MARCH8 Magazine - May 2022

MAY 22 | ISSUE No. 002

MARCH8.COM

SUPER

P OW E R England rugby star, Sarah Bern

E D U C A T E

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M O T I V A T E

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E L E V A T E

MEE T the TEAM

STACY NORMAN

LUCY BUCHHOLZ

MATT JOHNSON

REBEKAH BIRLESON

EMILY COOK

TYLER LIVINGSTONE

COO

Editor-in-Chief

CDO

Creative Designer

Marketing Manager

Videographer

March8 Magazine is published by

© 2022 BizClik Media Group. All rights reserved. www.march8.com

WHO WE ARE...

From the entire team here at MARCH8, welcome to our second issue.

We are proud to represent a community continuously aiming to educate, motivate and elevate women in business and society. From young girls considering their career paths, to established CEOs at the helm, we are a platform ensuring that each story is heard, recognised and celebrated.

We champion women from all walks of life and career paths, including outstanding athletes pushing their bodies to the absolute limit, to fearless females advocating women’s rights and gender equality across the globe.

Through our social media platforms, bi-monthly magazines, short films, quarterly events, mentorship programmes and Mini March8'ers, we are here to unite girls and women with one community, one voice and one aim.

We are MARCH8, and we are here to make a change!

Subscribe to our MARCH8 newsletters to recieve the latest news and information about what we're doing next...

SUBSC R I BE

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HELLO AND WELCOME Since our launch issue, we’ve held the first ever MARCH8 LIVE event (and are now looking forward to the next!), we’ve seen the MARCH8 Mentorship Programme thrive, and we’ve published the Top 100 Inspirational Women 2022 supplement.

Each day, we welcome even more inspirational women to our community, who are passionate about achieving the common goal that we all share: uplifting one another to success.

As you read through issue 2, I hope you find features that educate, interviews that motivate, and stories that elevate. From all of us at MARCH8, please enjoy the issue.

LUCY BUCHHOLZ

lucy.buchholz@bizclikmedia.com MARCH8.COM

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12 Column

Good food to boost your mood

16 How she got there Rachel Corp, Journalist and Editor

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ICONS

Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II

14 Celebrity make-up

Building a beauty empire

26 Consumer tech Game changers

46 Top 8

Self-care products

60 Wealth management

A women's guide to investing

72

8 minutes with...

Yasmina Hedhli

52 Rising star Sian Marie Gabbidon

66 Cover story

England rugby star, Sarah Bern

82 Women's networks The female factor

98 Live event review

110

How to...

create authentic allies in the workplace

88 Meet the Mentees

102 The last word

I C O N S

As the longest-reigning monarch in history, Queen Elizabeth II has become a much-loved and respected figure across the globe. Her Majesty is an essential figurehead for the UK and the Commonwealth, supporting both through unprecedented times.

On June 2, 2022, she will celebrate her Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of dedicated service and cementing Her Majesty’s role as the longest-serving female Head of State in history.

[ HULTON ARCHIVE] / [ STRINGER] VIA GETTY IMAGES

Magazine manufacturingglobal.com technologymagazine.com datacentremagazine.com constructionglobal.com supplychaindigital.com mobile-magazine.com healthcareglobal.com fintechmagazine.com insurtechdigital.com businesschief.com miningglobal.com businesschief.asia energydigital.com Weblink businesschief.eu aimagazine.com MARCH8.COM in layers

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Good food to boost your mood To bridge the gap between nutrition and mental health, Nutritionist Kate Cook has shared her top four tips to ensure your food makes you feel great utrition is an amazing tool, providing the foundations of wellbeing – but many people don’t realise how it can impact our mental health, too. It’s incredible how a few simple dietary and lifestyle tweaks can boost our wellbeing.

I would recommend giving these a try first!

1. Focus on fats

Having too much of the wrong fats can wreak havoc on your mental health. For example, although Omega-6 is an essential fatty acid, when we have too much of it, it can become an inflammatory driver. Inflammation has of course been linked to a number of chronic diseases, as well as mental health issues, such as depression. To counter this, we should be looking to eat more Omega-3-rich foods (good fats), such as oily fish, or algae for vegans.

2. Kick caffeine

We’ve become a coffee culture, which has caused us to typically consume too many stimulants through caffeine. Although stimulants aren’t necessarily bad in small amounts, having too much can fire up our adrenals – where our stress hormones come from – causing our systems to wear out by creating too much stress. And, as we all know, stimulants dysregulate sleep, so if you’re

waking up in the middle of the night and feeling irritable the next day, there’s a good chance it could be because you’re consuming too much caffeine.

3. A good gut

Gut health plays a vital role in regulating our mental wellbeing – in fact, our guts are often called our second brains. What we didn’t know, probably even 10 years ago, was the role that microbes play and how the wrong kind of bacteria can cause all sorts of health related issues. The gut really is the central hub and the core of good health, yet it’s greatly overlooked.

There are many factors that come into play when looking after the gut, but I would say to eat a balanced diet with a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices.

4. The right vitamins

Almost every cell in our body has vitamin D receptors, and although it’s a crucial part in our wellbeing, many of us are deficient in it. Generally speaking, it’s very difficult to get vitamin D through the diet – you can only really get it through sunlight. To absorb vitamin D, 20% of our skin needs to be exposed to the sun, which is actually quite challenging, as many of us have lifestyles that require us to spend most of our days indoors.

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CELEBRITY MAKE - UP

The ever-evolving beauty industry is demanding clean, ethical and inclusive make-up – and we’re all for it. With help from celebrity make-up artist Julia Carta, we look at how three A-list celebrities have curated their own brands to serve a customer base expecting nothing short of perfection 16

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CELEBRITY MAKE - UP

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CAFFEINE-INFUSED FLO-GEL EYE PADS

MULTI-TASKING SKIN BARISTA

IMAGE CREDIT © DIMITRIOS KAMBOURIS/STAFF FLORENCE BY MILLS

DREAMY HYDRATING SERUM DROPS

CELEBRITY MAKE - UP

FLORENCE BY MILLS, MILLIE BOBBY BROWN Millie Bobby Brown is no stranger to the spotlight.

Having grown up on the big screen – starring in Netflix’s Stranger Things and film Enola Holmes – Millie has sat in her fair share of make-up chairs. However, the 18-year-old British actress has reversed the roles, launching florence by mills, her very own collection of make-up and skincare products. florence is intended to reflect its creator, being fun, youthful and designed to make skin feel great.

But what we love the most about florence is that it’s unapologetically itself – a concept that Millie wants to pass on to each and every person that uses her products. Primarily targeted at the Gen-Z market, florence is a clean label that’s vegan-friendly and PETA-certified. Products are affordable, too, typically priced between US$6.00 to US$34.00.

“This clean beauty brand leaves the skin feeling baby soft for a fresh-faced, glowing complexion,” Julia says. “Each fuss-free product works wonders on the skin and creates the perfect canvas for make-up.

“The caffeine-infused Flo-Gel Eye Pads leave peepers wide awake, plump and super hydrated.

Both the Dreamy Hydrating Serum Drops and Multi-Tasking Skin Barista is bursting with a healthy mix of naturally soothing and refreshing ingredients, filled with traditional water-binding hyaluronic acid to help deliver a supercharged hydration infusion for plump, bouncy skin. Best of all, it's sustainable, vegan and cruelty-free.” florence is also a proud supporter of the Olivia Hope Foundation, created to honour Millie’s friend Olivia Hope LoRusso, who passed away after a 15-month battle with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. The foundation is on a mission to end childhood cancer and prevent the suffering of sick children so they can lead happy and healthy lives.

Last but not least, we need to answer the burning question: How did the brand get its name? Well, florence is an homage to Millie’s great-grandmother, Florence, and Mills is her family nickname – a sentimental touch to a well-thought out brand.

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CELEBRITY MAKE - UP

RARE BEAUTY, SELENA GOMEZ

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THE STAY VULNERABLE MELTING CREAM BLUSHERS

UNIVERSAL VOLUMIZING MASCARA

IMAGE CREDITS © AMY SUSSMAN/STAFF RARE BEAUTY

Anyone who has followed the journey of Selena Gomez will know that she’s had a tough few years – and no, we’re not just referring to her tumultuous time with Justin Bieber. The singer was diagnosed with the chronic autoimmune condition lupus in 2015, which left her needing a kidney transplant two years later.

