Post by Sharon Alred

Last week was full of brilliant events to celebrate IWD (including our own of course!)   I also joined the S&W Women in Business event to hear a different perspective.   "Give to Gain" was this years theme - What More Do You Want Us to Give?! This challenge from the panel really landed. Women are already giving - mentoring, supporting, advocating, doing the unpaid emotional labour that keeps organisations functioning. The question isn't whether women should give more. It's whether organisations are creating the conditions for women to succeed without burning out. 📉 The Data Shows Progress... But Not Where It Counts Board representation has improved (slowly). But executive-level roles, the actual decision-makers running businesses day-to-day aren't moving. We're seeing women in governance but not in operational power. And we desperately need more female investors backing female founders. Hearing from the panel on how change can actually be implemented was encouraging. Proof that it's possible when leadership commits to it. 👀 Flexibility ≠ Lack of Ambition This shouldn't need saying in 2026, but apparently it does: Asking for flexible working doesn't mean you're any less ambitious or capable. It means you're managing real life alongside career growth. The assumption that presence equals performance needs to die. What Actually Helps Women Progress? ✓ Representation and role models, seeing what's possible ✓ Mentors who see your strengths (not just your potential with "development") ✓ Allies and managers who open doors, push you to grow, and advocate for you when you're not in the room ✓ Coaching for independent perspective and honest advice ✓ Sponsors who use their influence on your behalf So on the ground, what can you do? 👉 Map your support network. Who are your mentors? Allies? Coaches? Sponsors? If there are gaps, actively build those relationships. 👉 We can take collective action through where we spend our money and budgets. 👉 Supporting female-led businesses. Choosing suppliers with genuine EDI commitments. Investing in women. Hiring practices that actually level the playing field. Individual daily actions add up. Thanks to the panel for your honesty Jennifer Tragner Stephanie Kingdon Lizzi Testani Kira Goode Sandra Gordon Jennifer O'Connell Thanks for having me Alex Milner and Helen Bassett! #IWD2026 #WomenInBusiness #GenderEquality #Leadership #BristolBusiness #InclusiveWorkplaces