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Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
A Celebration of International Women’s Day
#ChooseToChallenge #IWD2021
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
International Women’s Day – Monday 8th March 2021
Once again, we have had some breathtaking responses from contributors from around the world.
This year’s theme is #ChooseToChallenge
A challenged world is an alert world and from challenge comes change.
So let's all choose to challenge.
How will you help forge a gender equal world?
Celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality.
Find out more about International Women’s Day by visiting: www.internationalwomensday.com
At DLAignite.com we are delighted to support International Women’s Day each year and are
privileged to know so many truly inspirational women in our networks.
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Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
With many thanks to our contributors this year:
4. Alex Oliver
5. Angela Montgomery
6. Anne McRobb
7. Antonia Brickell
8. April Rudin
9. Aude Milesi
10. Ayelet Baron
11. Becky Graebe
12. Dr. Bentenbi Chaib Draa Tani
13. Beth Blecherman
14. Biba Binotti
15. Carole Railton
16. Celestia Barby
17. Charlotte Monk-Chipman
18. Cheryl Smith
19. Chloe Hacquard
20. Chloe Hoggard
21. Dr Christine Bailey
22. Clare Brown
23. Colette Van Vurren
24. Danielle Guzman
25. Donna McWilliams
26. Efi Pylarinou
27. Eleanor R Benson
28. Emma Fieno
29. Gail Gardner
30. Helene Li
31. Hessie Jones
32. Jackie Jenks OBE
33. Janice B Gordon
34. Jasmine Mabe
35. Jo Peterson
36. Joanne Black
37. Jola Burnett
38. Jude Jennison
39. Dr Julia Bramble
40. Julie Harris
41. Professor Julie Hodges
42. June Cory
43. Karen Demaison
44. Kelly Barner
45. Linda Grasso
46. Lisa S. Jones
47. Maaik Doyer
48. Melissa Drew
49. Michelle Gabrielson
50. Morag Barrett
51. Musidora Jorgensen
52. Natalia Downs
53. Patricia Lenkov
54. Philippine Chantriaux
55. Rebecca Klein
56. Dr. Risa Ryger
57. Samantha Kelly
58. Sarah Bush
59. Sarah Doyle
60. Sheri Hinish
61. Sheryl Newman
62. Siddhi Pal
63. Sophie Merle
64. Sophie-Astrid Harel
65. Stephanie Atkinson
66. Tania Seary
67. Vanessa DiMauro
68. Victoria Cook
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The global pandemic of the past year has changed our lives in so many
ways. Whilst undoubtedly bringing some benefits to families in terms of
flexible working, alarming evidence suggests that gender inequalities
have actually widened. Women’s jobs are almost twice as vulnerable to
the crisis as men’s, partly because women bear a disproportionate
burden of unpaid work at home. Deep seated stereotypes and biases
about roles, responsibilities and aspirations persist.
Much of my work as an exec and leadership coach is helping people to
realise that there is always choice, that we can change not only our
behaviour, but also our attitudes and beliefs. #ChooseToChallenge for
me is exactly about that: taking responsibility, celebrating successes
including our own, and sometimes taking the more difficult path to call
out bias and inequality. It might feel uncomfortable, but the more we
practise unfamiliar behaviours, the easier they become.
So this International Women’s Day, I choose to challenge – and
importantly, to be challenged too! I believe we can do better – for
ourselves and for the generations that follow.
Alex Oliver
Consultant, coach and mother to a son and daughter
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
I choose to challenge bias against women by working
every day to promote and implement a systemic
organizational model where there are no "ceilings" or
"ladders" and where people thrive based on their
competencies and ability to collaborate, as one, whole
system, towards a common goal. Only if we challenge
how we organize and manage people can we truly
change for the better.
Dr. Angela Montgomery
Co-Founder Intelligent Management Inc., Author
“The Human Constraint”
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“challenge and call out aspects that are unhelpful to women”.
Women are now commonplace within the Energy, Marine and Drilling
sectors globally, with that brings challenges.
For many years, the offshore industry was prominently male
orientated. The sight of a female waiting to check in at the heliport was
met with an assumption that “she must be a stewardess or a cook”.
Having been met with this assumption over the years, and once it is
identified that you are a specialised consultant this leads to resentment
and often a lack of cooperation. It is only once they understand that you
are there to help them do the barriers get broken down. There has been
occasions where I have been the only female on an offshore asset, and
this can be quite an isolating experience in terms of prejudice, bias, and
basic facilities.
“It is changing slowly but it will be a long time before this is a level playing
field”.
Anne McRobb
Competency Consultant, Ann McRobb Associates Limited
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What does it mean to be a woman?
To be a woman is to celebrate our unique qualities and not allow
them to be watered down when contested. To be a woman is to allow
our emotions and kindness to thrive.
To be a woman is to keep learning and nurturing ourselves, so we
remain resilient enough to support others too. To be a woman is to
think of how a wildflower continues to grow, against all odds, even in
the most unexpected places.
To be a woman is to be proud of who we are, so that we can become
what we are born to do. To be a woman is to have the space to love
ourselves.
And if we are told otherwise, then we #choosetochallenge
Antonia Brickell
Broadcaster, Podcaster & Communications Specialist
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I choose to challenge the perception that there are not
opportunities for women and minorities in financial
services. The low numbers of #women and #minorities
in leadership roles demonstrates the right set of
circumstances we have to move the needle!
Women are natural planners and wealth management
is now an "essential" industry with only 15% of financial
advisors being women and the portability of the career,
there has never been a better time for women to pivot
to this important and rewarding career. Furthermore,
the average age of a financial advisor being 60+ there
is a rapidly growing need for people to fill the void.
Women, jump in!
April Rudin
Founder and CEO at The Rudin Group
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Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
Être une femme est ose prendre sa place. Nous
avons tous beaucoup de connaissances et de
compétences à transmettre. Soyons donc
pleinement qui nous sommes pour contribuer
davantage au monde.
Being a woman is daring to take her place. We all
have a lot of knowledge and skills to be
transmitted. So, let us be fully who we are to
contribute more to the World.
Aude Milesi
Communication Specialist
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#ChooseToChallenge
Some of the most constricting barriers we build are not made from material items
like steel but are rather infections of the mind, such as believing stories that jail us
in an invisible prison of belief. As women, we know in our hearts that there is
always a way and it’s our time to be the architects of humanity, not the victims. .
We are powerful beings and no box is strong enough to keep us in a tightly
structured system that controls or limits us.
You already hold the key to discovering your path and authoring your story. To find
the key that will unlock your mind, you must be ready to answer the question, “Am I
ready to take impeccable care of my whole self and be fully responsible for my well-
being?” I challenge you to step into your power and let your bold and beautiful heart
guide you as you chart a healthy path for yourself and every living being on the
planet. You were born for this!
Ayelet Baron
Award winning author, futurist and healer.
Former Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, Cisco Canada
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Believing we can train the bias out of us
I love a good checklist. But when it comes to establishing gender equality in the
workplace, unconscious bias training isn’t one-and-done.
During COVID, many leaders expressed genuine empathy for women juggling
family responsibilities alongside work. It was remarkable and hopeful. But some
continued to expect fast email responses, strict deadlines, and well-behaved
home school children. (I personally witnessed a scowl from a leader outside my
organization when stepping away momentarily to help an elderly parent.) Even
now, fewer than a third of companies have adjusted performance review criteria
to account for those experiencing overwhelming demands.
We can’t train the bias out of us. We have to #choosetochallenge it and live
into it as it presents itself. Our goal should be to greet it in its newest, rawest
forms with humility and a renewed commitment to lifelong learning.
Becky Graebe
Senior Director, Communication Strategy at Dynamic Signal
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According to the United Nations, the current world population is estimated to 7.8 billion, when 3.5
billion (50%) are women and girls. During the last decades, there have been many international
efforts to have both female and male voices heard equally and empower women to be on the top
of the socio-economic and political agendas. Many countries, including the Arab World, have
adopted Legal reforms against women violence or employment discrimination. Nowadays,
Women have the right to vote, to build their careers in various fields known to be exclusively for
men, and gain more access to privileged positions in the government.
More women have access to education and specific programs, including but not limited to
Women in STEM, Women in Tech, Women in AI, Women in Big Data, women in Data Science,
etc.
The latest UNESCO science report entitled "To be smart, the digital revolution will need to be
inclusive" pointed out that Algeria records the highest rate of women engineers in the World
(48.5%), Tunisia (44.2%), Syria (43.9%), and Morocco (42.2%)[i]. However, statistics show that
the World still needs more inclusion and more Women to seize upon the opportunities offered by
the fourth industrial revolution and lead global change. I believe in education and Digital's power
as the engine of economic growth, people's wellbeing, and a better sustainable future that needs
to be more inclusive.
We also have a lot of lessons, including mistakes to learn from the Pandemic. As our pain has
been the same regardless of any geographical boundaries or background, we have to rethink
Investment's meaning. The most valuable one is Investing in "HUMAN" while keeping in mind
that «If you educate a man, you educate an individual; but if you educate a woman, you
educate a nation.»
Dr. Bentenbi Chaib Draa Tani
Head of Research Team: Digital Transformation and Data Literacy
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Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
I will challenge Gender stereotypes and bias.
Aspects that are unhelpful for working mothers are gender stereotypes and bias regarding
being evaluated for work opportunities. Instead, working mothers need to be assessed on
their professional skills because they bring so much value to the workplace.
Indeed’s article on mothers in the workplace identifies some of the key issues: “Successful
businesses need to hire the best talent out there. Since 47% of U.S. workers are women,
creating policies and a company culture that supports working mothers. During COVID-19,
this is even more important, as more than one in four working moms are considering
reducing their hours or leaving the workforce entirely.”
I am a senior-level manager but experienced challenges and biases as a working mother.
So I created a new career story as a tech journalist and social media marketing consultant
with an online brand that led to new opportunities.
I hope that more workplaces commit to creating policies and cultures to support and hire
working moms. And I hope working moms can feel empowered to promote their
professional skills with their own career stories. In the words of Michelle Obama, “Your
story is what you have, what you will always have. It is something to own”.
Beth Blecherman
Digital Marketing Consultant, Startup Founder and Mentor
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“To love well is the task in all meaningful relationships, not just romantic bonds” Bell Hooks
One of the most perpetuated myths is that “love” must be left at the doorway as we step into our working lives. The
more courageous amongst us may throw in the term “heart” from time to time…. but love!! There is no space for soft
and fluffy in the boardroom.
However, as psychologist John Bowlby showed us, the need to love and be loved is one of our most basic and
fundamental needs. And yet sadly, at its very roots, society – including our organisations - has a gaping hole where
this need is sorely unmet.
It is hard to enact love to others when one is hurting desperately oneself. We – men and women - will all continue
to abuse other human beings as long as we carry our own unhealed traumas. Understandably, we will make them
wrong, we will call them out for their poor behaviour, their degradation of others, shame them.
And meanwhile the systems that enable these patterns will carry on. Nothing will have changed.
Who is the victim here? Who is the enemy? What if there was no enemy, only love?
What if #choosetochallenge was synonymous with #choosetolove?
What if #choosetochallenge is a powerful call out for us to take a united stand for love in the workplace, to challenge
through our own state of being, the prejudices, judgements and risks we face as women that may have our love-
based actions misconstrued or manipulated.
What if it starts right here, right now with ourselves, #choosetochallenge our own limiting beliefs of ourselves and
others. #Choosetolove
Biba Binotti
Global Warriors
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Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
Body language is one of the principle methods of global
communication; its more easily transferable than the spoken word.
Females naturally express their body language more than men.
We need to challenge those that judge us against archetypal
standards.
A society that acknowledges diversity and recognises different
behaviours by appointing women to company boards and government
roles.
50% of the population are women and yet they have been woefully
under represented.’
Carole Railton frsa
Global Body Language for Business Guru
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Evolve or become extinct!
I choose to challenge you...
1. To create positive change within humanity and thrive within your
journey of life.
2. To be kind to yourself on a daily basis.
3. To open up and tell your stories.
No matter what gender you are you have a voice and that voice can be
ignited to transform the human race.
International women's day is a great tribute to celebrate the birth of women
worldwide. Because without women we would have no life on earth.
With strength, confidence, self belief and great ideas we can all celebrate
life!