In 2020, she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and has since been open about her struggles with anxiety and depression, openly speaking about her mental health to reduce stigma.

But through these challenges, Selena launched Rare Beauty, which highlights the importance of embracing inner beauty, imperfections and individuality, rather than chasing unrealistic beauty standards.

Everything about Rare Beauty is positive and inclusive, right from the 48 foundation shades to packaging designed with reduced hand mobility in mind. It boasts a stunning collection of shades and sizes, and of course, the whole range is vegan and cruelty-free.

“Rare Beauty is a flawless makeup collection,” Julia says. “The range helps you design effortless, modern looks that last all day, and the products blend beautifully into the skin (especially if you’re applying with your fingers). I love the hydrating lightweight formulas and earthy pigmented tones that enhance natural beauty.

The brand has also factored in every type of shade to ensure there is something for everyone.

“The Positive Light Tinted Moisturiser creates a dewy second skin, with a lit-from-within luminosity to suit all skin tones. The Stay Vulnerable Melting Cream blushers are sheer, providing a natural flush of colour with a satin finish to cheeks and lips. Finally, the Universal Volumizing Mascara is a must-have for thick, defined pitch-black lashes and that full lengthening flutter that finishes any look to perfection!”

In true Selena style, Rare Beauty donates 1% of all sales to the Rare Impact Fund, which works to increase access to mental health resources in educational settings. Selena hopes to raise over US$100mn to support underserved communities over the next decade – last year alone, the fund raised US$1.5mn.

THE POSITIVE TINTED MOISTURISER

THE CHEEK + LIP BALM

CELEBRITY MAKE - UP

THE HONEST COMPANY, JESSICA ALBA

THE HYDROGEL CREAM

IMAGE CREDIT © DIA DIPASUPIL /STRINGER HONEST BEAUTY

THE EVERYTHING PRIMER GLOW

Clean, natural and sustainable: three words that perfectly describe Jessica Alba’s make-up brand, Honest Beauty.

This clean beauty queen is on a mission to promote ethical beauty that’s not only good for our skin, but for the environment, too. Jessica has therefore made sure that all of her products only contain natural, organic and non-toxic ingredients. In fact, Honest Beauty has an extensive list of ‘no no’ ingredients (2,500, and counting), so you can rest assured that you won’t find any questionable chemicals.

“I love Honest Beauty’s simple, yet effective product range,” Julia says. “Both the skincare and make-up products contain a whole host of refined ingredients to protect and enrich the skin.

“The Hydrogel Cream is a must-have for prepping the face, leaving a nourishing, plump veil on the skin. The Cheek + Lip Balm enhances your natural lip and cheek undertones whilst instantly lifting the complexion with a healthy flush of colour.

“The Everything Primer Glow is a staple in my pro-kit because it's infused with illuminating mineral mica and hyaluronic acid to deliver a glowing, perfecting base for all complexions to ensure makeup lasts all day.

Affordable, clean and sustainable; it’s no surprise that this brand is a firm favourite within the beauty industry!”

But Honest Beauty is so much more than just a make-up brand: Jessica has curated a collection of wellness, cleaning, homeware and children’s products, too, all of which abide by the same all-natural principles. But one thing that really makes Honest Beauty stand out is that it’s suitable for everyone hoping to live a clean, green lifestyle – from infant to adult.

Giving back has been part of Honest Beauty’s ethos since day one. Since launching in 2012, the brand has volunteered with over 50 different non-profit organisations, donated more than 3 million nappies to those impacted by COVID-19, and sent over 345,000 products for natural disaster survivors. Honest Beauty has also partnered with March of Dimes and Baby2Baby to continue helping mothers and babies.

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HOW SHE GOT THERE

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HOW SHE GOT THERE

JOURNALIST AND EDITOR

R ACH E L

CORP As a journalist and editor that has reported on not one, not two, not three, but four frontline wars, ITN's CEO Rachel Corp has undoubtedly led a career like no other

hen you’re sitting at home, relaxed and tucked up on the sofa, you may flick on the news to find out what’s going on in the world around you. If you’re based in the UK, your channel of choice may be ITV and, if so, there’s a good chance that Editor Rachel Corp will be frantically working behind the scenes.

This is the story of how she got there.

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Age: 18-20 Rachel’s story started in a similar way to those of many great professionals: at university. Although, her studies didn’t quite lead her to her media career in the way that you may have expected. "I studied History at the University of Leeds, and, I have to admit, it was quite an old fashioned degree,” Rachel says. “We only had two hours of formal teaching each week, but I can promise you it’s not like that now!

“As I had a lot of time on my hands, I decided to get involved with a group who were launching a student radio station.

After months of hard work, I became the Head of News and Current Affairs, which is when I realised that working in radio was not only fun, but it was something that allowed me to have a meaningful impact.”

Age: 21 So, from a young age, Rachel discovered that she had a flair for radio, and luckily for her, this talent was soon recognised by others, too. “Through student radio, I won awards which meant I was invited to media events, where I met people in the industry,” Rachel says. “This opened the door for me 28

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At times, it was both terrifying and intoxicating, but it was the most important work I had ever done

HOW SHE GOT THERE

to undertake work experience at Radio 4’s consumer show, You and Yours. I started post-university and quickly segued to paid work, where I would pitch an idea and the company would buy it off me. So, I became a freelance reporter quite quickly.”

Age: 22 But Rachel soon found herself enticed back to her first love of news and current affairs, which just so happened to lead her to the front line of Bosnia’s civil war in the ‘90s.

“I felt like the war had fallen out of the news – I also didn’t understand it, but I wanted to,” she says. “So when I met someone who was going out there, my first instinct was to join them.

“At times, it was both terrifying and intoxicating, but it was the most important work I had ever done. I met people who were my age, with similar hopes and aspirations, but who were living in this hideous conflict.

“Probably the most frightening part was when I was in the city of Mostar. At one point, we were driving and a tank just in front of us was hit by a shell. That experience made the reality of our situation sink in.”

Age: 24 Not many of us can say that we landed a job while reporting on a war, thousands of miles away from home – but Rachel can.

“I had responded to a job ad in the paper for a traineeship before I left for Bosnia, and while I was out there, they asked me to interview,” she says. “Before I knew it, I was a trainee for ITN! “I quickly attached myself to being on the road, because that’s what I absolutely loved doing. We then went on to launch Channel 5 news with a brilliantly inspiring editor, MARCH8.COM

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HOW SHE GOT THERE

who completely shook up how news was being done, regarding norms, traditions and language – it was a fantastic experience.”

“During this role, I remember getting the phone call in the middle of the night about Princess Diana’s car crash. Of course, I went into work straight away, but I ended up presenting news flashes as the presenter, while running around as news editor when the cameras were off. It was full on, but that was the nature of the job.”

Age: 29 As someone who has no affiliation with the military, Rachel’s constant return to warzones may seem hard to understand.

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But as her career has been driven by finding, understanding and sharing stories, she yet again found herself reporting on the front line. “I fell in love with Afghanistan when I was reporting on the war. It’s such a stunning country, full of the most incredible people who are kind and interesting and funny.

“But the people had suffered so much.

The country was littered with stuff – debris from tanks that had been blown up 10 years before was still on the streets, because the country was in a constant state of conflict. The whole time I was there, I don’t think I stayed in a hotel room that was intact. They all had bullet holes or were missing part of the roof, for example. It was heartbreaking.”

Age: 30 How do you cope under pressure? While Rachel was reporting in Iraq, she was given extensive training on chemical attacks and warfare; but nothing was able to prepare her for this moment. Rachel was living in a make-shift camp in the middle of the desert – an easy target of scud attacks. “Alarms would sound when our camp was under a chemical attack – but we never knew whether it was just a drill or real life,” Rachel says.

“The first time I experienced the alarm, I was terrified. All logic leaves your body and you go into survival mode. I grabbed my mask, pulled on my protective suit and ran for cover.

But when I looked up, I had gone the opposite way to the rest of the crew.

“As my brain tried to remember everything that I needed to do, I suddenly felt a prickling around my mask – a sign I may have been gassed. In our kits, we had an antidote for one

of the fiercest gases, which was an injection to stab into your leg. However, the catch was if you hadn’t been gassed, the antidote would kill you.

“Luckily, I chose not to use the antidote.

