International Women's Day 2025
Event Overview: Embracing Community
This past Wednesday, March 5th, our International Women’s Day event was nothing short of extraordinary. Our member companies and guests gathered to hear inspiring stories and knowledge shared about working as a proud female. The panel featured two remarkable women, Carley Quigley, CEO of Grey Dog, and Eavanna Breen, Founder and Senior Skin Therapist of Eavanna Breen Beauty and Laser Clinic. Their discussion highlighted the experiences of female entrepreneurship and leadership, creating a truly impactful morning.
We welcomed a diverse group of women, each with unique backgrounds and experiences: self-employed professionals, hybrid workers, women navigating career transitions or maternity leave, and all from various sectors like accounting, beauty, floristry, recruitment, and consultancy. What emerged was a genuine sense of community. The conversation flowed organically, touching on topics ranging from establishing routines to personal reflections and the challenges of early-stage businesses. It was an open, supportive space where everyone felt safe to share their experiences and connect with one another.
Key points discussed: Insights and Inspiration
The Influence of External Environments on Confidence
The discussion explored how personal and professional experience shape confidence in the workplace. A key takeaway: “you're only going to get better when you become uncomfortable”, a lesson learned through personal development, motherhood, sports, and coaching.
The "Show Up, Put the Time In, Switch Off" Philosophy
Carley emphasised the importance of consistency and structure, highlighting that showing up every day, both physically and mentally, is crucial. She also stressed the need for balance and the importance of disconnecting.
Navigating Guilt and Imposter Syndrome
The conversation addressed the challenges of balancing work,family and even friendships, a common struggle for many women. The discussion on imposter syndrome was particularly impactful, with Eavanna encouraging attendees to “know what you know” and trust their expertise.
Financial Confidence
A discussion about financial confidence revealed a shared experience among the room, highlighting the need to challenge societal norms that discourage women from valuing their worth.
Advice to Our Younger Selves
A poignant moment arose when attendees shared the advice, they would give their 15-year-old selves. Guests connected through relatable, heartfelt stories, finding a sense of togetherness in shared laughter and nostalgia.
Carley used the metaphor of walking up a flight of stairs and hitting a glass ceiling to describe the challenges of building a business, stressing the importance of continuing to climb. The speakers finally discussed how they navigate the different roles they play in life, reassuring attendees that it’s okay to let different versions of themselves “drive the bus” depending on the situation.
The event was a testament to the power of community and shared experiences. The open and honest dialogue created a safe space for women of all ages of their career to connect, support each other, and find inspiration.
Additional Resources:
Here are some resources that were referenced throughout the group;
"Atomic Habits" by James Clear: A guide to building good habits and breaking bad ones.
"Rich Dad Poor Dad" by Robert T. Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter: A book on financial literacy and investing.
Podcasts with Daniel Priestley: Business and entrepreneurship insights.
Brené Brown's work. An inspiration on utilising vulnerability for courage and worthiness.