Celestia Barby
Founder, Role Model Academy
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"Women posting engagement and pregnancy announcements on
social media are instantly praised. However, sharing news of a
promotion or award is seen as bragging. We should normalise
celebrating workplace success - lifting one another up and
acknowledging one another’s achievements, whether that be news of
a baby, or an update from the boardroom.
On my graduation day from the University of Exeter, Chancellor
Baroness Floella Benjamin imparted the following words of wisdom to
me “Confidence is the key to success”.
Confidence can be harnessed for one’s own success, as well as
inspiring others to find it within themselves. As a female leader, I
choose to empower others to grow by nurturing and inspiring
emerging talent. Confidence is not “I’m better than her”. Confidence
is “I’m great and so is she”.
Charlotte Monk-Chipman
Marketing Director, ReBOUND Returns
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Choose to challenge gender inequality and stereotypes.
In particular, look to eradicate the thoughts of certain
roles/activities are for particular genders.
Let’s work together to ensure the ‘first female (…)’
doesn’t mean the last.
Cheryl Smith
Group Marketing Manger – Duncan and Todd Group
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Inspiring others as women and men : That’s a part of
HighChloeCloud mission that we lead since 2015»
If you educate a man, you educate an individual; but if you
educate a woman, you educate a nation.»
My challenge is to keep enlighting womens steps forwards with
true stories of inspirating ones.
The more girls and women will find a bit of them in succesfull
tale, the more they will fight for their dreams.
We have to keep changing rules and showing it to the market.»
"A woman of influence is a woman who relies on her relational
capital to highlight the causes and values that are of her heart.”
Chloe Hacquard
Entrepreneur and Head of Digital Media, Association
Française des Conférenciers
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Today is International Women’s day and I feel compelled to say a few words . I am extremely
lucky to know and to work alongside many inspirational women. Unfortunately, many of them
have had to battle to be successful in spite of negative experiences during childhood,
education and in the workplace. We need to futureproof the next generations against this
struggle, improving their early years so that they don’t have to struggle in spite of, but rather
that they step off our shoulders because of their education, childhood and the supportive
workplace they are in.
I am dedicated to helping women be the best that we can be, and I am starting locally. My
focus now is catching youngsters at the first fall, supporting economically challenged and
school excluded girls in the North East of England, helping address the financial, economic
and social factors that contribute to some being excluded from the classroom and
recognising that education is a primary route out of poverty for all children. Early intervention
is key – and it takes a village to help with this intervention.
Finding my voice late in life has opened so many possibilities for me to support other women
as they find their own. As women we have so many opportunities to raise other women up - I
encourage and urge you all to do so as well.
Chloe Hoggard
Strategic Account Director, Oracle
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For the last twenty years I’ve pursued a personal passion, via
creating apprenticeship programs, sales schools and mentoring
inner city school children, to try and ensure everyone has an equal
chance to the the best they can be.
Recent research has shown that the learning or “disadvantage”
gap has widened by a staggering 46% this last year. My eldest
daughter and her friends received their A-levels last August. She
went to a great inner city school in Liverpool, and whilst my
daughter got the results she wanted and her first choice University,
some of her friends weren’t as lucky. They were lost in a process
that neither they, nor their parents, had experience of or
understood.
We collectively need to find a way to help future generations
achieve their dreams. Where you’re born should not dictate your
success. #ChooseToChallenge
Clare Brown
Senior Regional Vice President Salesforce
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I will help forge help a gender equal world, where we all
are seen as one. Equal in ideas, all the way through to
delivering on those ideas!
Collette Van Vurren
Principle Oracle HxM Consultant
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Challenging others may feel uncomfortable, so a great place to
start is by challenging ourselves! Perhaps by asking a different
question e.g. “who’s going to stop me?” rather than “who’s
going to let me?” or changing our perspective e.g. “there IS an
answer, I just haven’t found it yet!”
My favourite story of a different perspective is when my
teenage daughter was at nursery, aged 4. She was asked by
the nursery head “what do you want to be when you grow
up”? Most kids wanted to be teachers, firemen or nurses. Her
response? “I want to be in charge”.
Challenging gender inequality might feel uncomfortable, but the
more we practice, the better we get at it. And with challenge
comes change.
Dr Christine Bailey
Author, CMO, TEDx Speaker, Technology Marketing Leader
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The theme for International Women’s Day 2021 deeply resonates.
#ChooseToChallenge is a bold opportunity for us all to take action. The pandemic has
taught us many things, one headline is that from challenge comes change, and when
it comes to change towards a more inclusive and gender equal world, we need to act
now. I am frustrated with the slow pace of change, and terrified for the future when we
consider how far we have gone backwards in the past twelve months when it comes
to women in the workplace.
The good news is that each of us can raise a hand to drive change - within our own
families, workplaces and communities.
Reflecting on how the world of work has completely transformed in the past twelve
months, I’m passionate about applying my experiences to help other women on their
career journey, and being a role model for my daughter. McKinsey recently published
a paper that quotes “One in three mothers have considered leaving the workforce or
downshifting their careers because of COVID-19”. As organizations build new
operating systems for the future of work, it is critical leaders, including myself,
recognize and act to address the underlying causes of stress and burnout that plague
women, pushing them out of the workforce, and create a culture and a workplace
where everyone can bring their whole selves to work, and are given equal
opportunities to thrive.
Danielle Guzman
Global Head of Social Media, Mercer
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The past 12 months have been challenging for all families having to
juggle work and home life and for some, home schooling into the mix.
What has surprised me is the number of women who have had to step
back into the role of full-time primary carer of children, teacher and
managing a full household while still working.
This is not the case for all households but from so many women I have
spoken to, it is their reality.
The balance is improving but we are still not there.
A quote I remind myself of often is “I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m
learning how to sail my ship” Louisa May Alcott.
Donna McWilliams
MD, Electra Learning
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I will call out stereotypes around professions.
I will challenge leadership styles with a lack of
empathy.
My 2021 commitment includes supporting an 18-
week program DLT talents program from the
Frankfurt Business school aiming to empower
young women.
I have also set a personal goal to interview 50%
women in 2021 on my podcast and bring to the
spotlight more female role models.
Efi Pylarinou
Global Influencer - Fintech & Disruptive Tech
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I’m looking forward to INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY, how do we not look
back to the recent past and the amazing firsts for women in the US?
Janet Yellen was sworn in as the secretary of the Treasury Department by Vice
President Kamala Harris in what The New York Times described as “a history-
making moment, as both are the first women to hold two of the most powerful
jobs in the United States government.”
Watching on inauguration day, I was in tears at the sight of Ms. Harris standing
on that podium and being sworn in as our first female VP. Truly glorious.
I know the focus of this day is “International” – but, I can’t help but celebrate
these American advances for women and hope that we in the US actually do
continue to catch up with what the rest of the world seems to have recognized
long ago: Women are amazing leaders.
Further - my generation of women need to nurture and encourage the ladies
around us, younger than us, or older than us – to believe, hope, strive and
continue this historical movement forward.
Eleanor R Benson
Vice President Sales, Europe and Africa at Integrated Biometrics
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Après une journée professionnelle bon nombre de
femmes aspirent à une répartition équitable des
tâches ménagères et familiales
After a professional day, many women aspire to a
fair distribution of household and family tasks.
Emma Fieno
Marketing Apprentice, Aimantix
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Women can choose to overcome challenges as they always
have historically. Think of Joan of Arc or Calamity Jane. They
did what women supposedly did not do. The key to surviving
when doing what women haven't traditionally done is to set
boundaries. Do not tolerate bad behavior and most people
will come to respect you. Some of us had it easier as one of
the first women techs at IBM because I was on the U.S. west
coast; some on the east coast went through much worse.
That doesn't mean we did not have to overcome prejudices.
You can do whatever you want to do, but it will not be
painless. Remember that all women who step up make the
path less difficult for those who come after us.
Gail Gardner
Small Business Marketing Strategist
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It is hard to believe that only 2% of global VC
funding goes to companies with female founders.
And this is despite the fact that female founders
produce higher revenue trajectory.
Let’s draw attention to this over-performing but
under-served investment opportunities – go for it,
female founders, the funders will see the value you
all bring!
I raise my hand for this - #choosetochallenge
Helene Li
Co Founder GoImpact | General Manager
Fintech Association of Hong Kong
30
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
In the work that I do when it comes to AI Ethics and Privacy, I am very
cognizant of how our systems that have existed for decades, serve and
benefit the the very people who created the rules and the structures. My
recent conversation with a dear friend, Buse Cetin, who studies the
intersection of these systems with culture, gender, language etc.
solidified my belief in the need to overturn these established norms to
expose the bias, discrimination, microaggressions that are veiled in
rules, process and culture.
Unless that happens, any attempts to identify with women and
minorities' lived experiences with the view for change – will ultimately
fail. We've been taught to adapt and assimilate into the very
environments for which we have been granted privilege. That mindset
needs to be altered to transform a system that will conform and fit with
the people who work within it, inclusive of race, gender, orientation and
disability.
Hessie Jones
Strategist, Privacy Technologist, Forbes Contributing Journalist
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#Choose to challenge
I choose to challenge myself.
Why?
The greatest results in your personal and professional life are achieved when you make changes
from within. When you:
Challenge your thinking patterns
Challenge your aspirations and
Challenge your ability to make a difference
Then you discover what are truly your own beliefs and what you may have absorbed from others.
You discover your strengths and you discover your possibilities.
Try checking your thinking patterns and challenging them to become helpful ones, checking your
perspectives and challenging them to become broader, checking your own limitations and
challenging them to become flexible.
Whatever challenges you have you have the ability to solve them. That includes reaching out for
any support you want through mentoring, training and collaboration. Asking for help is a sign of
strength.
Choose to challenge - Choose to build your creativity, confidence and capability
Jackie Jenks OBE
CEO at Leapfrog Mountain Leadership & Mentoring Academy
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You Choose to live a life and through the Challenges
you leave a lasting Memory that is defined by the
number of people you Lift-up and by the depth of
your Relationships. #choosetochallenge
Janice B Gordon
The Customer Growth Expert, Consultant,
Speaker, Trainer, and Author
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We need more model role, we need to see and believe
that it is also POSSIBLE for us if they have it I too. I will
launch actions to inspire women to become
autonomous by realizing their dream regardless of the
domain
Nous avons besoin de plus de rôle modèle, nous avons
besoin de VOIR ET CROIRE que c'est aussi
POSSIBLE pour nous si ELLES l'ont FAIT moi aussi je
PEUX y arriver. Je vais lancer des actions pour inspirer
des femmes à devenir autonomes en réalisant leur rêve
peut importe le domaine
Jasmine Mabe
Communications, Marketing and Design Consultant
34
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
We’re making progress. 20 years ago, female CIOs
accounted for 10% of all CIO roles. Today, 1 in 5
CIOs are female.
Organizations have realized that digital leaders need
a combination of skills—technology, people and
business savvy. From 2015 to 2018 the number of
CIOs from non IT backgrounds tripled, according to
CIOdive. This fresh corporate thinking opens the door
a bit further for women in other functional areas of the
business to lead in IT. We’re making progress.
Today women in IT earn 87 cents on the dollar
compared to their male counterparts. We’re making
progress...but we have more work to do.
Jo Peterson
Vice President, Cloud and Security Services,
Clairfy360
35
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
2020 was disastrous for many, but even more devastating for women. More than two
million women left the workforce in the United States—20% more than men. Many lost
their jobs, but an equal number couldn’t return. There was no childcare for young
children that was safe. Others needed to help their growing children with remote
learning, homework, and the impact on behavior for cooped-up kids. Restrictions are
easing, so how do companies end the exodus and attract more women to return? We
know from research that women in the workforce translate to a profitable company.
Get them back by ensuring equal pay, opportunities for promotion, flexible hours, options
to work from home, and a welcoming culture. Consider paid childcare and bringing an
infant to work. Everyone’s been impacted by these treacherous times, whether they
voice it or not, so ensure they have space for calm and comfort. Offer a variety of
lounges just for women—to read, nurse, talk, meditate—to feel part of a community
again. Let them bring a dog to work. Ensure they have breaks for meals. (No eating at
desks) Provide opportunities for learning new skills. Do everything you can to ensure
women show up as their best selves.
Joanne Black
Sales Expert and Author
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Make gender stereotypes “a thing” of the past.
We are at a pivotal time in history. Women are more educated than
their mothers and grandmothers ever were. Men and women alike
are perfectly capable of changing a child’s diaper or cooking a
meal, or leading a major corporation, or a
country. #ChooseToChallenge gender stereotypes.