Once we were given the all-clear, we realised that the tingling I felt was probably because my mask still had tear gas on from previous training. Tear gas is activated by water – or in my case, my sweat.”

Age: 39 After many years in war zones, Rachel was blessed with two bundles of joy, which consequently called for her to have a brief period off work for maternity leave. It’s no wonder, though, that upon her return, she felt the same apprehension that many women feel when returning to the workplace after children.

And of course, she would now no longer be rushing to the frontline of war zones. “You have MARCH8.COM

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a healthy disdain for management when you're on the road,” she says, “and being on the road was my whole life. I loved it. But I knew at some point it had to come to an end.

“My mission now was to balance family life and to supercharge news by focusing on bold, impactful journalism. A role came up at ITV News, which was great, as I would be working with familiar faces who knew my reputation.

“In many ways I was treated well as a parent, but there were a few occasions when I noticed a change. For example, before I was even offered a task, someone would have declined it for me, assuming that I would have childcare issues. I was able to change this over time, firmly reassuring colleagues that I could take on the tasks. That, and working hard.

“Also, at this time, we could squeeze full-time work into three days, so I’d often work 14-hour shifts. It was tough as I would sometimes go three days without seeing my youngest awake, as she would be asleep when I left in the morning, and again when I returned home.”

Age: 47 After seeing the devastating effects that war can have on society first hand, Rachel was inspired to become a Board Trustee of Women for Women International, a non-profit organisation that provides practical and moral support to female survivors of war. “I really liked what they do – it's a very practical thing,” Rachel says, “not just spending money in an unfocused way. They look at how we can get a community to stand on its feet and grow to be self-sufficient, while also putting the future of the community in the hands of the residents.

HOW SHE GOT THERE

“Our main goal is to help women survivors of war rebuild their lives, by focusing on where inequality is at its greatest and supporting women who are marginalised and most forgotten about.

We operate in eight countries, including Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Iraq, and provide programmes to help women rebuild their lives and communities.”

Age: Now

It’s key to callout bad practice and bad behaviour when we see it

News never stops, but the last few years have been more hectic than ever – what with COVID, the BLM movement and the Ukrainian war, to name a few. For the last four years, Rachel has sat on ITN’s SLT, while being responsible for all of ITV's news. She says: “I’m so proud of my team and how far we’ve come. We’ve produced some absolutely amazing work – our story on the storming of the Capitol has been nominated for a BAFTA. “I’m also proud to have seen cultural change. Newsrooms are typically macho environments, but it’s important for us at ITV to nurture an inclusive culture where everyone’s voice is heard.

“We also ensure that we have a diverse range of people who work for us, while also being conscious of our representation on screen. Although we’ve come a long way, I still want to continue improving.

“There are many ways in which this can be done, but I believe that it’s key to call out bad practice and bad behaviour when we see it. This doesn’t mean we’re not hungry for great stories, because we absolutely are.

It means that we’re competitive against the competition, not against each other.”

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CONSUMER TECH

GAME

CHANGERS 36

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CONSUMER TECH

Imagine a gamer.

What do they look like?

What sort of lifestyle do they lead?

What gender are they?

Gamers stereotypically have a reputation for being screen-addicted teenage boys that sit in their rooms all day, with no ambition to do anything else. We spoke to two women who explain that his couldn’t be further from reality MARCH8.COM

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PLAYER 1: LUCY RISSIK EXPERIENCE:

Founder of Brotherhood of Brand, Partnerships Director for Women in Games

MISSION:

To broaden the game-based career opportunities available to girls in school

STRENGTH:

Brand partnerships, challenging stereotypes

HANDLES:

Instagram: @brotherhoodofbrand LinkedIn: Brotherhood of Brand

ince their introduction in the late ‘70s, early ‘80s, the world of video games has become a multi-billion-dollar industry – one that’s been predominantly marketed at boys over the years. So, it may surprise you that nearly half of those who play video games are women. Despite this, fourteen of the world’s top gaming companies revealed that 16% of women hold executive positions, according to NewZoo. And, outside of these executive positions, women only account for 24% of the industry's workforce.

But as the video game industry is expected to be worth a whopping US$200bn by 2023, why do we still see such a huge equality gap?

We spoke to Lucy Rissik, CEO and Founder, Brotherhood of Brand and Partnerships 38

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Director for Women in Games, and Lauren Kaye, Marketing Manager for Women in Games and Founder of She Plays podcast, to find out what needs to be done to bridge this gap.

Made by men, for men Games have always been virtual playgrounds tailored for men. Although we’ve seen progress from 1989, when only 3% of gaming developers were female (in 2020, the figure had risen to around 30%, according to ResearchGate), women are still without a doubt on the back foot.

But now we’ve found ourselves in a vicious circle. Women are underrepresented during the development process, which has led to a lack of well-rounded female characters being seen on-screen – and even when they

CONSUMER TECH

PLAYER 2: L AUREN K AYE EXPERIENCE:

Founder and Host of She Plays, Women in Games Marketing Manager

MISSION:

To create an inclusive environment and to increase the visibility of women in games

STRENGTH:

YouTube, She Plays podcast

HANDLES:

Twitter/Instagram: @Leveluplauren Twitter/Instagram/TikTok: @ShePlaysPodcast

do appear, they’re often in skimpy clothing with exaggerated body proportions. Taking this into consideration, could there really be a bigger deterrent for female gamers than only ever being exposed to iterations of characters that are simultaneously marginalised and oversexualised?

“We often see all these incredible games being created by amazing teams that included just one woman – if that,” Lauren says. “We almost have a funnel with no diversity, which means that nobody is challenging the thoughts that these people have of how a game should be.

“The press hasn’t been very kind to the gaming industry, and studios haven’t helped the matter by sometimes allowing toxic, male-oriented practices. It very much feels like an all-boys club, and,

if it’s an all-boys club, then that explains why men are giving most of the opportunities to people like them.”

Even though gaming is often at the forefront of technological innovation, the industry has nevertheless been relegated to the shadows of other creative industries, proliferating negative, and simply outdated, stereotypes. “Video games are often seen as the naughty little cousins to other industries, such as movies and film,” Lucy says. “But if you look at technology and how it grows, people often forget – or maybe don’t realise – how much is developed through games: AR and VR were both founded over here in the video game industry. For example, there is now a game that allows medical students to practice learning surgery, which is hugely beneficial.”

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CONSUMER TECH

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CONSUMER TECH

Growing up, I didn't have any female role models in the gaming industry – I didn't even know that they really existed L AUREN KAYE Although the gaming industry may be overlooked as a desirable career path for children, girls in particular are served with yet another deterrent. A study, carried out

by Young Gamers & Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM), found that, while playing massive multiplayer online games (MMOs), 28% of female gamer reported being sexually harrassed, 35% reported receivng inappropriate content and 40% fell victim to verbal absue.

“A lot of girls still have to hide their profiles online by playing as men or boys,” Lucy says.

“We know there’s a toxicity issue, but big companies are trying to change – just maybe not quick enough. Although there are initiatives in place, it’s important to remember that all internet platforms, from Twitter to Twitch, have similar issues that need to be addressed.”

How women can win The big question is: How do we encourage more women into the gaming industry?

Each time, the hard and fast answer seems to be: representation. Breaking up the boys’ club mentality that Lauren mentions and proudly hanging a sign on the door that says: “All are welcome”, is a sure-fire way to tell people they can join, but until women can actually see others they identify with, little will change.

“It's not enough for women to just come into the industry through entry level roles.

There’s no career progression there,” Lauren says. “Sure, it can be seen through the ranks with men holding the positions, but seeing other women is believing.

“That being said, more women are entering the space, so change is happening. Personally, I want to see more women take on leadership roles. Growing up, I didn't have any female role models in the gaming industry – I didn't even know that they really existed. But, after having daughters myself, I really want to ensure that they have as much exposure as possible to their options, so they can make effective career decisions later on.”

With this being said, Lucy believes that one of the key issues that has led to the underrepresentation of women in gaming is how the industry itself is depicted to young girls. “Girls need to be taught that gaming is a viable career option,” Lucy says.

“Many people hold the opinion that school is good and games are bad, completely dismissing the fact that the industry is actually worth $200bn and employs a lot of people.

“There’s a lot of emphasis on encouraging girls to learn to code, but it’s definitely not limited to that, either. We need to teach girls to consider careers as MARCH8.COM

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CONSUMER TECH

art designers, marketers or even to join the financial team for a gaming company – companies still need to fill these types of roles, so if you have a passion for gaming, why not pursue it?”

