cup under our belt.

Equality for me is about being able to have a go if you want to without draconian views getting in the way. Its your body – if that’s what you want to do with it and its something you enjoy – go for it.

I’ve always been comfortable blending in ‘with the lads’, but joining BT introduced me to female role models

Who are the women that inspire your passion, and why?

I’m fortunate to have been surrounded by inspirational women as I’ve grown up. My Mum stands out as one of the strongest, facing immense challenges with resilience and a compassionate heart. She hails from a lineage of independent women; her Nan raised 10 daughters single-handedly after her husband’s passing. In the workplace, figures like Julie Woods-Moss, Ex CMO BT Global Services, Ruth Rowan, CMO at Avanade, and Nicola Smedley, Director Marketing at Cancer Research UK have broken barriers. My closest friends are my daily inspiration along with my business partner, Jo, who is the bravest person I know!

What does being a woman in tech mean to you?

Having spent my career in the tech industry, predominantly in sales, I didn’t encounter many women until my early thirties. While I’ve always been comfortable blending in ‘with the lads’, but joining BT introduced me to female role models, altering my perspective giving me access to new role models. Over the past 28 years, the tech landscape has evolved, with more women holding tech roles, reflecting a progressive shift. However, there’s still room for growth and inclusivity.

What does equality mean to you?

Equality, to me, is about recognition based solely on merit – not influenced by gender, appearance, speech, ethnicity, or parental status. It’s about valuing individuals for their contributions without losing sight of their humanity.

Women in tech are not only shaping the future of technology, but also creating a more equitable and impactful world

What does it mean to you to be a woman in tech?

For me I think women in tech are not only shaping the future of technology but also creating a more equitable and impactful world. Their contributions are vital for sustainable progress and positive change.

What does equality mean to you?

Equality for me is not about ‘like for like’ but appreciating that bot genders have an important view and perspective to add it’s respecting each others strengths and providing an environment – be socially, culturally, or financially that allows for everyone to thrive.

Which incredible woman/women inspire you to follow your passion, and why?

The person I admire most is Simone Biles, and her impact on the world of gymnastics and mental health advocacy resonates deeply with me. With an unparalleled 25 World Championship medals, she has solidified her status as the greatest female gymnast of all time. However, what truly sets her apart is her courage to speak openly about mental health.

During the Tokyo Olympic Games, when she decided to prioritize her mental well-being and withdrew from certain events, she drew worldwide attention to the importance of mental health in athletics. This decision was not just about sports; it was a powerful statement about the value of prioritizing mental wellness over external expectations and pressures.

Simone Biles credited Naomi Osaka, who similarly withdrew from the 2021 French Open due to mental health struggles, as her inspiration. Their actions helped normalize conversations around mental health in sports and beyond. As someone who is neurodivergent, I deeply appreciate their advocacy, as it underscores the importance of self-care and self-advocacy, especially for women.

In a society where women often face additional pressures and expectations, it’s crucial for us to be able to stand up for our mental health and advocate for ourselves.

“Ambition is not a dirty word”

Which incredible woman/women inspire you to follow your passion, and why?

Reese Witherspoon – is an accomplished actress, producer, entrepreneur, and mother. She promotes women, fights for their rights and is committed to cultivating inclusivity and making a positive impact. “Ambition is not a dirty word”

What does it mean to you to be a woman in tech?

While the tech industry still has a long way to go, it is good to see woman starting to be recognised for their contributions, diverse perspectives and creativity.

What does equality mean to you?

Equality means everyone is measured on the same scale, allowing them the same opportunity to contribute, succeed and be recognised for their achievements. It acknowledges what each person contributes regardless of gender or race.

Being a woman in tech means means breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes

Which incredible woman/women inspire you to follow your passion, and why?

Amelia Earhart – first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean

What does it mean to you to be a woman in tech?

It means breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes.

What does equality mean to you?

Levelling the playing field for everyone while respecting each other.

Her bold and colourful designs show me that it’s possible to make a meaningful impact through creativity

Which incredible woman/women inspire you to follow your passion, and why?

Morag Myerscough’s work inspires me to follow my passion because she demonstrates the incredible impact that creative thinking can have. Her bold and colorful designs show me that it’s possible to make a meaningful impact through creativity and that staying true to your unique vision can lead to success. Seeing her work reminds me to pursue my passion for design with enthusiasm and dedication, knowing that it can make a difference in the world.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in tech?

As a designer in the tech industry, being a woman in tech design means leading by example, advocating for inclusivity and diversity in design, and fostering a collaborative and innovative environment within a team. It involves balancing creative vision with technical feasibility, ensuring that our work not only looks great but also functions effectively for all users. To one day become a mentor and role model for other women in the industry is also on my radar , I want to inspire them to pursue their passions and make their mark in tech design.

What does equality mean to you?

Equality, to me, is all about fairness. It’s about giving everyone a fair shot, no matter who they are or where they’re from. As a woman in the tech and design world, equality means having my ideas taken seriously and being treated with respect, just like anyone else. It’s about breaking down barriers so that everyone has the same chance to do what they love and succeed at it.

I’m privileged to know some fantastically talented women in tech roles

Which incredible woman/women inspire you to follow your passion, and why?

Dolly Parton, great musician but even better human! Started from scratch, worked (and continues to work) tirelessly and has managed to remain kind, generous and humble throughout her success. Always raises other people up, uses her wealth and influence to bring attention to worthy causes, and able to laugh at herself . Whilst we may not all have her talent, there’s so much about her character that I think is very inspiring for me in my role!

What does it mean to you to be a woman in tech?

So, perhaps controversially, I don’t really see myself as a woman in tech. I’m a marketeer, and I think women in tech face a lot more difficulties and more pronounced negative cultural experiences due to gender than we do in marketing, where it’s much more balanced (although not perfect of course),

There’re still too few women in tech, especially in senior leadership, and I think we need to be talking more about it. I’m privileged to know some fantastically talented women in tech roles, and I think it’s so important that we a) support and raise their profile and b) work to give them the support structure needed to close the gender gap, making it easier for women to balance their tech role and raise a family (if they choose to), remove stigmas, and foster talent & innovation.

Equality to me means equal opportunity

Which incredible woman/women inspire you to follow your passion, and why?

There’s so many women I could choose. From the past there’s Claudette Colvin whose actions inspired Rosa Parks and triggered the civil rights movement, and Madam C J Walker – the first female american millionaire who used her wealth to fund education for marginalised children. Today I’m inspired by strong female voices; Deborah Frances-White from The Guilty Feminist podcast, Anna Whitehouse who campaigns for flexible working, and Pheobe Judge – a broadcaster who narrates and tells stories with such grace.

What does equality mean to you?

Equality to me means equal opportunity. It’s about having the same opportunities to thrive and to achieve. When you level the playing field, everyone gets a fair shot at being the best version of themselves.

From everyone at Coterie, we wish you a wonderful (and empowering) International Women’s Day.