What’s unhelpful is inviting women to have a seat at the table only
to fill the “gender” quota, instead of their expertise. Let’s make the
term a “female” leader or a “female” CEO a thing of the past, call
her a leader, or a CEO. Women in leadership positions are not
there to replace men, or to work against them. When we work
together, the sky has no limits.”
Jola Burnett
VP, GfK Consumer Life
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Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
Women need to feel psychologically safe to
#ChooseToChallenge.
Business can solve all of the world’s problems through
visionary thinking, collaboration and community. Women have
a major role to play in this and their voice needs to be heard.
High-performing teams achieve results through the quality of
their relationships. Create a culture of openness and trust
where anyone can challenge organically through honest
dialogue without leading to defensiveness.
Together we can challenge the status quo and co-create the
future we all want to live and work in.
Jude Jennison
Leadership Development Expert, Author and Coach
38
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
When you've grown up with the world being as it is, and you've lived it, it can be difficult to spot patterns. But then once you spot them,
you see them everywhere. And so it has been for me, with gender equality. To be honest, a large step in opening my eyes has been
the work of my 3 daughters - and I can't tell you how grateful I am to have had the opportunity to learn from them and their perception.
My eldest wrote her final degree essay about the portrayal of violence against women within the works of a specific playwright. I had
offered to help with proofreading, but I'm sure it was me who benefited more from my input than she did - wow did her message hit
home. My second eldest completed her Photography degree last year (no graduation etc. of course but that's a different story. All her
work through those 3 years was focused around one message - to end the objectification of women's bodies. In (a pre-pandemic time)
going all in to visit her shows and understand her images, once again I was struck by her different experience of a world that I'd
assumed would be safe and familiar. My third daughter is doing her A'Levels this year, but also has to complete an Extended Project.
When she was lacking inspiration, we came up with a topic together - the influence of feminism on costume design. She was working
to get the penultimate draft finished only the other evening (the deadline was looming!) and wanted an extra idea (that didn't need a lot
of research or references) to bring in. So we discussed the ways in which gender inequality is still so prevalent in society - and the
obvious example was Kamala Harris being the first female Vice -President of the United States.
Now everywhere I look I see examples - the long thread on Twitter yesterday where women were sharing stories of how they were
dealt with in the workplace while pregnant, the online search I did yesterday for a bike for my 11 year old son - and finding most sites
listing bikes under 'boys' (red and blue, or green and orange) and 'girls' (you can guess the colour palettes offered.) None of it is
acceptable. None of it is good enough.
I'm delighted that my daughters are so hugely aware but it also breaks my heart that they - and millions of other girls and women,
should have to challenge these societal beliefs and behaviours.
I'll sign off with a quote from a show that I saw my eldest perfom in when she was at Uni - 'Made in Dagenham'. The whole story was
centred on the women who worked as machinists at the Dagenham Ford factory and their strike in 1968 against unequal pay for
women. At one point, the woman (a mum of two) who ended up leading the strike was challenged with the line 'You'll never change
the world if you always put the children first.’
You know what? Yes you blinking well can - and yes you blinking well will, if that's what you want.
And that's why, on this International Women's Day, and indeed every day, I #choosetochallenge. And I hope you do too!
Dr Julia Bramble
Founder, BrambleBuzz
39
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
For #IWD2021 I have chosen to shine a light and celebrate the achievements of
Emmeline Pankhurst, a leading British women's rights activist best remembered for
organizing the UK suffragette movement and helping women win the right to vote.
When I dug into the history of the right to vote in the UK, I discovered that whilst the
vote for women in the UK was granted in 1918, it was for women over the age of
30.
Votes for men were for men over the age of 21. This discrepancy was intended to
ensure that men did not become minority voters as a consequence of the huge
number of deaths suffered during the First World War. It took another 10 years,
sadly 2 weeks after the death of Emily, for the vote to be extended to all women
over 21 years of age.
Finally achieving equality in voting rights in the UK on 2 July 1928.
It’s thanks to Emily that I am able to vote. #choosetochallenge
Julie Harris
Senior Manager, Accenture UK
40
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
The world has changed a lot in the last year. We women around the globe need
to work together to achieve other important changes by continuing to raise our
voices and challenge the gender bias and inequality that we see around us.
Women’s voices and their participation in all aspects of society are more
important than ever as the world fights against the global pandemic which is
accentuating the struggles of women as they juggle home and work life in the
same space and many also experience domestic violence, abuse and more.
There is a need to challenge discriminatory practices and regulations around the
globe that impact negatively on the rights, freedom, recognition, and well-being
of women. It is important to recognise that we have made great strides in many
areas but still need to continue to fight for what we believe in and to make
changes that work for all women.
Professor Julie Hodges
Professor of Organisational Change and Associate Dean, Durham
University Business School
41
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
"Calm down...."
Think carefully about the use of the words 'lady' and 'girl'.
Make sure that the rounds of tea & coffee/tidying up are equally shared across men and
women. (Same with packing/lifting boxes, technical tasks.)
'Your hair looks good today' only works when it's gifted to both men and women.
Think carefully about if your dress code works across the workforce - can everyone wear
shorts, have tattoos, get piercings, dye their hair?
"Are you planning to be off with the kids at half term?" Do you ask Dad's this question?
Homeschooling in 2020/2021 is not just a Mum's issue.
What is a 'working mother' anyway?
"Wow, she's bossy...
A 50 year old manager talking to a 20 year member of staff needs careful handling,
regardless of the gender of each person.
June Cory
Fast talking, pay per click advertising evangelist at My Mustard
42
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
Depuis de nombreuses années, l’égalité professionnelle femme-
homme est au cœur de la vie politique, économique, sociale et
culturelle.
Passionnée par l’articulation des temps de vie en entreprise et
par l’intelligence collective, ma raison d’être est de transmettre
confiance et authenticité à d’autres femmes pour qu’elles
puissent trouver leur place au sein de la société et que leurs
rêves deviennent réalités.
For many years, women’s professional equality has been at the
heart of political, economic, social and cultural life.
Passionate by the articulation of business life and collective
intelligence, my reason is to convey confidence and authenticity
to other women so that they can find their place in society and
their dreams become reality.
Karen Demaison
Partnership - HR consultant, Collective intelligence and QVT
43
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
I #choosetochallenge the idea that my identity, difficulties, and achievements can be
sufficiently captured with the simple phrase ‘I am a woman.’ Although the statement is true, it
does not come anywhere close to defining who I am.
I work hard, not because I am a woman but because I have passion for the field of
procurement and want to stand out from my peers. I want my successes to be merit-based,
not the result of a special designation. The same holds true for my failures and shortcomings.
I own each missed opportunity; that is the only choice that gives me the power to make a
change. I would rather own my mistakes and therefore be the master of my own path forward.
I believe that if I expect special treatment because I am a woman, or if I blame the challenges
I face on the fact that I am a woman, I have actually diminished myself as an individual.
Every person in the world possesses a combination of advantages and disadvantages that no
one else can fully comprehend. Race, gender, health, age, point of view, geography, intellect,
and economic status can be used to define us, or they can be used by us to build a unique
and powerful competitive advantage. I #choosetochallenge anyone who tries to put me in a
box. I #choosetochallenge the idea that I can be ‘profiled’ because of any one trait. And I
wholeheartedly reject the notion that anything other than my choices - good or bad – will ever
determine my potential.
Kelly Barner
Owner, Managing Director of Buyers Meeting Point
44
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
While the world of work is rapidly changing, advancements in
workplace gender equality have progressed at a glacial pace.
Women continue to be underrepresented and realities like the
gender wage gap and the gender leadership gap lead to a lot of
implicit bias.
It’s important to analyze how women are involved in building the
future of work. The answer to the real progress lies in our ability to
apply humanity to the new changes that arise, and humanity cannot
absolutely ignore the achievement of gender equality to create an
inclusive world where we can combine skills to thrive together.
Thus, I choose to challenge inequality and show my commitment to
empowering women. We can make a difference, building a better
future and leaving no one behind.
Linda Grasso
COO, Digital Business Innovation
45
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
For my #Choose to Challenge, here are my thoughts:
I chose to challenge inequalities and equal access to
break down barriers for women in technology to boldly
enter thru more windows and doors, for a more diverse
inclusive global community. Gender equality is important
for our current and future female leaders.
My favourite personal quote is: “Greatness can be born
from anywhere in the word and significance is not
geographically defined”. Author- Lisa S. Jones
Lisa S. Jones
CEO and Founder of EyeMail
46
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
I will challenge all women to turn any challenge into an opportunity.
Whatever you do, where ever you go, there will always be challenges. Let’s
not fight them, embrace them.
There are so many things in life that are outside of your control. Your
power is in how you deal with everything that you encounter. You are
deciding whether you see something as a challenge or as an opportunity.
For example, don’t see it as a challenge there is no space for you at the
table. See it as an opportunity to increase the table size and take your
seat.
The next time you run into a challenge, take a step back and ask yourself,
‘what can I do to turn this challenge into an opportunity.’ This alone will
boost your self-esteem and set you up to tackle anything thrown your way.
Maaik Doyer
Founder, Entrepreneur, Board member, Professor at Hult and
California College of the Arts
47
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
I had an idea to chart my own course.
They said, why would you want to do that? We have charted all we need. There
is no need for you to chart something different. I had an idea to build something
of my own. They said, why would you want to do that? We have built everything
we need. There is no need for you to build something different. I had an idea to
follow my dream. They said, why would you want to do that? We have dreamt all
the dreams we need. There is no need for you dream something different.
My smile faded; I fell to me knees. My soul hurt deep inside me. She helped me
stand and she lifted my head. It was not what she did, but rather what she said.
Don’t let them stand in your way, they sometimes can’t see, your thoughts and
ideas are just what we need. Your voice is different, your voice is unique, Don’t
help them, make you feel weak.
Your course will be new, and it will find a new way. You will build something
different that makes a difference one day, Your dreams, you will follow and
perhaps lead others in thought.
Next time, stand up and say Why Not?
Melissa Drew
Director of Cloud Procurement, PwC
48
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
My note of endurance,
Never Never Never STOP Persevering! Challenges and Obstacles are simply “speed
bumps’ in our journey of life. They will merely “slow’ you down…only “YOU” can ultimately
throw yourself off course.
Stay CONFIDENT, DETERMINED and MOTIVATED in every aspect of your life. We are
always a “student” and always a “teacher” …whether it be to oneself or to others. Lead!
Lead! Lead! It doesn’t matter in what facet you lead…just be a kind and authentic soul. I
firmly believe that you should NEVER allow the chaos around you to supersede the voice
within you.
Two of many of my favorite quotes; “ Permanence, Perseverance & Persistence in spite of
ALL obstacles Discouragements & Impossibilities: It is this, That in all things
Distinguishes the STRONG SOUL from the WEAK”. -Thomas Carlyle
The WORST form of INEQUALITY is to try to make UNEQUAL things EQUAL- Aristotle
My challenge to all…just be a kind and authentic soul. Never silence your voice from within
and NEVER stop PERSEVERING in every aspect of your life.
Life is too short to stop DANCING, SINGING and LIVING as if you are the only one in the
room!
Michelle Gabrielson
Certified Life Coach, Strategic Partnerships Specialist
49
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
A crisis of confidence invariably occurs when we least expect it. I
know, because I've had moments of self doubt throughout my career
that have caused me to hesitate, to think and be small. I'm afraid of
rejection. Of being judged by others - by you, by ME. I am afraid of
being seen as a failure. The irony is, that by many measures I am
successful. I know that, but my trash-talk brain forgets that.
The Pandemic is creating the ultimate leadership crucible for all of us,
what feels like a never ending series of challenges personally and
professionally. We all have the potential for success, to step into the
ring and be true to ourselves - when we learn to turn down the volume
on that inner voice, the imposter within, and embrace our true selves.
The learning is that we don't have to believe everything we think.
When you next experience a crisis of confidence explore it, marvel at
it, share it with a trusted confidante, and choose to accept the
challenge and move forward anyway. You may just surprise yourself.
#choosetochallenge
Morag Barrett
CEO and Founder, SykeTeam
50
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), at the current pace of change, women
will not achieve global gender equality within the next 100 years. A sobering fact. That
means that our daughters, our nieces, our sisters, our wives, the next generation of
women, will not see global gender equality within our lifetimes. We know that diverse
teams and diversity of thought, drives the greatest success and can achieve awesome
results. Gender equality is therefore critical to achieving the worlds Sustainable
Development Goals.