An industry issue Currently, though, we’re finding ourselves stuck in a vicious cycle. How do we encourage more girls and women into the space, if there are no real role models or incentives to do so and a torrent of abuse waiting in gaming forums? Well, this one is on gaming platforms and developers.

Earlier in the year, the Women In Games France launched the #GenderSwap campaign, which highlighted the

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ultra-stereotypical representations of women by giving male characters typically female mannerisms and vice versa. Male characters acted out suggestive poses, sensual dances and coy characteristics to mimic the overexaggerated sexualised appearance female characters are often subject to, which highlighted the absurdity.

There are also a number of platforms working to create safer, more inclusive environments for women. For example, Twitch, a popular videogame live streaming service, broadened its definition of sexual harassment and introduced new guidelines to crack down on hateful and inappropriate sexual conduct on its site.

CONSUMER TECH

Many people hold the opinion that school is good and games are bad, completely dismissing the fact that the industry’s actually worth $200bn LUCY RISSIK

Mentorship network Limit Break is another great example of a game-changing platform. By pairing leaders in the field with individuals considering entering the industry, as well as those at the start of their journey, Limit Break works to create a more welcoming environment by providing tools to overcome issues girls and women may face, such as imposter syndrome.

In addition, Code Coven, a games’ industry-focused classroom, has an accelerator programme that encourages young gaming developers to create their first game, teaching the vital skills needed to create effective portfolios and game pitches.

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CONSUMER TECH

“I want to be a megaphone for those initiatives like Limit Break and Code Coven,” Lauren says. “They have been doing great work on diversity in the gaming industry, so I really want to help those initiatives be seen by the people that need them the most.”

Facing the problem head on The problems facing girls and women in the gaming industry are multifaceted, yet there are several ways in which they can be tackled.

Perhaps most important, companies and developers need to prioritise welcoming girls and promoting women to high-level positions to not only act as role models, but to contribute their perspectives on creating more inclusive games and initiatives.

“Gaming companies need to shout change,” Lucy says. "Schools and career advisors need to be providing girls with the options available to them within the industry, so they can understand the full spectrum of careers that are out there.

“But also, people need to have their stereotypes challenged. So many people assume that teenage boys play video games in a dark room drinking Red Bull but, in fact, there are more women over 18 playing video games than there are boys under 18 playing video games. People can be whatever they want to be, and that doesn’t stop just because you’re a gamer.”

Lauren sports a similar view, echoing Lucy’s comments in stressing the importance of creating a safe and welcoming environment for girls to join.

“Roles are being created everyday,” Lauren says. “So, if girls or women are interested in joining the industry, I’d say reach out 44

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CONSUMER TECH

It's important to do what makes you feel happy – so focus on your own journey, not others L AUREN KAYE to leaders in the field, through Twitter or Art Station, for example, and ask for their advice. Every woman in the gaming industry wants to see other women thrive – we’re not scary beasts or super competitive people who are gatekeeping the roles.

“I try to do this myself by making my podcast, She Plays, a space where girls can listen to comfortable and welcoming conversation. But I’m also a massive advocate for promoting other channels and initiatives, to encourage women to join the industry and provide them with the skills they need to excel.”

“I want people to know that no matter what age they are, whether that be late teens, twenties, thirties, forties, fifties or beyond, the key to seeing more women excel in the gaming industry is understanding that everybody is on their own path. It’s important to do what makes you feel happy – so focus on your own journey, not others, and set your sights on where you want to end up in the industry.”

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YASMINA the IMPOSTER SYNDROME coach We all have our moments of self doubt – especially when we compare ourselves to others and feel like we’re not quite reaching the same bar. Yasmina Hedhli, an expert in helping you realise your worth, explains how these feelings may be imposter syndrome and what we can do to combat them 46

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ave you ever started a new job but then began to doubt your capabilities just as you started to pick things up? Or received a promotion, only to think that other colleagues may have been more deserving? If so, you’ve likely experienced imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome comes in all different shapes and sizes, from feeling like a fraud to fearing you can’t live up to the expectations of others.

Yasmina Hedhli is an imposter syndrome and confidence expert, who explains the signs and solutions for those who identify with these feelings.

First and foremost, tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do as a coach.

I’m a Coach, Clinical Hypnotherapist and Rapid Transformational Therapist. I help people overcome their personal barriers to success such as lack of confidence, low self-worth, imposter syndrome and self-sabotage. I work with the subconscious mind, to discover the root cause of these issues. Your mind can then be re-wired according to what you want to achieve. I also work with the conscious mind through coaching; focusing on accountability, progression and achieving goals. On the other side of my work, I am a consultant and facilitator in the equity, diversity and inclusion space. I’m passionate about breaking down the barriers that prevent people in underrepresented groups thriving.

That sounds so interesting – how did you find this career path?

Early in my career, I worked as a Civil Servant, and one of the first things I experienced was 48

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a training course focused on mindset and neuro-linguistic programming. I loved it and started coaching within my day-to-day work and on a voluntary basis.

As I worked my way up the corporate ladder, I found myself ticking a lot of boxes and excelling, but I was hit by imposter syndrome, despite my high performance.

So I guess you could say that I’ve been on both sides of the coin – I’ve been a super confident employee, but imposter syndrome made me question myself and whether I truly belonged. Being the only woman of colour in many of the rooms I was in further added to the weight of what I was experiencing.

8 MINUTES WITH...

In 2018, I decided to make coaching a full-time career. Imposter syndrome and self-sabotage were topics that frequently came up with my clients and they deeply resonated with me, so I chose them as my specialist areas. I was always passionate about fostering inclusion so working in this area was a natural progression.

What exactly is imposter syndrome?

Ultimately, imposter syndrome is when you feel like a fraud or have a fear that you’re going to be exposed as one. It can cause feelings of self doubt and inadequacy. People often give their success away to external factors, such as

being in the right place at the right time or just being lucky. It can cause adaptive behaviours, such as perfectionism, working to the point of burnout, or procrastination. These behaviours are ultimately to avoid being exposed.

Is it something you only notice within yourself, or can it be spotted in others too?

We’re good at hiding imposter syndrome, which makes it tricky to spot in others. We look at everyone one else and think ‘ah, they’ve got it together!’, but we don’t realise that they’re probably looking back at us thinking the same.

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What steps can people take to reduce feelings of imposter syndrome?

a mask to hide the fact that we don’t feel good enough. No one wants to say to their boss “I think I’m rubbish at my job” and so we get good at hiding it. Sometimes the person who appears the most confident is actually struggling internally.

Are the feelings of imposter syndrome ‘normal’?

Absolutely. The roots often start in childhood.

For some people, it comes from only being praised when they are perfect, and for others, being praised constantly, which creates uncertainty about what equals success – these are just two examples. As we get older, we’re constantly reminded of the ways in which we’re inadequate through advertising. There’s always something more that we could be, do or have. In addition to this, negative workplace experiences, such as toxic management, microaggressions, lack of inclusion, can create and contribute to imposter feelings. Imposter syndrome is a very natural response when you consider all of this.

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Change the way you talk to yourself. Imagine your mind is always listening, so if you’re constantly thinking you’re a fraud or that you’re not good enough, you’ll start to believe that and act accordingly. Your thoughts directly influence your feelings and behaviours but with some practice, you can change your thinking. Be kind, compassionate and nurturing and see what a difference it makes. Stop comparing yourself to others.

Also, start tracking your achievements, no matter how big or small they are. We often play down what we have accomplished, and that’s got to stop. Keeping a record can help you focus on facts (how much you’ve achieved) vs feelings (I don’t feel good enough).

Realising you’re not alone can be reassuring and make you realise that other people are having the same experiences.

What advice would you give people who feel imposter syndrome?

Remember that you feel the way you do for a reason and that’s highly unlikely to be because you are an imposter. In fact, high achievers are more likely to experience imposter syndrome!

Keep in mind that internal and external factors feed into imposter syndrome. While it has its roots in childhood, it is absolutely triggered and exacerbated by negative experiences later in life. You can do the inner work to transform how you feel about yourself and your achievements. You might also need to consider changing your environment.

Forget worrying about whether or not you’re good enough, the truth is that you are. Accept and embrace that.

