International Women's Day is a time to honour the women who inspire, lead, and shape the world around us. This year’s theme,Accelerating Action, reminds us of the power women have to break barriers, uplift others, and create lasting change. From industry pioneers to personal role models, these stories highlight the incredible women who have left a profound impact on our lives.
Heather: The Power of Transformational Work
When I think aboutAccelerating Action, Jenny Burrell immediately comes to mind. She is the powerhouse behind Burrell Education, a wellness education company dedicated to supporting women’s health professionals at every stage of life—whether navigating puberty, pregnancy, or the complexities of menopause.
As Jenny herself says:
"My abiding reason for doing what I’ve done for nearly 25 years has been to MAKE WORK THAT MATTERS to me, the LIVES OF WOMEN, and make work that has the potential to TRANSFORM AND DEEPLY EMPOWER."
As a Women’s Wellness and Menopause Coach, I’ve had the privilege of learning from Jenny, using her teachings to support women in their journeys—helping them return to the sports they love after surgery, providing a safe space for menopausal women to express themselves, and empowering them to feel confident in their own skin. Jenny’s passion has truly helped meaccelerate actionin a meaningful way.
Daniela: Breaking Barriers in Science and Business
I recently learned about Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the founder of Biocon, India’s largest biopharmaceutical company. Her story is one of resilience and determination. Despite excelling academically in brewing science—a field her father was part of—she faced outright rejection from the industry simply because she was a woman.
But Kiran refused to give up. In the 1970s, she met someone who believed in her potential and invested in her vision. From a small garage, she built Biocon into a company that now provides life-saving insulin and statins to millions worldwide.
Her story is a testament to why we must always believe in people, even when the world tells them "no."
Jade: A Mother’s Enduring Strength
The woman who has had the most profound impact on me is my mom. She is a force of nature—her mind racing at 100 miles an hour, always thinking, improving, and making the world around her better. Her resilience is extraordinary (sometimes concerning!).
She has undergone multiple surgeries—on her back, foot, and knee—yet never let them slow her down. One Christmas Eve, she fell and broke her ribs, yet the next day, she still hosted a 25-person holiday lunch. That’s just who she is: someone who shows up, no matter the difficulty.
Her career has been equally diverse, spanning private banking, corporate events, and small business ownership—twice. Today, she dedicates her time to a non-profit helping elderly individuals and their families transition into retirement homes with dignity and care. Through her, I’ve learned that resilience, kindness, and showing up for others are some of the most powerful things a person can do.