So we all have a part to play, and we can all make an impact when it comes to bridging
the inequality gap. In order to accelerate greater equality across the world, we need to
call-out inequality when we see it; not always an easy thing to do. Speaking-up takes
courage and it requires bravery. It means, in some cases, going against the grain of what
others may be doing, or saying, or how others are behaving. Be brave; from challenge
comes change. And by supporting and encouraging each other as allies, we can see
change on a much larger scale than we can see today.
This is why we celebrate International Women’s Day.
I’m very proud to stand alongside my peers and #ChooseToChallenge on this International
Women’s Day and everyday.
Musidora Jorgensen
VP Salesforce
51
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
Last year I was fortunate to participate in the Santander Moving Ahead Women Business Leaders'
Mentoring Programme. Although it clashed with the National Lockdown, the timing of the support and
mentorship we received on the Programme turned out to be invaluable. I have met some very inspirational
female entrepreneurs who have shown incredible courage, resilience and ability to pivot during these
challenging times.
A thriving female entrepreneur is a person who operates in a very dynamic environment, continually
changing, adapting and developing new ideas, often while managing family commitments. Business
ownership has a profound impact on an individual's confidence, creating long lasting dedication to
entrepreneurship. This has been my personal experience, on the opposite side of which, having had to
work really hard for many years to earn credibility with my colleagues, after taking the time off for
motherhood. I #ChooseToChallenge the fact that "assumed competence" is more often attributed to men,
rather than women in business.
Mentoring Programmes like Santander Moving Ahead help women improve their confidence,
assertiveness and business skills, while enabling them to connect with each other and the
experienced mentors, which can be influential in the success of their business. I would like to quote the
research by Santander which found that "81% of young people aged 11-18 years were unable to name
one female business owner" - our future generations of entrepreneurs need more visible role models.
I always look forward to the International Women's Day, because it is the second most celebrated holiday
in my native country, Russia.
Natalia Downs
Director, Practical Business Improvements
52
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
International Women’s Day
To me, International Women’s Day is an opportunity to take a step
back and acknowledge all that women are and do for this world.
In my opinion, this year’s theme: #choosetochallenge can be
interpreted in two ways: for women, #choosetochallenge suggests
the need to challenge oneself. This may mean to do something
you previously thought not possible, or to rise to greater heights in
your life and career than you ever imagined. For companies and
organizations #choosetochallenge means challenging and
changing the status quo. We must challenge ourselves to improve
equity and diversity. Women belong at the table, in the
conversation and wherever decisions are made. We all benefit
when we are inclusive of women.
Patricia Lenkov
President, Agility Executive Search and Founder, The Half
Percent Project
53
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
En tant que femmes nous avons obtenus des droits comme ceux des
hommes ( droit de vote , droit de pouvoir occuper des postes dans la
fonction publique , droit de travailler , droit à la formation professionnelle
et progressivement l’élimination de la discrimination au travail.). Alors
plus que jamais mon challenge pour 2021 est de montrer ma volonté
d’être présente dans la sphère du digital et de devenir inspirante pour
mes amies qui ont besoin de modèles. Travaillons ensemble
collectivement pour construire notre empreinte de #FemmesLeaders.
As women we have obtained rights such as men (right to vote, right to be
able to hold positions in the public service, right to work, right to
vocational training and gradually eliminate discrimination at work.) So
more than ever my challenge for 2021 is to show my will to be present in
the digital sphere and to become inspiring for my friends who need
models. Let’s work together collectively to build our #Women Leaders
footprint.
Philippine Chantriaux
Community Manager, Aprobase International
54
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
The impacts of crises are not gender or race neutral. The global pandemic has
underscored, and regressed even further, gender inequities. Furthermore, the
psychological health of women has dramatically declined in these anxious and
stressful times. For me and for my young girls, I challenge myself to be mindful
in my actions and help them understand and practice mindfulness.
Embracing and practicing mindfulness has been scientifically proven to have a
positive influence on our lives by being able to actively control reactions to
stressors. I challenge myself to actively participate in an Integrative Body-Mind
Training (IBMT) program. IBMT has shown to improve our ability to control the
effects of anxiety and stress. I challenge myself to share with others how
mindfulness can help us heal. I challenge others to become mindful as well.
Research mindfulness and IBMT and learn how it can benefit your health and
how you interact with your ecosystem.
Not only will it uplift our psychological health; we can also mindfully challenge
stereotypes and biases and mindfully engage with people who have diverse
views and experiences. We can mindfully take action to take action to close the
gender divide and embrace our differences.
Rebecca Klein
Mother, wife, technologist, business leader, artist and yogi
55
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
“Choose To Challenge” is an inspiring call to action on two levels: universal and
personal. We know that Gender Equality is a global issue; current social norms and
expectations must be challenged.
Choosing to Challenge is also essential on a personal, internal level. As a
psychologist with over 20 years of experience, I have found that working with
individuals to challenge and dispel outdated beliefs about themselves, know and feel
that they are enough, and claim their presence and power is crucial. I have coined
the term “self-ownership”. It is fundamental to how we continue to fortify our
evolving experience of “self”.
When we integrate both the global and personal levels of the Challenge, we harness
exponential power in establishing and instituting gender equality as the norm. We
amplify our impact.
Be the Disruptor, Not the Disrupted! Claim Your Power #ChooseToChallenge
Dr. Risa Ryger
Psychologist, Founder 93% Consulting, International Speaker, Mom of 2
Daughters
56
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
I #choosetochallenge by creating safe communities where Women can
get more opportunities and learn how to get more sales, get their voice
heard and charge what they are worth. I help others succeed and give
Women the chance to shine online with my women's inspire netowrk.
Being available and approachable means Women can reach out and
have a chat with me and I can encourage them to start that business
they always dreamed of starting and give them the confidence to go for
it and be financially independent.
Probably one of the most positive changes is the availability of wi-fi as
it means Women who are excellent communicators and community
builders can have a piece of the pie as they can work from home if
they need to.
Samantha Kelly
CEO, Women's inspire network & Social Media Consultant
57
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
I choose to challenge the lines that have been drawn and
the labels that have been given to each of us. I believe
that it starts with me. Choosing to challenge myself.
Challenging me to be better than I was yesterday, think
more clearly than I have before, take more deep breaths,
appreciate the irreplaceable things and people around
me, and thank myself for who I am. I am not trying to be
equal to you or to anyone, I’m trying to raise the standard
in my life.
Fighting for equality doesn’t make me right and you
wrong, together, it makes us brave and beautiful. Who
we are as individuals collectively joining together to
create a society in which we are all strengthened!
Sarah Bush
Executive Assistant, Accelery Inc.
58
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
Women are not more intelligent, creative, loving,
passionate, stronger, or wiser than men…
Neither are we less so…
But together we are all those things and more, for we
are all human and no one should have less life
chances because of how they were born.
Equality is powerful and necessary and that’s why I
#ChoosetoChallenge.
Sarah Doyle
Co Founder, Crux Consultancy
59
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
We need to challenge and call out hidden bias in the
workplace. Tucked underneath the Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion campaigns + social media banners are deep-rooted
biases that are much harder to penetrate.
Hidden biases are often felt, not overtly expressed and can
wreak havoc in building meaningful inclusion. The feelings,
values, and cognitive basis that drive decision making must
be addressed to create stewardship, and provide an equitable
conduit for women and under represented groups to thrive in
the workplace. It takes empathy, listening, courage,
vulnerability, and also holding bad actors accountable. 100+
years is too long to wait for gender equity.
Sheri Hinish
SupplyChainQueen, Global IBM Partner, Sustainable
Supply Chain
60
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
“I choose to challenge gender stereotypes and
celebrate all achievements”.
Sheryl Newman
Founder, Appetite for Business Microsoft 365
Provider
61
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
I co-founded India’s first Gay-Straight Alliance at the school level when I was 14 years old, in a socio-
political climate where homosexual activities were punishable by law. And the only one I had to
challenge to bring about tangible change was myself. Why can I not learn more about LGBT+ rights?
How am I comfortable when people in my classroom can’t share something as basic as their gender
identity and sexuality? Why am I not speaking up? Seeking these answers brought up more
questions, and the toughest one was to my own privilege.
This journey of actively choosing to challenge myself and the everyday happenings around me
encouraged me to start an e-magazine which had contributions from over 17 countries, and
eventually set up my own NGO, Project Voice+, in India and Sri Lanka 4 years ago. I’ve met some
amazing people from across the world as a Global Teen Leader (2016, US) and Global
Changemaker (2017, Switzerland). I have worked with the Commonwealth in various capacities, and
mentored projects related to Violent Extremism in 7 South-Asian countries as the Asia Regional
Advocacy Coordinator for a Commonwealth Youth Network (CYPAN). I was humbled to be
recognised by the Royal Commonwealth Society and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Trust as a
Queen’s Young Leader in 2018. I have recently become the Co-Host for a podcast called Long Story
Short, which aims to challenge the narrative around civic leadership through storytelling and has
listeners in over 13 countries. After graduating with merit from London School of Economics with an
MSc in Organisational and Social Psychology, I am using my interdisciplinary education to support
the leadership journeys of young girls in India and encouraging them to #ChooseToChallenge
everyday!
Siddhi Pal
Associate-Programs, Girl Up India, United Nations Foundation
62
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
#I choose to challenge bias on Leadership vision
I challenge the idea that women can’t be Leaders. Many survey show
that they are great leaders because less drawn by their ego and more
by the collective success and search for harmony, solving issues and
embracing a 360 view. They very often self-limit or accept others
limitations. I met absolutely great women leaders in my career,
inspiring women that I would love to celebrate today.
Leadership is not just for men, in all times and in all eras, many
women have demonstrated leadership. Nor is there a single type of
leadership that is a monolith and a masculine attribute, there are
varied, adapted, cultural leaderships where women and men can excel
or disappoint. Authority must be fair, asexual and rational to allow a
mature vision of organizations at the service of the business project
with modern bias management, real empathy, empowering
benevolence and understandable and shared goals.
Sophie Merle
International Digital Marketing Director, M-CX
63
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
Je vais lancer des actions pour encourager les
femmes à exercer des carrières dans le digital.
I will take actions to encourage women to chose
to work in digital trades.
Sophie-Astrid Harel
Owner, Latitude Business, Speaker, Coach
64
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
"Women leaders are inspired by witnessing and seeing the
action of female leaders, entrepreneurs, and empowered
stories.
Businesses should explore their female pay, raise,
promotions and focus on equitable treatment. In addition, to
empower others, businesses need to elevate those female
leaders, managers, and executives and highlight their
success stories.
Be the example and share the positive!!"
Stephanie Atkinson
CEO and Founder of Compass Intel, vMarque, and
Elevate Our Kids
65
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
“You don’t get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate” – Tania Seary
It’s way past time to challenge the gender pay gap. Wherever you look in the world, the
data shows that women are earning less and are under-represented at senior levels
compared to their male counterparts. Whilst we have seen incremental gains during my 30
years in the workplace, I am now choosing to challenge the status quo.
The pay gap is, of course, a highly complex issue, but the first step towards tackling it is for
both employers and employees to be deliberate in their resolve to eradicate pay
differences.
We will be working with Chiefs and Heads of Procurement and Supply Chain this year and
asking the question, “Have you closed the Gap?”
All female members of our profession need to have a clear view on their target salary and
their business case for change. Just as we wouldn’t walk into a procurement negotiation
without a plan, so don’t do it when you’re advocating for yourself and your future. (Top
tip: the salary gap at more senior levels has been quoted around at least 10% between
male and female salaries).
Together we can make a difference.
Tania Seary
Founder Procurious
66
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates 67
To paraphrase the famous Virginia Slims ad, “We’ve come a long way,
baby—until the pandemic hit.” Now, women’s progress in the workplace is at
risk of rolling back. To stop the backslide, here’s what I’m challenging myself
and other women to do:
Ask for what you need: Whether you’re a C-suite executive or a working mom
(or both!) it’s time to identify your priorities and communicate them effectively.
Rely on your community: When we band together, share ideas, and
collaborate on common goals, we can achieve more than if we go it alone.
Do less better: Concentrate on what’s important and do your best to shed the
rest. As always, it’s quality over quantity!