TOP 8

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IMAGE CREDIT © Calidad Home

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The balm contains shea butter, jojoba and rosehip oil to hydrate, nourish and revive skin, as well as neroli and green mandarin essential oils to lightly fragrance hands and leave them beautifully soft.

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Put your feet up and relax while burning this peony-scented candle, which boasts mid-summer notes of apples, rose, gillyflower and jasmine.

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Accreditation It’s about doing more C LICK HERE

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CARES A BOUT

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Ri ing tar

Are you thinking you might just recognise Sian Marie? Well, that’s probably because she’s a previous winner of The Apprentice, a British business-style reality television programme that has spurred a host of similar shows around the world.

Despite her humble beginnings on British TV, you can rest assured that Sian Marie has come a long way since then.

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RISING STAR

RISING STAR

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“ UO R SOLE PU R POSE I S TO MAKE OM E W N FEEL GO D

It’s the little things that make growing businesses stand out – and this certainly rings true for Sian Marie’s eponymous loungewear brand. With its mission to empower women, the 2018 winner of British TV show The Apprentice has created a thoughtful brand that intends to make women feel good about what they wear.

We sat down with her to discuss the highs, the lows and, most importantly, the future of her business.

So, tell us how it all began?

I first set my brand up in my bedroom, when I was 21. It was predominantly swimwear, and I made everything myself – I had no money, no investment, but I slowly managed to build things up.

Then, in 2018, I applied for The Apprentice – and I won! As the winner, Lord Alan Sugar invested £250,000 into my business, which enabled me to grow at a much faster rate. Since then, we’ve transitioned to specialise in loungewear, and our ethos is to make women feel good about themselves through wearing our brand.

”

What inspired you to launch Sian Marie all those years ago?

It happened very organically – I never thought “right, I’m going to sit down and start my own business”. After I graduated from university, I landed a marketing position and designed and made swimwear on the side, because that’s what I love doing.

At first, I had no real business experience, but I knew I enjoyed everything about designing; sketching, creating and planning the fabrics – that’s my bread and butter.

Now, I do a lot of talks with kids in schools. It’s important for me to be a role model for them – especially as I’m mixed race – as, when I was younger, there was no one that looked like me to look up to.

So now, it’s nice that I can be that person for others.

What would you say to those that may not have the funding to start a business?

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to blow money pretty quickly on various different things when setting up a business.

So be smart and be savvy.

What makes your brand stand out?

Our sole purpose is to make women feel good, by providing high quality clothes that are super soft and comfortable. We try to do little things to make our brand stand out, for example each garment has a little message sown on the inside to empower the woman who wears it.

A lot of people buy clothes today because they’re super cheap – that’s not right. Although our products are reasonably priced, they’re made to a really high quality so they withstand the test of time. We don’t make huge bulk productions and we are as sustainable as possible.

And what would you say your biggest success has been as a business woman?

My greatest success was probably my biggest challenge, too – which would be COVID. As a UK-based swimwear brand, sales dropped because all events had been cancelled. Swimwear wasn’t in demand.

I had to completely adapt the business.

I had planned to introduce loungewear to Sian Marie, but not as quickly as we did.

It was tough as no one knew the answers or the ‘right’ way to do things – even Lord Sugar’s advice was literally just to make it through.

So ensuring that the business survived through such a terrible time was a great success, and I’m thankful for it, as I know many businesses didn’t have the same outcome.

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Image © Jakub Taylor

What future plans do you have for Sian Marie – what’s the dream?

There are so many dreams! I’m really excited to expand the loungewear range and continue driving our ethos, so our customers know who we are and what we stand for.

We’re focused on creating a lifestyle and wellness community too, so our customers don’t just buy the clothes to look good, but because they agree with our mission. We have a new blog section on our website covering topics such as mental health and general wellbeing for example, to help the two marry up.

We’ve also recently partnered with George at ASDA, so our loungewear is stocked across the UK, and we’ll be expanding to more stores soon. I love having our products in stores because it gives people that chance to feel the quality and truly understand what we’re all about.

I may be well-known for winning The Apprentice, but I want to change that and become known for my brand, Sian Marie.

woman’s guide to investing Globally, women typically earn 23% less than men. Until the pay gap closes and men and women reach financial parity, it’s essential that women are provided with the knowledge and tools to start their investment journeys. Cory McCruden, Founder of Norstar Insights, shares her advice for women looking to invest wisely 66

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WEALTH MANAGEMENT

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ne of the most common questions I am asked about personal finance and investing is where to start. There are so many options to invest today, it’s overwhelming. Types of investments include individual stocks and bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, interest bearing bank accounts, CDs, options, annuities, real estate, and cryptocurrencies, to name a few.

Before diving into any one particular type of investment, it’s important to first understand your goals and time horizon.

When you think about your goals, consider how important they are to you and your family. Asking what’s at stake if you don’t achieve this particular goal can be a useful way to then understand how important achieving your goal is to you.

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What’s most important to you?

Have your priorities clearly defined. Once you have identified your goals, if you have more than one, try to rank them in order of importance. This will help you prioritise where to focus your efforts. Be mindful that your goals may change over time, which is fine. Do this before considering investments. It can be very easy to get swept up in the excitement of a particular opportunity or to feel like you are missing out on something. It’s important to have your own game plan and also to write it down. Goals may be the purchase of a car, home or vacation, or to graduate school, take a sabbatical or have a child. They are personal and for you to determine for yourself.

When do you need to make something happen?

The next thing to do is specify a timeframe of when you would want to achieve each goal.

Taking into consideration when you will need to have achieved your goal is a critical factor that will help you figure out the most appropriate investments and approach to take. Try to make it easy, and consider a short-, medium-, and long-term time frame. Generally, short-term covers less than three years, medium-term would be three to ten years, and long-term lasts longer than ten years.

Your age or the type of lifestyle you’re looking to build for yourself will influence which goal goes with which time frame. Gone are the MARCH8.COM

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days where ‘retirement’ is a long-term goal.

Thanks to the myriad ways we can earn a living, people have become much more creative in how they spend their time. A sabbatical, semi-retirement, or early retirement may be what is most appropriate for you. It’s important to note that some people never fully retire.

Think of a consultant, university professor or artist. You may choose to work as long as you wish, however, the way you work may look very different later in life than early and mid-career. The bottom line is that retirement is not necessarily something you plan for once you reach 65 or 70 years of age; take into account whether this is a temporary or complete exit from the workforce. Then structure your investment goals based on your needs.

Risk versus volatility – know the difference Once you have determined your goals in order of importance and timing, next consider risk. Risk is any uncertainty that may result in a decline or loss in value of your investments. The more important a goal is to you, or the shorter the time horizon for when you want to reach that goal, then the more you want to reduce the risk or probability of loss of that investment. How do you assess the riskiness of an investment?

In the case of a stock investment, consider the cash flows generated by a particular company and determine how robust and durable they are and if they will continue into the foreseeable future. Think about that company’s competitors, how innovative the company is and whether the business has been able to build a moat around its products and services such that it would be difficult for another player to take market share away. This will give you an idea of how

resilient the business is and whether you can count on that company’s cash flows to sustain a healthy economic return in service to your goal.

Now that we’ve covered risk, let’s talk about volatility – it’s important to understand the difference between the two. Volatility is how quickly the price of an investment moves up or down within a certain time frame. This may have less to do with the “risk” of an investment than you think; they are not necessarily correlated.

In addition, some volatility can actually be good and can work to your advantage. For instance, when the stock market crashed toward the end of February 2020 because of instability triggered by COVID-19, this was a good time to buy stocks in high-quality companies whose prices were much lower than they would be under normal circumstances. Many of these companies quickly rebounded because they were sound companies with healthy businesses producing quality cash flows.

Investing doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated. Everyone can and should use investing to achieve their goals. In order to be successful, have a gameplan with your prioritised goals and time horizon clearly laid out, and use this as a framework with which to assess different types of investment opportunities. As you evaluate different investments, be sure to consider risk or the permanent loss of capital and don’t be afraid of a little volatility. Buying low and selling high (or higher than what you bought at) is always a good strategy.