Vanessa DiMauro
Head of Community, Growth Network
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
I am in! On this International Women’s Day I
challenge the Jewish community to be more
inclusive of women’s voices, in particular the
voices of Jewish Women of Color.
The Jewish People are diverse, we do not look one
way. Nobody “looks Jewish” — let’s embrace the
diversity that enriches us not the reductive anti-
Semitic vision of ourselves that limits us.
Victoria Cook
Founder, Torah Trumps Hate
68
Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates
IWD 2021
69

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International Women's Day 2021 - A Celebration of Women Who Choose To Challenge

  • 1. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates A Celebration of International Women’s Day #ChooseToChallenge #IWD2021
  • 2. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates International Women’s Day – Monday 8th March 2021 Once again, we have had some breathtaking responses from contributors from around the world. This year’s theme is #ChooseToChallenge A challenged world is an alert world and from challenge comes change. So let's all choose to challenge. How will you help forge a gender equal world? Celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality. Find out more about International Women’s Day by visiting: www.internationalwomensday.com At DLAignite.com we are delighted to support International Women’s Day each year and are privileged to know so many truly inspirational women in our networks. 2
  • 3. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates With many thanks to our contributors this year: 4. Alex Oliver 5. Angela Montgomery 6. Anne McRobb 7. Antonia Brickell 8. April Rudin 9. Aude Milesi 10. Ayelet Baron 11. Becky Graebe 12. Dr. Bentenbi Chaib Draa Tani 13. Beth Blecherman 14. Biba Binotti 15. Carole Railton 16. Celestia Barby 17. Charlotte Monk-Chipman 18. Cheryl Smith 19. Chloe Hacquard 20. Chloe Hoggard 21. Dr Christine Bailey 22. Clare Brown 23. Colette Van Vurren 24. Danielle Guzman 25. Donna McWilliams 26. Efi Pylarinou 27. Eleanor R Benson 28. Emma Fieno 29. Gail Gardner 30. Helene Li 31. Hessie Jones 32. Jackie Jenks OBE 33. Janice B Gordon 34. Jasmine Mabe 35. Jo Peterson 36. Joanne Black 37. Jola Burnett 38. Jude Jennison 39. Dr Julia Bramble 40. Julie Harris 41. Professor Julie Hodges 42. June Cory 43. Karen Demaison 44. Kelly Barner 45. Linda Grasso 46. Lisa S. Jones 47. Maaik Doyer 48. Melissa Drew 49. Michelle Gabrielson 50. Morag Barrett 51. Musidora Jorgensen 52. Natalia Downs 53. Patricia Lenkov 54. Philippine Chantriaux 55. Rebecca Klein 56. Dr. Risa Ryger 57. Samantha Kelly 58. Sarah Bush 59. Sarah Doyle 60. Sheri Hinish 61. Sheryl Newman 62. Siddhi Pal 63. Sophie Merle 64. Sophie-Astrid Harel 65. Stephanie Atkinson 66. Tania Seary 67. Vanessa DiMauro 68. Victoria Cook 3
  • 4. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates 4 The global pandemic of the past year has changed our lives in so many ways. Whilst undoubtedly bringing some benefits to families in terms of flexible working, alarming evidence suggests that gender inequalities have actually widened. Women’s jobs are almost twice as vulnerable to the crisis as men’s, partly because women bear a disproportionate burden of unpaid work at home. Deep seated stereotypes and biases about roles, responsibilities and aspirations persist. Much of my work as an exec and leadership coach is helping people to realise that there is always choice, that we can change not only our behaviour, but also our attitudes and beliefs. #ChooseToChallenge for me is exactly about that: taking responsibility, celebrating successes including our own, and sometimes taking the more difficult path to call out bias and inequality. It might feel uncomfortable, but the more we practise unfamiliar behaviours, the easier they become. So this International Women’s Day, I choose to challenge – and importantly, to be challenged too! I believe we can do better – for ourselves and for the generations that follow. Alex Oliver Consultant, coach and mother to a son and daughter
  • 5. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates I choose to challenge bias against women by working every day to promote and implement a systemic organizational model where there are no "ceilings" or "ladders" and where people thrive based on their competencies and ability to collaborate, as one, whole system, towards a common goal. Only if we challenge how we organize and manage people can we truly change for the better. Dr. Angela Montgomery Co-Founder Intelligent Management Inc., Author “The Human Constraint” 5
  • 6. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates “challenge and call out aspects that are unhelpful to women”. Women are now commonplace within the Energy, Marine and Drilling sectors globally, with that brings challenges. For many years, the offshore industry was prominently male orientated. The sight of a female waiting to check in at the heliport was met with an assumption that “she must be a stewardess or a cook”. Having been met with this assumption over the years, and once it is identified that you are a specialised consultant this leads to resentment and often a lack of cooperation. It is only once they understand that you are there to help them do the barriers get broken down. There has been occasions where I have been the only female on an offshore asset, and this can be quite an isolating experience in terms of prejudice, bias, and basic facilities. “It is changing slowly but it will be a long time before this is a level playing field”. Anne McRobb Competency Consultant, Ann McRobb Associates Limited 6
  • 7. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates What does it mean to be a woman? To be a woman is to celebrate our unique qualities and not allow them to be watered down when contested. To be a woman is to allow our emotions and kindness to thrive. To be a woman is to keep learning and nurturing ourselves, so we remain resilient enough to support others too. To be a woman is to think of how a wildflower continues to grow, against all odds, even in the most unexpected places. To be a woman is to be proud of who we are, so that we can become what we are born to do. To be a woman is to have the space to love ourselves. And if we are told otherwise, then we #choosetochallenge Antonia Brickell Broadcaster, Podcaster & Communications Specialist 7
  • 8. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates I choose to challenge the perception that there are not opportunities for women and minorities in financial services. The low numbers of #women and #minorities in leadership roles demonstrates the right set of circumstances we have to move the needle! Women are natural planners and wealth management is now an "essential" industry with only 15% of financial advisors being women and the portability of the career, there has never been a better time for women to pivot to this important and rewarding career. Furthermore, the average age of a financial advisor being 60+ there is a rapidly growing need for people to fill the void. Women, jump in! April Rudin Founder and CEO at The Rudin Group 8
  • 9. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates Être une femme est ose prendre sa place. Nous avons tous beaucoup de connaissances et de compétences à transmettre. Soyons donc pleinement qui nous sommes pour contribuer davantage au monde. Being a woman is daring to take her place. We all have a lot of knowledge and skills to be transmitted. So, let us be fully who we are to contribute more to the World. Aude Milesi Communication Specialist 9
  • 10. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates #ChooseToChallenge Some of the most constricting barriers we build are not made from material items like steel but are rather infections of the mind, such as believing stories that jail us in an invisible prison of belief. As women, we know in our hearts that there is always a way and it’s our time to be the architects of humanity, not the victims. . We are powerful beings and no box is strong enough to keep us in a tightly structured system that controls or limits us. You already hold the key to discovering your path and authoring your story. To find the key that will unlock your mind, you must be ready to answer the question, “Am I ready to take impeccable care of my whole self and be fully responsible for my well- being?” I challenge you to step into your power and let your bold and beautiful heart guide you as you chart a healthy path for yourself and every living being on the planet. You were born for this! Ayelet Baron Award winning author, futurist and healer. Former Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, Cisco Canada 10
  • 11. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates Believing we can train the bias out of us I love a good checklist. But when it comes to establishing gender equality in the workplace, unconscious bias training isn’t one-and-done. During COVID, many leaders expressed genuine empathy for women juggling family responsibilities alongside work. It was remarkable and hopeful. But some continued to expect fast email responses, strict deadlines, and well-behaved home school children. (I personally witnessed a scowl from a leader outside my organization when stepping away momentarily to help an elderly parent.) Even now, fewer than a third of companies have adjusted performance review criteria to account for those experiencing overwhelming demands. We can’t train the bias out of us. We have to #choosetochallenge it and live into it as it presents itself. Our goal should be to greet it in its newest, rawest forms with humility and a renewed commitment to lifelong learning. Becky Graebe Senior Director, Communication Strategy at Dynamic Signal 11
  • 12. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates According to the United Nations, the current world population is estimated to 7.8 billion, when 3.5 billion (50%) are women and girls. During the last decades, there have been many international efforts to have both female and male voices heard equally and empower women to be on the top of the socio-economic and political agendas. Many countries, including the Arab World, have adopted Legal reforms against women violence or employment discrimination. Nowadays, Women have the right to vote, to build their careers in various fields known to be exclusively for men, and gain more access to privileged positions in the government. More women have access to education and specific programs, including but not limited to Women in STEM, Women in Tech, Women in AI, Women in Big Data, women in Data Science, etc. The latest UNESCO science report entitled "To be smart, the digital revolution will need to be inclusive" pointed out that Algeria records the highest rate of women engineers in the World (48.5%), Tunisia (44.2%), Syria (43.9%), and Morocco (42.2%)[i]. However, statistics show that the World still needs more inclusion and more Women to seize upon the opportunities offered by the fourth industrial revolution and lead global change. I believe in education and Digital's power as the engine of economic growth, people's wellbeing, and a better sustainable future that needs to be more inclusive. We also have a lot of lessons, including mistakes to learn from the Pandemic. As our pain has been the same regardless of any geographical boundaries or background, we have to rethink Investment's meaning. The most valuable one is Investing in "HUMAN" while keeping in mind that «If you educate a man, you educate an individual; but if you educate a woman, you educate a nation.» Dr. Bentenbi Chaib Draa Tani Head of Research Team: Digital Transformation and Data Literacy 12
  • 13. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates I will challenge Gender stereotypes and bias. Aspects that are unhelpful for working mothers are gender stereotypes and bias regarding being evaluated for work opportunities. Instead, working mothers need to be assessed on their professional skills because they bring so much value to the workplace. Indeed’s article on mothers in the workplace identifies some of the key issues: “Successful businesses need to hire the best talent out there. Since 47% of U.S. workers are women, creating policies and a company culture that supports working mothers. During COVID-19, this is even more important, as more than one in four working moms are considering reducing their hours or leaving the workforce entirely.” I am a senior-level manager but experienced challenges and biases as a working mother. So I created a new career story as a tech journalist and social media marketing consultant with an online brand that led to new opportunities. I hope that more workplaces commit to creating policies and cultures to support and hire working moms. And I hope working moms can feel empowered to promote their professional skills with their own career stories. In the words of Michelle Obama, “Your story is what you have, what you will always have. It is something to own”. Beth Blecherman Digital Marketing Consultant, Startup Founder and Mentor 13
  • 14. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates “To love well is the task in all meaningful relationships, not just romantic bonds” Bell Hooks One of the most perpetuated myths is that “love” must be left at the doorway as we step into our working lives. The more courageous amongst us may throw in the term “heart” from time to time…. but love!! There is no space for soft and fluffy in the boardroom. However, as psychologist John Bowlby showed us, the need to love and be loved is one of our most basic and fundamental needs. And yet sadly, at its very roots, society – including our organisations - has a gaping hole where this need is sorely unmet. It is hard to enact love to others when one is hurting desperately oneself. We – men and women - will all continue to abuse other human beings as long as we carry our own unhealed traumas. Understandably, we will make them wrong, we will call them out for their poor behaviour, their degradation of others, shame them. And meanwhile the systems that enable these patterns will carry on. Nothing will have changed. Who is the victim here? Who is the enemy? What if there was no enemy, only love? What if #choosetochallenge was synonymous with #choosetolove? What if #choosetochallenge is a powerful call out for us to take a united stand for love in the workplace, to challenge through our own state of being, the prejudices, judgements and risks we face as women that may have our love- based actions misconstrued or manipulated. What if it starts right here, right now with ourselves, #choosetochallenge our own limiting beliefs of ourselves and others. #Choosetolove Biba Binotti Global Warriors 14
  • 15. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates Body language is one of the principle methods of global communication; its more easily transferable than the spoken word. Females naturally express their body language more than men. We need to challenge those that judge us against archetypal standards. A society that acknowledges diversity and recognises different behaviours by appointing women to company boards and government roles. 50% of the population are women and yet they have been woefully under represented.’ Carole Railton frsa Global Body Language for Business Guru 15
  • 16. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates Evolve or become extinct! I choose to challenge you... 1. To create positive change within humanity and thrive within your journey of life. 2. To be kind to yourself on a daily basis. 3. To open up and tell your stories. No matter what gender you are you have a voice and that voice can be ignited to transform the human race. International women's day is a great tribute to celebrate the birth of women worldwide. Because without women we would have no life on earth. With strength, confidence, self belief and great ideas we can all celebrate life! Celestia Barby Founder, Role Model Academy 16
  • 17. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates "Women posting engagement and pregnancy announcements on social media are instantly praised. However, sharing news of a promotion or award is seen as bragging. We should normalise celebrating workplace success - lifting one another up and acknowledging one another’s achievements, whether that be news of a baby, or an update from the boardroom. On my graduation day from the University of Exeter, Chancellor Baroness Floella Benjamin imparted the following words of wisdom to me “Confidence is the key to success”. Confidence can be harnessed for one’s own success, as well as inspiring others to find it within themselves. As a female leader, I choose to empower others to grow by nurturing and inspiring emerging talent. Confidence is not “I’m better than her”. Confidence is “I’m great and so is she”. Charlotte Monk-Chipman Marketing Director, ReBOUND Returns 17
  • 18. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates Choose to challenge gender inequality and stereotypes. In particular, look to eradicate the thoughts of certain roles/activities are for particular genders. Let’s work together to ensure the ‘first female (…)’ doesn’t mean the last. Cheryl Smith Group Marketing Manger – Duncan and Todd Group 18
  • 19. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates Inspiring others as women and men : That’s a part of HighChloeCloud mission that we lead since 2015» If you educate a man, you educate an individual; but if you educate a woman, you educate a nation.» My challenge is to keep enlighting womens steps forwards with true stories of inspirating ones. The more girls and women will find a bit of them in succesfull tale, the more they will fight for their dreams. We have to keep changing rules and showing it to the market.» "A woman of influence is a woman who relies on her relational capital to highlight the causes and values that are of her heart.” Chloe Hacquard Entrepreneur and Head of Digital Media, Association Française des Conférenciers 19
  • 20. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates Today is International Women’s day and I feel compelled to say a few words . I am extremely lucky to know and to work alongside many inspirational women. Unfortunately, many of them have had to battle to be successful in spite of negative experiences during childhood, education and in the workplace. We need to futureproof the next generations against this struggle, improving their early years so that they don’t have to struggle in spite of, but rather that they step off our shoulders because of their education, childhood and the supportive workplace they are in. I am dedicated to helping women be the best that we can be, and I am starting locally. My focus now is catching youngsters at the first fall, supporting economically challenged and school excluded girls in the North East of England, helping address the financial, economic and social factors that contribute to some being excluded from the classroom and recognising that education is a primary route out of poverty for all children. Early intervention is key – and it takes a village to help with this intervention. Finding my voice late in life has opened so many possibilities for me to support other women as they find their own. As women we have so many opportunities to raise other women up - I encourage and urge you all to do so as well. Chloe Hoggard Strategic Account Director, Oracle 20
  • 21. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates For the last twenty years I’ve pursued a personal passion, via creating apprenticeship programs, sales schools and mentoring inner city school children, to try and ensure everyone has an equal chance to the the best they can be. Recent research has shown that the learning or “disadvantage” gap has widened by a staggering 46% this last year. My eldest daughter and her friends received their A-levels last August. She went to a great inner city school in Liverpool, and whilst my daughter got the results she wanted and her first choice University, some of her friends weren’t as lucky. They were lost in a process that neither they, nor their parents, had experience of or understood. We collectively need to find a way to help future generations achieve their dreams. Where you’re born should not dictate your success. #ChooseToChallenge Clare Brown Senior Regional Vice President Salesforce 21
  • 22. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates I will help forge help a gender equal world, where we all are seen as one. Equal in ideas, all the way through to delivering on those ideas! Collette Van Vurren Principle Oracle HxM Consultant 22
  • 23. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates Challenging others may feel uncomfortable, so a great place to start is by challenging ourselves! Perhaps by asking a different question e.g. “who’s going to stop me?” rather than “who’s going to let me?” or changing our perspective e.g. “there IS an answer, I just haven’t found it yet!” My favourite story of a different perspective is when my teenage daughter was at nursery, aged 4. She was asked by the nursery head “what do you want to be when you grow up”? Most kids wanted to be teachers, firemen or nurses. Her response? “I want to be in charge”. Challenging gender inequality might feel uncomfortable, but the more we practice, the better we get at it. And with challenge comes change. Dr Christine Bailey Author, CMO, TEDx Speaker, Technology Marketing Leader 23
  • 24. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates The theme for International Women’s Day 2021 deeply resonates. #ChooseToChallenge is a bold opportunity for us all to take action. The pandemic has taught us many things, one headline is that from challenge comes change, and when it comes to change towards a more inclusive and gender equal world, we need to act now. I am frustrated with the slow pace of change, and terrified for the future when we consider how far we have gone backwards in the past twelve months when it comes to women in the workplace. The good news is that each of us can raise a hand to drive change - within our own families, workplaces and communities. Reflecting on how the world of work has completely transformed in the past twelve months, I’m passionate about applying my experiences to help other women on their career journey, and being a role model for my daughter. McKinsey recently published a paper that quotes “One in three mothers have considered leaving the workforce or downshifting their careers because of COVID-19”. As organizations build new operating systems for the future of work, it is critical leaders, including myself, recognize and act to address the underlying causes of stress and burnout that plague women, pushing them out of the workforce, and create a culture and a workplace where everyone can bring their whole selves to work, and are given equal opportunities to thrive. Danielle Guzman Global Head of Social Media, Mercer 24
  • 25. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates The past 12 months have been challenging for all families having to juggle work and home life and for some, home schooling into the mix. What has surprised me is the number of women who have had to step back into the role of full-time primary carer of children, teacher and managing a full household while still working. This is not the case for all households but from so many women I have spoken to, it is their reality. The balance is improving but we are still not there. A quote I remind myself of often is “I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship” Louisa May Alcott. Donna McWilliams MD, Electra Learning 25
  • 26. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates I will call out stereotypes around professions. I will challenge leadership styles with a lack of empathy. My 2021 commitment includes supporting an 18- week program DLT talents program from the Frankfurt Business school aiming to empower young women. I have also set a personal goal to interview 50% women in 2021 on my podcast and bring to the spotlight more female role models. Efi Pylarinou Global Influencer - Fintech & Disruptive Tech 26
  • 27. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates I’m looking forward to INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY, how do we not look back to the recent past and the amazing firsts for women in the US? Janet Yellen was sworn in as the secretary of the Treasury Department by Vice President Kamala Harris in what The New York Times described as “a history- making moment, as both are the first women to hold two of the most powerful jobs in the United States government.” Watching on inauguration day, I was in tears at the sight of Ms. Harris standing on that podium and being sworn in as our first female VP. Truly glorious. I know the focus of this day is “International” – but, I can’t help but celebrate these American advances for women and hope that we in the US actually do continue to catch up with what the rest of the world seems to have recognized long ago: Women are amazing leaders. Further - my generation of women need to nurture and encourage the ladies around us, younger than us, or older than us – to believe, hope, strive and continue this historical movement forward. Eleanor R Benson Vice President Sales, Europe and Africa at Integrated Biometrics 27
  • 28. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates Après une journée professionnelle bon nombre de femmes aspirent à une répartition équitable des tâches ménagères et familiales After a professional day, many women aspire to a fair distribution of household and family tasks. Emma Fieno Marketing Apprentice, Aimantix 28
  • 29. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates Women can choose to overcome challenges as they always have historically. Think of Joan of Arc or Calamity Jane. They did what women supposedly did not do. The key to surviving when doing what women haven't traditionally done is to set boundaries. Do not tolerate bad behavior and most people will come to respect you. Some of us had it easier as one of the first women techs at IBM because I was on the U.S. west coast; some on the east coast went through much worse. That doesn't mean we did not have to overcome prejudices. You can do whatever you want to do, but it will not be painless. Remember that all women who step up make the path less difficult for those who come after us. Gail Gardner Small Business Marketing Strategist 29
  • 30. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates It is hard to believe that only 2% of global VC funding goes to companies with female founders. And this is despite the fact that female founders produce higher revenue trajectory. Let’s draw attention to this over-performing but under-served investment opportunities – go for it, female founders, the funders will see the value you all bring! I raise my hand for this - #choosetochallenge Helene Li Co Founder GoImpact | General Manager Fintech Association of Hong Kong 30
  • 31. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates In the work that I do when it comes to AI Ethics and Privacy, I am very cognizant of how our systems that have existed for decades, serve and benefit the the very people who created the rules and the structures. My recent conversation with a dear friend, Buse Cetin, who studies the intersection of these systems with culture, gender, language etc. solidified my belief in the need to overturn these established norms to expose the bias, discrimination, microaggressions that are veiled in rules, process and culture. Unless that happens, any attempts to identify with women and minorities' lived experiences with the view for change – will ultimately fail. We've been taught to adapt and assimilate into the very environments for which we have been granted privilege. That mindset needs to be altered to transform a system that will conform and fit with the people who work within it, inclusive of race, gender, orientation and disability. Hessie Jones Strategist, Privacy Technologist, Forbes Contributing Journalist 31
  • 32. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates #Choose to challenge I choose to challenge myself. Why? The greatest results in your personal and professional life are achieved when you make changes from within. When you: Challenge your thinking patterns Challenge your aspirations and Challenge your ability to make a difference Then you discover what are truly your own beliefs and what you may have absorbed from others. You discover your strengths and you discover your possibilities. Try checking your thinking patterns and challenging them to become helpful ones, checking your perspectives and challenging them to become broader, checking your own limitations and challenging them to become flexible. Whatever challenges you have you have the ability to solve them. That includes reaching out for any support you want through mentoring, training and collaboration. Asking for help is a sign of strength. Choose to challenge - Choose to build your creativity, confidence and capability Jackie Jenks OBE CEO at Leapfrog Mountain Leadership & Mentoring Academy 32
  • 33. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates You Choose to live a life and through the Challenges you leave a lasting Memory that is defined by the number of people you Lift-up and by the depth of your Relationships. #choosetochallenge Janice B Gordon The Customer Growth Expert, Consultant, Speaker, Trainer, and Author 33
  • 34. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates We need more model role, we need to see and believe that it is also POSSIBLE for us if they have it I too. I will launch actions to inspire women to become autonomous by realizing their dream regardless of the domain Nous avons besoin de plus de rôle modèle, nous avons besoin de VOIR ET CROIRE que c'est aussi POSSIBLE pour nous si ELLES l'ont FAIT moi aussi je PEUX y arriver. Je vais lancer des actions pour inspirer des femmes à devenir autonomes en réalisant leur rêve peut importe le domaine Jasmine Mabe Communications, Marketing and Design Consultant 34
  • 35. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates We’re making progress. 20 years ago, female CIOs accounted for 10% of all CIO roles. Today, 1 in 5 CIOs are female. Organizations have realized that digital leaders need a combination of skills—technology, people and business savvy. From 2015 to 2018 the number of CIOs from non IT backgrounds tripled, according to CIOdive. This fresh corporate thinking opens the door a bit further for women in other functional areas of the business to lead in IT. We’re making progress. Today women in IT earn 87 cents on the dollar compared to their male counterparts. We’re making progress...but we have more work to do. Jo Peterson Vice President, Cloud and Security Services, Clairfy360 35
  • 36. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates 2020 was disastrous for many, but even more devastating for women. More than two million women left the workforce in the United States—20% more than men. Many lost their jobs, but an equal number couldn’t return. There was no childcare for young children that was safe. Others needed to help their growing children with remote learning, homework, and the impact on behavior for cooped-up kids. Restrictions are easing, so how do companies end the exodus and attract more women to return? We know from research that women in the workforce translate to a profitable company. Get them back by ensuring equal pay, opportunities for promotion, flexible hours, options to work from home, and a welcoming culture. Consider paid childcare and bringing an infant to work. Everyone’s been impacted by these treacherous times, whether they voice it or not, so ensure they have space for calm and comfort. Offer a variety of lounges just for women—to read, nurse, talk, meditate—to feel part of a community again. Let them bring a dog to work. Ensure they have breaks for meals. (No eating at desks) Provide opportunities for learning new skills. Do everything you can to ensure women show up as their best selves. Joanne Black Sales Expert and Author 36