Cory McCruden is the Founder of Norstar Insights and an Entrepreneur In Residence at Yale University MARCH8.COM

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Being different is a

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POWER Meet Sarah Bern, the England rugby player who talks finding your passion, overcoming hardship, and embracing every little thing that makes you different

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It’s often said that three is the magic number – and in this case, that’s certainly the truth. Sarah Bern is a tighthead (otherwise known as number ‘3’) for the Bristol Bears and England Rugby teams. Although Sarah has seen huge success in a typically male-dominated sport, recently scoring a try from the half-way line while being on the pitch for under a minute, she didn’t exactly have the easiest ride getting there.

So how did it all begin – why rugby?

I was 10 years old, maybe 11, when I picked up a rugby ball for the first time. My cousin and I are similar in age, so I used to copy every sport he did — he probably found me quite annoying. So when he started playing rugby, I followed him down, joined in with the boys and have continued playing all the way up until now.

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When I was younger, I found it difficult because I was the only girl in a boys team.

I was heavier back then, so I was bigger than some of the boys — I think a few found this quite intimidating. But things got better after the first season. I was player of the year and the boys ended up being really lovely to me. I just had to prove myself.

It sounds like a real challenge.

What made you stick around?

Probably because it was so hard to fit in – it made me want to stick around.

At first, it felt like I shouldn’t be playing with the boys as I was the only girl on the team, some wouldn’t even pass me the ball. But when I’m faced with adversity, it eggs me on as I’ve always had a bit of a fiery side.

So was a sports career an obvious path for you?

I wanted to be Tarzan when I was really young. Obviously, that wasn’t going to work out, so I moved on to dreaming of becoming a doctor or a comedian.

But I'm dyslexic, so I struggled with school. I was perceived as naughty… or maybe cheeky. I couldn't grasp maths and English, so I was worried that I’d look stupid. Art and sports were more my thing – anything creative. So for me, a lot of it was about enjoyment. I found my feet in sport because I was naturally fast and quite good at whichever sport I played, so I continued to do it.

It is hard when you’re young, if you don’t enjoy sitting in class reading and writing.

But I’m a big believer in finding a way to enjoy the different things in life.

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Find what you love, because there is something for everyone How do you think rugby has changed since you started playing?

The girls won the 2014 World Cup – so that squad was amazing at the time – but they all still had jobs; Sophie Hemming for example, was a vet. After England finally got the recognition they deserved, people started to take women’s rugby more seriously, so we received investment for the 2017 World Cup, which I was lucky enough to be involved in.

But I’ve noticed a great increase in the number of people who watch us now, and you’re more likely to see articles popping up about women rugby players.

Social media has had a massive impact in this sense, but it’s also the switch in generations – younger people are coming through, asking “why can’t we do this?”. They're eliminating the stigma that might have been attached to rugby a few years earlier.

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INTERVIEW

Do you think it's fair to say that women's teams need to have a degree of success before the general public takes notice of them?

Women in any career have to do twice the amount that a male does to get the same amount of recognition.

Historically, women have been faced with more challenges, so there’s always been an underlying superiority for men.

As far as we’ve come, no matter what walk of life we’re in, it often feels like we have to work twice as hard.

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So what would you say have been the proudest moments of your career?

Just before the 2017 World Cup, we played the Black Ferns in Rotorua, New Zealand, which is known for its hot springs. It was a brilliant game and the first time in 16 years that we won a game against New Zealand in their home country. During the last 20 minutes, the hot springs released steam that surrounded the stadium, which was filled with England Lions fans. That was an amazing memory for

COVER STORY

me as it was my second starting cap, so it was nerve wracking!

Of course I have to mention playing in the World Cup – even though we lost in that final 20 minutes, I'm very happy with how I progressed in that year.

It’s great to see that you come across confident and comfortable in yourself. Has that always been the case?

Oh, I definitely had to learn to feel comfortable in my own skin. I was always a little bigger, quite broad and a tomboy – I didn’t want to paint my nails or wear makeup. When you feel different, you’re automatically unsure of yourself and you ask yourself why you’re not like others.

As you get older, there’s a lot of pressure about what you look like – especially in sports. This knocked my confidence, but when I’m on the rugby pitch I just don’t think about that, I’m too busy playing to care.

It took a lot of self reflection, but I would force myself to think “this is my body” and “this is what makes me good at my job”. So I’m proud that I’m stronger and bigger because I can do lots of different things. Without that, I wouldn't be where I am today.

I wouldn't be Sarah Bern, the England rugby player.

I'm a big believer in finding a way to enjoy different things in life

As a professional sportswoman, how do you cope with injuries?

A physiotherapist said to me once: “You’re this phenomenal athlete because of how you train and play.

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miles an hour everywhere you go, eventually, it will break down.” And that’s exactly the same for us as humans.

With physical injuries, the first stage is usually shock. You then do what you can to get on the road to recovery. The tricky bit is the middle bit, when you want to play rugby, for example, but you can’t. When I injured my shoulder, I had the surgery, but for a long time afterwards I couldn’t do a press up – it was so frustrating! But I then realised that I needed to understand where I am now, and where I wanted to be in the future.

The future is not a physical thing; it's just a timeframe we refer to, so there's no point worrying about it because it's not there yet. You've just got to take it slowly and get a little bit better than you were the day before.

Finally, what advice would you give to a young girl looking to start a career in sport?

Find something that you find fun. Even if you are a little nervous at first, stick with it for a couple of weeks to see if you start to pick it up. Also, try a lot of different sports, because if you don’t try them, you won’t know if it’s the one for you.

But I also want youngsters – no matter their age, sex or gender – who feel a little bit different to others to know that being different is a super power.

If you don’t quite fit in, don’t let it deter you and definitely don’t let it ruin your dreams. If everyone was the same, we'd all wear the same thing, create the same thing, do the same thing – that’s not right. It’s important to find what you love, because there is something for everyone.

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create

A U T HE N T I C

A L L IE S in the workplace

Humans are stronger together than apart.That’s why, to create truly inclusive work environments, we need to stand as one, acting as collaborators and accomplices for those who are underrepresented or from diverse backgrounds MARCH8.COM

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HOW TO...

llyship in the workplace is a key way in which individuals can promote diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI), joining forces to create a harmonious professional environment. Having at least one ally in the workplace is said to give 81% of people a sense of belonging, 79% greater satisfaction with their workplace culture, and 94% are more likely to be satisfied with their job, according to a study from Change Catalyst.

Anyone can become an ally to others in the workplace – it just takes time, willingness and understanding. All of which act as a reward for the wider team, helping cultivat a more inclusive, equal workplace.

1. Recognise your privilege Privilege is power, and it’s important to recognise that if you want to become a true ally. Although the term ‘privilege’ can be polarising, it suffers from frequent misinterpretation. If someone has privilege, it doesn’t mean that they haven’t worked hard or demean any of the hardships they have overcome. And, of course, privilege comes in a host of different forms, so some privilege adds up to be greater than others.

Examples of privilege are race, gender, economic status, sexual orientation, ability and class.

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Although it can be uncomfortable to realise that you may have unearned advantages over colleagues, it’s important to recognise if you want to be an ally and offer support.

Once you have accepted any privilege you may have, you can use this to create open and honest communication, while lifting the voices of others at the same time.

2. Promote education in all forms Becoming an ally in the workplace will most probably take time, effort and learning (or, in some cases, unlearning). One of the best ways in which you can become an ally is through education. And no, this doesn’t just mean reading books and undertaking training.

Communicating with colleagues and taking steps to actively learn and understand how to handle certain situations will help you play your part as an authentic ally to others.

Becoming a mentor or setting up a mentorship programme is another way to promote indirect education. Having a number of good coaches that want to create inclusive workplaces will cause a positive ripple effect throughout the organisation, while providing a supportive environment for underrepresented groups to turn to. Mentors will also generate personalised feedback on how individuals can improve.

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HOW TO...

3. Endorse underrepresented and diverse individuals publicly Sharing what you learnt from someone, acknowledging how they helped you out, or commenting on great work that they achieved in front of others will show that you’re an ally. Speaking positively about others shows that you not only recognise their hard work, but that you want others to do so, too.

It will help to boost the individual's reputation and credibility, highlighting their attributes to others. Praising others publicly will not only make them feel great about themselves, but it will also boost 86

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their confidence. After all, endorsing others is free and a very easy way to show respect to marginalised individuals.

4. See something, say something Calling out bad behaviour is one of the most important things that each and every employee can do to create a safe and diverse work environment – no matter whether they’re the CEO or an intern.