  • 37. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates Make gender stereotypes “a thing” of the past. We are at a pivotal time in history. Women are more educated than their mothers and grandmothers ever were. Men and women alike are perfectly capable of changing a child’s diaper or cooking a meal, or leading a major corporation, or a country. #ChooseToChallenge gender stereotypes. What’s unhelpful is inviting women to have a seat at the table only to fill the “gender” quota, instead of their expertise. Let’s make the term a “female” leader or a “female” CEO a thing of the past, call her a leader, or a CEO. Women in leadership positions are not there to replace men, or to work against them. When we work together, the sky has no limits.” Jola Burnett VP, GfK Consumer Life 37
  • 38. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates Women need to feel psychologically safe to #ChooseToChallenge. Business can solve all of the world’s problems through visionary thinking, collaboration and community. Women have a major role to play in this and their voice needs to be heard. High-performing teams achieve results through the quality of their relationships. Create a culture of openness and trust where anyone can challenge organically through honest dialogue without leading to defensiveness. Together we can challenge the status quo and co-create the future we all want to live and work in. Jude Jennison Leadership Development Expert, Author and Coach 38
  • 39. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates When you've grown up with the world being as it is, and you've lived it, it can be difficult to spot patterns. But then once you spot them, you see them everywhere. And so it has been for me, with gender equality. To be honest, a large step in opening my eyes has been the work of my 3 daughters - and I can't tell you how grateful I am to have had the opportunity to learn from them and their perception. My eldest wrote her final degree essay about the portrayal of violence against women within the works of a specific playwright. I had offered to help with proofreading, but I'm sure it was me who benefited more from my input than she did - wow did her message hit home. My second eldest completed her Photography degree last year (no graduation etc. of course but that's a different story. All her work through those 3 years was focused around one message - to end the objectification of women's bodies. In (a pre-pandemic time) going all in to visit her shows and understand her images, once again I was struck by her different experience of a world that I'd assumed would be safe and familiar. My third daughter is doing her A'Levels this year, but also has to complete an Extended Project. When she was lacking inspiration, we came up with a topic together - the influence of feminism on costume design. She was working to get the penultimate draft finished only the other evening (the deadline was looming!) and wanted an extra idea (that didn't need a lot of research or references) to bring in. So we discussed the ways in which gender inequality is still so prevalent in society - and the obvious example was Kamala Harris being the first female Vice -President of the United States. Now everywhere I look I see examples - the long thread on Twitter yesterday where women were sharing stories of how they were dealt with in the workplace while pregnant, the online search I did yesterday for a bike for my 11 year old son - and finding most sites listing bikes under 'boys' (red and blue, or green and orange) and 'girls' (you can guess the colour palettes offered.) None of it is acceptable. None of it is good enough. I'm delighted that my daughters are so hugely aware but it also breaks my heart that they - and millions of other girls and women, should have to challenge these societal beliefs and behaviours. I'll sign off with a quote from a show that I saw my eldest perfom in when she was at Uni - 'Made in Dagenham'. The whole story was centred on the women who worked as machinists at the Dagenham Ford factory and their strike in 1968 against unequal pay for women. At one point, the woman (a mum of two) who ended up leading the strike was challenged with the line 'You'll never change the world if you always put the children first.’ You know what? Yes you blinking well can - and yes you blinking well will, if that's what you want. And that's why, on this International Women's Day, and indeed every day, I #choosetochallenge. And I hope you do too! Dr Julia Bramble Founder, BrambleBuzz 39
  • 40. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates For #IWD2021 I have chosen to shine a light and celebrate the achievements of Emmeline Pankhurst, a leading British women's rights activist best remembered for organizing the UK suffragette movement and helping women win the right to vote. When I dug into the history of the right to vote in the UK, I discovered that whilst the vote for women in the UK was granted in 1918, it was for women over the age of 30. Votes for men were for men over the age of 21. This discrepancy was intended to ensure that men did not become minority voters as a consequence of the huge number of deaths suffered during the First World War. It took another 10 years, sadly 2 weeks after the death of Emily, for the vote to be extended to all women over 21 years of age. Finally achieving equality in voting rights in the UK on 2 July 1928. It’s thanks to Emily that I am able to vote. #choosetochallenge Julie Harris Senior Manager, Accenture UK 40
  • 41. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates The world has changed a lot in the last year. We women around the globe need to work together to achieve other important changes by continuing to raise our voices and challenge the gender bias and inequality that we see around us. Women’s voices and their participation in all aspects of society are more important than ever as the world fights against the global pandemic which is accentuating the struggles of women as they juggle home and work life in the same space and many also experience domestic violence, abuse and more. There is a need to challenge discriminatory practices and regulations around the globe that impact negatively on the rights, freedom, recognition, and well-being of women. It is important to recognise that we have made great strides in many areas but still need to continue to fight for what we believe in and to make changes that work for all women. Professor Julie Hodges Professor of Organisational Change and Associate Dean, Durham University Business School 41
  • 42. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates "Calm down...." Think carefully about the use of the words 'lady' and 'girl'. Make sure that the rounds of tea & coffee/tidying up are equally shared across men and women. (Same with packing/lifting boxes, technical tasks.) 'Your hair looks good today' only works when it's gifted to both men and women. Think carefully about if your dress code works across the workforce - can everyone wear shorts, have tattoos, get piercings, dye their hair? "Are you planning to be off with the kids at half term?" Do you ask Dad's this question? Homeschooling in 2020/2021 is not just a Mum's issue. What is a 'working mother' anyway? "Wow, she's bossy... A 50 year old manager talking to a 20 year member of staff needs careful handling, regardless of the gender of each person. June Cory Fast talking, pay per click advertising evangelist at My Mustard 42
  • 43. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates Depuis de nombreuses années, l’égalité professionnelle femme- homme est au cœur de la vie politique, économique, sociale et culturelle. Passionnée par l’articulation des temps de vie en entreprise et par l’intelligence collective, ma raison d’être est de transmettre confiance et authenticité à d’autres femmes pour qu’elles puissent trouver leur place au sein de la société et que leurs rêves deviennent réalités. For many years, women’s professional equality has been at the heart of political, economic, social and cultural life. Passionate by the articulation of business life and collective intelligence, my reason is to convey confidence and authenticity to other women so that they can find their place in society and their dreams become reality. Karen Demaison Partnership - HR consultant, Collective intelligence and QVT 43
  • 44. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates I #choosetochallenge the idea that my identity, difficulties, and achievements can be sufficiently captured with the simple phrase ‘I am a woman.’ Although the statement is true, it does not come anywhere close to defining who I am. I work hard, not because I am a woman but because I have passion for the field of procurement and want to stand out from my peers. I want my successes to be merit-based, not the result of a special designation. The same holds true for my failures and shortcomings. I own each missed opportunity; that is the only choice that gives me the power to make a change. I would rather own my mistakes and therefore be the master of my own path forward. I believe that if I expect special treatment because I am a woman, or if I blame the challenges I face on the fact that I am a woman, I have actually diminished myself as an individual. Every person in the world possesses a combination of advantages and disadvantages that no one else can fully comprehend. Race, gender, health, age, point of view, geography, intellect, and economic status can be used to define us, or they can be used by us to build a unique and powerful competitive advantage. I #choosetochallenge anyone who tries to put me in a box. I #choosetochallenge the idea that I can be ‘profiled’ because of any one trait. And I wholeheartedly reject the notion that anything other than my choices - good or bad – will ever determine my potential. Kelly Barner Owner, Managing Director of Buyers Meeting Point 44
  • 45. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates While the world of work is rapidly changing, advancements in workplace gender equality have progressed at a glacial pace. Women continue to be underrepresented and realities like the gender wage gap and the gender leadership gap lead to a lot of implicit bias. It’s important to analyze how women are involved in building the future of work. The answer to the real progress lies in our ability to apply humanity to the new changes that arise, and humanity cannot absolutely ignore the achievement of gender equality to create an inclusive world where we can combine skills to thrive together. Thus, I choose to challenge inequality and show my commitment to empowering women. We can make a difference, building a better future and leaving no one behind. Linda Grasso COO, Digital Business Innovation 45
  • 46. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates For my #Choose to Challenge, here are my thoughts: I chose to challenge inequalities and equal access to break down barriers for women in technology to boldly enter thru more windows and doors, for a more diverse inclusive global community. Gender equality is important for our current and future female leaders. My favourite personal quote is: “Greatness can be born from anywhere in the word and significance is not geographically defined”. Author- Lisa S. Jones Lisa S. Jones CEO and Founder of EyeMail 46
  • 47. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates I will challenge all women to turn any challenge into an opportunity. Whatever you do, where ever you go, there will always be challenges. Let’s not fight them, embrace them. There are so many things in life that are outside of your control. Your power is in how you deal with everything that you encounter. You are deciding whether you see something as a challenge or as an opportunity. For example, don’t see it as a challenge there is no space for you at the table. See it as an opportunity to increase the table size and take your seat. The next time you run into a challenge, take a step back and ask yourself, ‘what can I do to turn this challenge into an opportunity.’ This alone will boost your self-esteem and set you up to tackle anything thrown your way. Maaik Doyer Founder, Entrepreneur, Board member, Professor at Hult and California College of the Arts 47
  • 48. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates I had an idea to chart my own course. They said, why would you want to do that? We have charted all we need. There is no need for you to chart something different. I had an idea to build something of my own. They said, why would you want to do that? We have built everything we need. There is no need for you to build something different. I had an idea to follow my dream. They said, why would you want to do that? We have dreamt all the dreams we need. There is no need for you dream something different. My smile faded; I fell to me knees. My soul hurt deep inside me. She helped me stand and she lifted my head. It was not what she did, but rather what she said. Don’t let them stand in your way, they sometimes can’t see, your thoughts and ideas are just what we need. Your voice is different, your voice is unique, Don’t help them, make you feel weak. Your course will be new, and it will find a new way. You will build something different that makes a difference one day, Your dreams, you will follow and perhaps lead others in thought. Next time, stand up and say Why Not? Melissa Drew Director of Cloud Procurement, PwC 48
  • 49. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates My note of endurance, Never Never Never STOP Persevering! Challenges and Obstacles are simply “speed bumps’ in our journey of life. They will merely “slow’ you down…only “YOU” can ultimately throw yourself off course. Stay CONFIDENT, DETERMINED and MOTIVATED in every aspect of your life. We are always a “student” and always a “teacher” …whether it be to oneself or to others. Lead! Lead! Lead! It doesn’t matter in what facet you lead…just be a kind and authentic soul. I firmly believe that you should NEVER allow the chaos around you to supersede the voice within you. Two of many of my favorite quotes; “ Permanence, Perseverance & Persistence in spite of ALL obstacles Discouragements & Impossibilities: It is this, That in all things Distinguishes the STRONG SOUL from the WEAK”. -Thomas Carlyle The WORST form of INEQUALITY is to try to make UNEQUAL things EQUAL- Aristotle My challenge to all…just be a kind and authentic soul. Never silence your voice from within and NEVER stop PERSEVERING in every aspect of your life. Life is too short to stop DANCING, SINGING and LIVING as if you are the only one in the room! Michelle Gabrielson Certified Life Coach, Strategic Partnerships Specialist 49
  • 50. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates A crisis of confidence invariably occurs when we least expect it. I know, because I've had moments of self doubt throughout my career that have caused me to hesitate, to think and be small. I'm afraid of rejection. Of being judged by others - by you, by ME. I am afraid of being seen as a failure. The irony is, that by many measures I am successful. I know that, but my trash-talk brain forgets that. The Pandemic is creating the ultimate leadership crucible for all of us, what feels like a never ending series of challenges personally and professionally. We all have the potential for success, to step into the ring and be true to ourselves - when we learn to turn down the volume on that inner voice, the imposter within, and embrace our true selves. The learning is that we don't have to believe everything we think. When you next experience a crisis of confidence explore it, marvel at it, share it with a trusted confidante, and choose to accept the challenge and move forward anyway. You may just surprise yourself. #choosetochallenge Morag Barrett CEO and Founder, SykeTeam 50
  • 51. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), at the current pace of change, women will not achieve global gender equality within the next 100 years. A sobering fact. That means that our daughters, our nieces, our sisters, our wives, the next generation of women, will not see global gender equality within our lifetimes. We know that diverse teams and diversity of thought, drives the greatest success and can achieve awesome results. Gender equality is therefore critical to achieving the worlds Sustainable Development Goals. So we all have a part to play, and we can all make an impact when it comes to bridging the inequality gap. In order to accelerate greater equality across the world, we need to call-out inequality when we see it; not always an easy thing to do. Speaking-up takes courage and it requires bravery. It means, in some cases, going against the grain of what others may be doing, or saying, or how others are behaving. Be brave; from challenge comes change. And by supporting and encouraging each other as allies, we can see change on a much larger scale than we can see today. This is why we celebrate International Women’s Day. I’m very proud to stand alongside my peers and #ChooseToChallenge on this International Women’s Day and everyday. Musidora Jorgensen VP Salesforce 51