Being attuned to discriminatory behaviour and reacting firmly, calmly and promptly will demonstrate what is and isn’t appropriate in the workplace. Likewise, don’t wait for the marginalised individual

HOW TO...

(or individuals) to react. As a supportive ally, it’s your job to demonstrate that you can recognise unacceptable language and behaviour yourself, while also holding others accountable for their actions. Remember to provide support in the moment too, rather than checking in once the moment has passed.

5. Overcome fears Individuals in well-represented groups may feel afraid of doing or saying the wrong thing and consequently offending someone. This can cause them to be silent or to do nothing at all. But in reality, silence

is just as harmful – by saying nothing, you’re effectively condoning or endorsing certain behaviours.

With everything in life, learning is a journey, and we need to be willing to make mistakes to improve. The most important thing is to be open and honest with your communication, and make it known that you are trying because you want to improve.

To make changes and create more inclusive work environments we need each and every individual to play their part. With that being said, of course there will be a few mistakes, but it’s important to learn from them and to ensure there are ample means of education to support learning.

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WOMEN'S NETWORKS

the EMALE FACTOR

Business Women’s Networks are on the rise – and for good reason. We spoke to Michiel Verhoeven and Lyndsey Spurgin from SAP UK to discuss how their network functions and why other companies should follow suit MARCH8.COM

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WOMEN'S NETWORKS

et’s start with the facts: women account for 47.7% of the global workforce, yet only 27.1% of women are managers and leaders, according to Women in the Workforce Statistics 2022, from TeamStage.

What’s more, 42% of women feel that they have been discriminated against at work because of their gender, and globally, the gender pay gap is growing, with women earning 22% less in monthly wages.

Now, imagine you had a space at your workplace to express your ideas, ambitions and challenges. A safe space, occupied by women supporting each other, sharing advice and inspirational stories. If this sounds like something that would benefit you, then perhaps you should look into launching a women’s network.

What are women’s networks?

In a nutshell, women’s networks are spaces that encourage women, and anyone who supports women, to meet regularly and discuss meaningful topics while driving diversity, and inclusion (D&I) initiatives.

“After seeing the diversity at SAP, I wanted to create a programme to bond together the women, to provide inspiring role models and to create an inclusive environment,” says Lyndsey Spurgin, Vice President of Global Marketing Programs at SAP. “The Business Women’s Network (BWN) very quickly took off, as we found that there were a lot of women throughout SAP who wanted to join. Now, we’re a really vibrant network group, with over 15,000 active members and 90 chapters at SAP, globally.”

Ultimately, women’s networks connect groups across different departments within a company, providing a platform for women MARCH8.COM

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to share experiences and ideas with the aim of setting the members up for success. It’s also a place where individuals can come together to brainstorm ways to achieve D&I initiatives, helping businesses to become more inclusive.

“Through having a BWN at SAP, the company has been able to unite women together, providing them with the opportunity to discuss various challenges, needs, and aspirations,” Michiel Verhoeven, Managing Director of SAP UK & Ireland adds.

“But ultimately, BWN brings together a sincere group of other people – not just women,” he continues. “SAP’s BWN welcomes anyone who wants to support women, including those from the male 92

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community, as well as from our external community and customers, such as Burberry, Microsoft and Barclays.”

What makes a successful women’s network?

Start off by asking yourself and other passionate individuals hoping to join the network: “What do we want to achieve?”.

From here, you’ll be able to construct a better understanding of what needs to be gained from the network, and how you can go about achieving it. For example, individuals may be looking for a space to drive cultural change, or to discuss progression opportunities.

WOMEN'S NETWORKS

Lyndsey says: “It’s important to remember that women’s networks are usually run by volunteer teams, so SAP’s BWN exists simply because we’re passionate about diversity and inclusion.

“But BWNs should not just be seen as a gesture; they are long-term projects aiming to build diversity – at SAP, we focus on the three R’s: recruitment, retention and role models.

“Firstly, we make sure we have diverse candidates on our shortlist when recruiting new staff. We then focus on retaining staff by looking at policies from an HR perspective, and finally, we ensure that we involve role models to inspire others by sharing their stories.”

Another way to ensure that your women’s network remains fun, informative and educational, is by running regular events.

Of course, this can span joining events virtually to connect with other events or speakers, or hosting your own.

“We run various events throughout the year to inspire anyone who identifies as a woman, and of course the men that support them,” Lyndsey says. “Here at SAP, we try to make each event as inclusive as possible, so our members not only enjoy the sessions, but we’re spreading the word on what we do, too.

“We’ve hosted topics on issues such as unconscious bias, trying to ensure that they appeal to employees at all stages of their careers. We've had some amazing speakers, MARCH8.COM

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WE’RE ALL ABOUT MAKING REAL CHANGE, NOT JUST CULTURAL CHANGES, TO MAKE SAP A BETTER PLACE TO WORK

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WOMEN'S NETWORKS

including Ruby Wax and Gina Martin, who spoke about the upskirting law. We also had a speaker who shared their battle with cancer – I had numerous people tell me that it gave them hope, or even just an opportunity to cry about something. It was truly inspirational.”

How can women’s network’s encourage change?

Not only do women’s networks empower individuals through the promotion of self-growth, but they can also bring cultural changes to companies by challenging policies and creating positive, more inclusive work environments.

“The BWN has enabled us to create great change within SAP,” Lyndsey says. “One policy change that I’m particularly proud of is the Coercion Control and Domestic Abuse policy, which we created with HR to help employees should they be in those circumstances. We’re all about making real change, not just cultural changes, to make SAP a better place to work.”

Despite what you may think, women’s networks aren’t limited to focusing on internal growth – many businesses use it as an opportunity to reach out and help the wider community. Through small-scale projects such as litter picks and charity fundraisers, as well as global initiatives such as sponsoring other women and providing essential resources for schools, women’s networks are about to bring change to each corner of the globe.

“We’re part of a charity called Global Give Back Circle,” Lyndsey says. “Through this, we sponsor two young women in Kenya to ensure their university tuition fees, accommodation and resources are paid for. Both women are 19 years old and the first in their family to go to university. We really want to make sure that we can support them all the way through their education to give them a really good start.”

The growth of women’s networks As our opening statistics show, women still have a long journey ahead before true, meaningful equality is reached, but although progress is slow, it’s progress nonetheless.

Over recent years, we’ve seen steady growth in the number of women uniting to create networks; however, the more women that stand up and demand equality (backed by every other group in society, of course) the sooner this progression will accelerate.

Michiel concludes: “What makes women’s networks so successful is the fact that they’re movements that generate change. People recognise that it is a continuous initiative worth participating in and belonging to.

“But as our BWN is inclusive to male and non-binary communities, we’re able to see the great impact it has on the wider company. I’ve started to see many more men wanting to sponsor women now in their careers, which is probably a side effect of women’s networks that people didn't expect. So to me, these aspects show that women’s networks matter and they really do promote change.”

> CONNECT <

> CONNECT <

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7 - 8 SEPT 2022

STREAMED & IN PERSON

BUSINESS DESIGN CENTRE, LONDON

SHAPING THE BUSINESS OF SUSTAINABILITY 3,000+

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Join us at SUSTAINABILITY LIVE LONDON Showcase your values, products and services to your partners and customers at SUSTAINABILITY LIVE LONDON 2022.

Brought to you by BizClik Media Group SUSTAINABILITY LIVE LONDON, the hybrid event held between 7th-8th September is broadcast live to the world and incorporates three zone areas of Sustainability LIVE, B-Corp LIVE plus March8 LIVE in to one event.

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From keynote addresses to lively roundtables, fireside discussions to topical presentations, Q&A sessions to 1-2-1 networking, the 2-day hybrid show is an essential deep dive into issues impacting the future of each industry today.

Global giants and innovative startups will all find the perfect platform with direct access to an engaged and active audience. You can’t afford to miss this opportunity.

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MENTEES

MEET the MENTEES We caught up with five mentees that are currently on the MARCH8 Mentorship Programme, to see how they’re finding the experience and why they wanted to join the programme

MENTEES

“I am a Muslim, Pilipina third-year Computer Science major at San Francisco State University, US. My experience with my mentor, Jeanette, has been insightful, self-reflective, and empowering.

She has taught me how to be an independent boss woman who creates boundaries, focuses on personal health and development, all while being able to productively manage time and finances.

Our monthly wellness calls have kept me in-check and regular communication has assisted in our relationship building thus far.