  • 52. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates Last year I was fortunate to participate in the Santander Moving Ahead Women Business Leaders' Mentoring Programme. Although it clashed with the National Lockdown, the timing of the support and mentorship we received on the Programme turned out to be invaluable. I have met some very inspirational female entrepreneurs who have shown incredible courage, resilience and ability to pivot during these challenging times. A thriving female entrepreneur is a person who operates in a very dynamic environment, continually changing, adapting and developing new ideas, often while managing family commitments. Business ownership has a profound impact on an individual's confidence, creating long lasting dedication to entrepreneurship. This has been my personal experience, on the opposite side of which, having had to work really hard for many years to earn credibility with my colleagues, after taking the time off for motherhood. I #ChooseToChallenge the fact that "assumed competence" is more often attributed to men, rather than women in business. Mentoring Programmes like Santander Moving Ahead help women improve their confidence, assertiveness and business skills, while enabling them to connect with each other and the experienced mentors, which can be influential in the success of their business. I would like to quote the research by Santander which found that "81% of young people aged 11-18 years were unable to name one female business owner" - our future generations of entrepreneurs need more visible role models. I always look forward to the International Women's Day, because it is the second most celebrated holiday in my native country, Russia. Natalia Downs Director, Practical Business Improvements 52
  • 53. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates International Women’s Day To me, International Women’s Day is an opportunity to take a step back and acknowledge all that women are and do for this world. In my opinion, this year’s theme: #choosetochallenge can be interpreted in two ways: for women, #choosetochallenge suggests the need to challenge oneself. This may mean to do something you previously thought not possible, or to rise to greater heights in your life and career than you ever imagined. For companies and organizations #choosetochallenge means challenging and changing the status quo. We must challenge ourselves to improve equity and diversity. Women belong at the table, in the conversation and wherever decisions are made. We all benefit when we are inclusive of women. Patricia Lenkov President, Agility Executive Search and Founder, The Half Percent Project 53
  • 54. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates En tant que femmes nous avons obtenus des droits comme ceux des hommes ( droit de vote , droit de pouvoir occuper des postes dans la fonction publique , droit de travailler , droit à la formation professionnelle et progressivement l’élimination de la discrimination au travail.). Alors plus que jamais mon challenge pour 2021 est de montrer ma volonté d’être présente dans la sphère du digital et de devenir inspirante pour mes amies qui ont besoin de modèles. Travaillons ensemble collectivement pour construire notre empreinte de #FemmesLeaders. As women we have obtained rights such as men (right to vote, right to be able to hold positions in the public service, right to work, right to vocational training and gradually eliminate discrimination at work.) So more than ever my challenge for 2021 is to show my will to be present in the digital sphere and to become inspiring for my friends who need models. Let’s work together collectively to build our #Women Leaders footprint. Philippine Chantriaux Community Manager, Aprobase International 54
  • 55. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates The impacts of crises are not gender or race neutral. The global pandemic has underscored, and regressed even further, gender inequities. Furthermore, the psychological health of women has dramatically declined in these anxious and stressful times. For me and for my young girls, I challenge myself to be mindful in my actions and help them understand and practice mindfulness. Embracing and practicing mindfulness has been scientifically proven to have a positive influence on our lives by being able to actively control reactions to stressors. I challenge myself to actively participate in an Integrative Body-Mind Training (IBMT) program. IBMT has shown to improve our ability to control the effects of anxiety and stress. I challenge myself to share with others how mindfulness can help us heal. I challenge others to become mindful as well. Research mindfulness and IBMT and learn how it can benefit your health and how you interact with your ecosystem. Not only will it uplift our psychological health; we can also mindfully challenge stereotypes and biases and mindfully engage with people who have diverse views and experiences. We can mindfully take action to take action to close the gender divide and embrace our differences. Rebecca Klein Mother, wife, technologist, business leader, artist and yogi 55
  • 56. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates “Choose To Challenge” is an inspiring call to action on two levels: universal and personal. We know that Gender Equality is a global issue; current social norms and expectations must be challenged. Choosing to Challenge is also essential on a personal, internal level. As a psychologist with over 20 years of experience, I have found that working with individuals to challenge and dispel outdated beliefs about themselves, know and feel that they are enough, and claim their presence and power is crucial. I have coined the term “self-ownership”. It is fundamental to how we continue to fortify our evolving experience of “self”. When we integrate both the global and personal levels of the Challenge, we harness exponential power in establishing and instituting gender equality as the norm. We amplify our impact. Be the Disruptor, Not the Disrupted! Claim Your Power #ChooseToChallenge Dr. Risa Ryger Psychologist, Founder 93% Consulting, International Speaker, Mom of 2 Daughters 56
  • 57. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates I #choosetochallenge by creating safe communities where Women can get more opportunities and learn how to get more sales, get their voice heard and charge what they are worth. I help others succeed and give Women the chance to shine online with my women's inspire netowrk. Being available and approachable means Women can reach out and have a chat with me and I can encourage them to start that business they always dreamed of starting and give them the confidence to go for it and be financially independent. Probably one of the most positive changes is the availability of wi-fi as it means Women who are excellent communicators and community builders can have a piece of the pie as they can work from home if they need to. Samantha Kelly CEO, Women's inspire network & Social Media Consultant 57
  • 58. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates I choose to challenge the lines that have been drawn and the labels that have been given to each of us. I believe that it starts with me. Choosing to challenge myself. Challenging me to be better than I was yesterday, think more clearly than I have before, take more deep breaths, appreciate the irreplaceable things and people around me, and thank myself for who I am. I am not trying to be equal to you or to anyone, I’m trying to raise the standard in my life. Fighting for equality doesn’t make me right and you wrong, together, it makes us brave and beautiful. Who we are as individuals collectively joining together to create a society in which we are all strengthened! Sarah Bush Executive Assistant, Accelery Inc. 58
  • 59. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates Women are not more intelligent, creative, loving, passionate, stronger, or wiser than men… Neither are we less so… But together we are all those things and more, for we are all human and no one should have less life chances because of how they were born. Equality is powerful and necessary and that’s why I #ChoosetoChallenge. Sarah Doyle Co Founder, Crux Consultancy 59
  • 60. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates We need to challenge and call out hidden bias in the workplace. Tucked underneath the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion campaigns + social media banners are deep-rooted biases that are much harder to penetrate. Hidden biases are often felt, not overtly expressed and can wreak havoc in building meaningful inclusion. The feelings, values, and cognitive basis that drive decision making must be addressed to create stewardship, and provide an equitable conduit for women and under represented groups to thrive in the workplace. It takes empathy, listening, courage, vulnerability, and also holding bad actors accountable. 100+ years is too long to wait for gender equity. Sheri Hinish SupplyChainQueen, Global IBM Partner, Sustainable Supply Chain 60
  • 61. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates “I choose to challenge gender stereotypes and celebrate all achievements”. Sheryl Newman Founder, Appetite for Business Microsoft 365 Provider 61
  • 62. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates I co-founded India’s first Gay-Straight Alliance at the school level when I was 14 years old, in a socio- political climate where homosexual activities were punishable by law. And the only one I had to challenge to bring about tangible change was myself. Why can I not learn more about LGBT+ rights? How am I comfortable when people in my classroom can’t share something as basic as their gender identity and sexuality? Why am I not speaking up? Seeking these answers brought up more questions, and the toughest one was to my own privilege. This journey of actively choosing to challenge myself and the everyday happenings around me encouraged me to start an e-magazine which had contributions from over 17 countries, and eventually set up my own NGO, Project Voice+, in India and Sri Lanka 4 years ago. I’ve met some amazing people from across the world as a Global Teen Leader (2016, US) and Global Changemaker (2017, Switzerland). I have worked with the Commonwealth in various capacities, and mentored projects related to Violent Extremism in 7 South-Asian countries as the Asia Regional Advocacy Coordinator for a Commonwealth Youth Network (CYPAN). I was humbled to be recognised by the Royal Commonwealth Society and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Trust as a Queen’s Young Leader in 2018. I have recently become the Co-Host for a podcast called Long Story Short, which aims to challenge the narrative around civic leadership through storytelling and has listeners in over 13 countries. After graduating with merit from London School of Economics with an MSc in Organisational and Social Psychology, I am using my interdisciplinary education to support the leadership journeys of young girls in India and encouraging them to #ChooseToChallenge everyday! Siddhi Pal Associate-Programs, Girl Up India, United Nations Foundation 62
  • 63. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates #I choose to challenge bias on Leadership vision I challenge the idea that women can’t be Leaders. Many survey show that they are great leaders because less drawn by their ego and more by the collective success and search for harmony, solving issues and embracing a 360 view. They very often self-limit or accept others limitations. I met absolutely great women leaders in my career, inspiring women that I would love to celebrate today. Leadership is not just for men, in all times and in all eras, many women have demonstrated leadership. Nor is there a single type of leadership that is a monolith and a masculine attribute, there are varied, adapted, cultural leaderships where women and men can excel or disappoint. Authority must be fair, asexual and rational to allow a mature vision of organizations at the service of the business project with modern bias management, real empathy, empowering benevolence and understandable and shared goals. Sophie Merle International Digital Marketing Director, M-CX 63
  • 64. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates Je vais lancer des actions pour encourager les femmes à exercer des carrières dans le digital. I will take actions to encourage women to chose to work in digital trades. Sophie-Astrid Harel Owner, Latitude Business, Speaker, Coach 64
  • 65. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates "Women leaders are inspired by witnessing and seeing the action of female leaders, entrepreneurs, and empowered stories. Businesses should explore their female pay, raise, promotions and focus on equitable treatment. In addition, to empower others, businesses need to elevate those female leaders, managers, and executives and highlight their success stories. Be the example and share the positive!!" Stephanie Atkinson CEO and Founder of Compass Intel, vMarque, and Elevate Our Kids 65
  • 66. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates “You don’t get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate” – Tania Seary It’s way past time to challenge the gender pay gap. Wherever you look in the world, the data shows that women are earning less and are under-represented at senior levels compared to their male counterparts. Whilst we have seen incremental gains during my 30 years in the workplace, I am now choosing to challenge the status quo. The pay gap is, of course, a highly complex issue, but the first step towards tackling it is for both employers and employees to be deliberate in their resolve to eradicate pay differences. We will be working with Chiefs and Heads of Procurement and Supply Chain this year and asking the question, “Have you closed the Gap?” All female members of our profession need to have a clear view on their target salary and their business case for change. Just as we wouldn’t walk into a procurement negotiation without a plan, so don’t do it when you’re advocating for yourself and your future. (Top tip: the salary gap at more senior levels has been quoted around at least 10% between male and female salaries). Together we can make a difference. Tania Seary Founder Procurious 66
  • 67. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates 67 To paraphrase the famous Virginia Slims ad, “We’ve come a long way, baby—until the pandemic hit.” Now, women’s progress in the workplace is at risk of rolling back. To stop the backslide, here’s what I’m challenging myself and other women to do: Ask for what you need: Whether you’re a C-suite executive or a working mom (or both!) it’s time to identify your priorities and communicate them effectively. Rely on your community: When we band together, share ideas, and collaborate on common goals, we can achieve more than if we go it alone. Do less better: Concentrate on what’s important and do your best to shed the rest. As always, it’s quality over quantity! Vanessa DiMauro Head of Community, Growth Network
  • 68. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates I am in! On this International Women’s Day I challenge the Jewish community to be more inclusive of women’s voices, in particular the voices of Jewish Women of Color. The Jewish People are diverse, we do not look one way. Nobody “looks Jewish” — let’s embrace the diversity that enriches us not the reductive anti- Semitic vision of ourselves that limits us. Victoria Cook Founder, Torah Trumps Hate 68
  • 69. Copyright © 2021 Digital Leadership Associates IWD 2021 69