MARCH8 has done an incredible job with the pairing and I could not have asked for a better mentor.”

“I have been looking for a mentor who can guide me not only to grow professionally, but to unlock hidden potential in me, too. By joining the MARCH8 Mentorship Programme, I was able to build a new relationship with my mentor, Alma, who has become an inspiration to me.

I enjoyed having transparent conversations with her, where she shared experiences and perspectives on challenging situations. I also learnt about her values, which helped her to be resilient and successful, both in her professional and personal life.

I have learnt from my mentor that no one is ready to try something new and we must start to break our own high standards, to be comfortable with uncomfortable situations, and to learn from mistakes.

To me, mentorship is a journey of self-discovery while navigating to the desired destination where the real growth happens.

I would recommend the MARCH8 Mentorship Programme because it is designed to coach individuals towards success by expanding their network, which can help to extend professional resources.”

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MENTEES

“I am currently the Director of Quality Services at Deciem and I have a BSc in Biochemistry and EMBA in business administration.

For me, becoming a mentee with the MARCH8 Mentorship Programme allowed me to connect with other women who have previously been in my position. I recently had my first meeting with my mentor, Adaku, who really listened, while giving balanced and honest opinions. Both Adaku and I are women of colour in senior leadership roles and it was a wonderful, open conversation with a peer who provided feedback from a different perspective on how we viewed broader issues within the workplace.

I would definitely recommend the programme to other women who are interested in joining as it gives you a safe space to be yourself, to get advice from others that you can trust due to their experience, and provides an opportunity to grow as a professional while developing action-specific self goals.”

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“It’s been fantastic to connect with someone who has been willing to share their experiences of the working world. My mentor and I are from different areas, which has been great to hear a different perspective and also what’s going on, comparatively to where I am.

We enjoyed our first meeting discussing experience and it cemented some of my passion for the work I am currently doing.

It was lovely to just hear someone else think my day-to-day is worthwhile and was a great opportunity to reflect.

My mentor, Kasia, also gave me some fantastic advice on hosting my first ever networking event – which in turn, was a great success. I’d recommend the programme to anyone looking for an opportunity to network, gain clarity on what you’re currently doing or what you’re aspiring to do in the future.”

MENTEES

ILARIA TESTA “I found the MARCH8 Mentorship Programme at the perfect moment for me. I was not happy with my work-life balance and the amount of pressure which came from working in a start-up. It was hard for me, but I decided to resign. On the same day, I had my first meeting with Anna, my mentor.

She immediately understood me, not only because we both speak Italian, but because she shared the experience of working in a start-up. We've talked about what I'd like to achieve through the programme, which I found inspiring and calming, because in this moment of change, I was able to share my thoughts and experiences with a professional like her.

Her speaking Italian is a fortunate chance for her to practise her skills and for me also to explain myself in my mother tongue – which is always easier. I would recommend the programme, not only to someone like me who is in a moment of confusion, but also to someone who is unsure about her career. Starting this journey will help you to understand your values and purpose, to guide your future choices.”

I FOUND THE MARCH8 MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME AT THE PERFECT MOMENT FOR ME

MARCH8 LIVE

MEET the SPEAKERS Did you miss the first MARCH8 LIVE event?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered, as we’re proud to formally introduce you to our seven phenomenal speakers right here

n International Women’s Day 2022, we held our first March8 LIVE event – and it was certainly a day to remember. We welcomed seven phenomenal women to the stage, who spoke on topics to educate, motivate and elevate our audience, while also enjoying panel discussions and networking breaks in between. But in case you weren’t able to attend, this is your chance to catch up on everything you missed.

Join us at March8 LIVE: Women In STEM, co-located with Cloud & 5G LIVE, Tech & AI LIVE and Cyber LIVE as part of TECH LIVE London on 23rd-24th June. You can join us in-person at Tobacco Dock or online using our virtual events platform.

MARCH8 Live - The Launch Event 2022

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MARCH8 LIVE

On International Women’s Day 2022, we held our first MARCH8 LIVE event – and it was certainly a day to remember.

We welcomed seven phenomenal women to the stage, who spoke on topics to educate, motivate and elevate our audience, while also enjoying panel discussions and networking breaks in between. But in case you weren’t able to attend, this is your chance to catch up on everything you missed.

Join us at MARCH8 LIVE: Women In STEM, co-located with Cloud & 5G LIVE, Tech & AI LIVE and Cyber LIVE as part of TECH LIVE London on 23rd-24th June. You can join us in-person at Tobacco Dock or online using our virtual events platform.

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DUCAT

LUCY RISSIK FOUNDER AND CEO, BROTHERHOOD OF BRAND The word ‘gaming’ stereotypically creates a vision of boys sitting in a dark room for hours on end, surrounded by unhealthy snacks while they play violent games. It’s Lucy’s mission to change this perception. During her talk, she also discussed how this inaccurate and unhelpful stereotype is causing brands to miss out on huge opportunities.

MARCH8 LIVE

KIMBERLEE PERRY FOUNDER, ((BOUNCE))

EMILY CHADWICK

Delivering a high-energy talk, Kimberlee shared the story of how she founded ((BOUNCE)), her inclusive exercise company that helps people of any age stay fit and healthy through mini trampoline classes. She also discussed how ((BOUNCE)) has a franchise system, to encourage women to take control of their own learning and careers.

CEO, MARKETING LOGIC After stepping up to her first board member position at just 25 years old, Emily discussed how seizing an opportunity dramatically changed the course of her life and catapulted her career. During her 30-minute talk, Emily discussed many relatable topics, such as creating your own luck, the power of failure and the importance of networking.

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MARCH8 LIVE

BEATRIZ RODRIGUEZ SVP TALENT AND DE&I, BAYER Arguably one of the most emotionally captivating talks of the day, Beatriz shared the struggles she faced balancing her personal goals with her family’s expectations. One of the most powerful points she made, however, was how seemingly small stereotypes can have a major impact on social movements, as well as your career.

KATE COOK WELLNESS EXPERT & CO-FOUNDER, PEOPLE ENERGY PARTNERSHIP

Kate undoubtedly had the audience hooked (and on their feet!) sharing how to have the best year of your health. But one of the key moments was when she was asked to summarise her talk, her answer was: “Never be afraid to recreate yourself.

View who you are as a shell, and when you want to change, have the courage to leave that shell behind. Be proud of who you are.”

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L EVAT

MARCH8 LIVE

FRA NCES HOLMES FOUNDER & CEO, SPEAK OUT REVOLUTION

ZARA JANJUA

MARCH8 Mentor Frances took to the stage to share how she was found her passion in the workplace – and how it wasn’t a simple journey. Through her insightful talk, Frances openly shared the many challenges that she faced throughout her career, and why she’s refused to see them as obstacles.

FREELANCE MULTI-HYPHEN ‘Just f**king do it’ – the title of Zara’s talk, and an attitude she applies to everything in life. And, after explaining that she has been fired 21 times in her lifetime (yes, that’s not a typo), it’s clear to see that she wasn’t kidding. But Zara’s message wasn’t about being reckless; it was about speaking up, finding your passion and doing what you want without worrying about the judgement of others.

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We took to our social media platforms to ask the MARCH8 community their thoughts on some of today’s most current topics

This month’s question:

How do you handle days in the workplace when you're not feeling your most confident self?

“I remember a time when I did feel confident.

I see it, I hear it and feel it. Then, I turn the vision up.

I make the picture brighter, the sounds louder and the feelings stronger. I then "anchor" this sensation.

An anchor is a physical touch point on your body. For example, clenching your fist. This creates biofeedback.

Your body remembers when I clench my fist, I am feeling confident. I then can use that in moments when I don't feel confident. I can clench my fist and take myself back to a confident state.”

“I sharpen the saw in two ways.

Firstly, I tackle the problem at work that gives me anxiety, by communicating openly with my manager and team. Secondly, I take time to rest and recharge, to be able to handle it better in future.”

Sorana Duca

Kylee Hurrell

“If it's about skills or knowledge, I try to read up on the topic or find whether there are any internal courses being offered to employees from HR and I do those. If it's about my personality or soft skills, I do positive affirmations and think of my accomplishments. That always works a charm.”

Wardah Khalid

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When you can have a global footprint without the carbon footprint.

That’s Economics.

SAP can help optimize your supply chain for lower emissions and greater profit. sap.com/economics

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