International Women’s Day 2026: What we wish we’d known as young women

This International Women’s Day, we asked the women on our team a simple question:
What life and career advice do you wish you'd been given as a young woman? And as this year’s theme is “Give to Gain”, we also asked: How do you share your wisdom and knowledge now?

Their answers were thoughtful, honest, and deeply personal. From learning to take up space to discovering that careers rarely follow a single path, here’s what they shared.

Caroline - Show young women the map

I wish someone had simply sat me down and asked, “What do you want to do?” As a young woman, I didn’t need someone to tell me what to do. I needed someone to show me the map of options available. At 18, I thought there was only one right way forward. I didn’t realise that paths into education and careers could be flexible and varied.

Because I lacked that guidance, I took the long way around. I eventually earned my degree as an adult, something I’m incredibly proud of, but it meant juggling full-time work and parenting at the same time.

Today, I try to be the listener I didn’t have — helping young people see the bigger picture early on and build a roadmap that reflects both their personal goals and professional ambitions.

Liz - Growth happens outside your comfort zone

I wish I had been told that real progression and growth happens by doing things that push you outside of your comfort zone. Confidence can only be gained by striving for something new!

I now try to impart this little bit of wisdom in all my encounters with young people, encouraging them to do things even if they are nervous as the accomplishment of doing it outweighs the nerves.

Amaia - Remember that the world is bigger than you can see

When I was younger, I thought my future was only as big as the paths I could see around me. If I couldn’t see someone like me doing something, I assumed it wasn’t for me.

Growing up in a small city, the possibilities felt limited. It wasn’t until I moved to London that I realised how much bigger the world could be. Seeing different careers, ideas and people expanded my sense of what was possible.

I also held myself back from opportunities because I didn’t meet every requirement. And many women do the same. We wait until we feel completely qualified before we take the chance.

But confidence doesn’t come before opportunity. It grows because of it. Your career isn’t a box you step into — it’s a journey you grow into.

Faith - You don’t have to have everything figured out

One piece of advice I wish I’d been given earlier is that you don’t have to have everything figured out straight away. When you’re young, it can feel like you need a clear plan or that you should follow the same path as everyone else.

Over time, I’ve realised it’s okay to take a different route and focus on what genuinely makes you happy rather than simply following expectations.

Another thing I wish I’d learned sooner is the importance of speaking up and valuing your own ideas. Your voice and perspective matter more than you think.

Ruth - Your background shouldn’t define your ceiling

If I could give my younger self advice, it would be this: explore what’s actually out there. There are so many careers you never see if no one around you works in them. Don’t rule something out because it feels “not for people like me.”

Look into different pathways, including specialist qualifications and alternatives to the traditional university route. Most importantly, believe that your economic background does not determine your ceiling.

I’d also say: stop being embarrassed about putting yourself forward. Don’t miss out on opportunities because you’re anxious about what other people might think. Often, taking a chance and putting yourself forward is the best way to discover what’s possible.

When I was younger, I quietly dismissed roles because I assumed they weren’t achievable for someone in my situation. Sometimes all someone needs is guidance and someone to say: yes, you can — here’s how.

Sarah-Jane - Take up space and lift others up

I wish I’d been told to have more faith in myself, to trust my instincts and follow my heart. Impostor syndrome has followed me throughout my career and still shows up sometimes, even though I’ve achieved things I’m incredibly proud of.

I also wish someone had encouraged me earlier to take up space, speak up and stand firmly behind what I believe in. My voice deserves to be heard just as much as any man’s.

Now I try to carry that lesson forward. I’m passionate about creating a more equitable society and using my work to amplify voices that often go unheard.

As I’ve progressed in my career, I’ve made a conscious effort not to pull the ladder up behind me, but to help create opportunities for other women and girls to step forward.

Many of us wish we had received clearer guidance, encouragement, or visibility of what was possible. That is why we do the work we do today: helping young people see futures they might not otherwise imagine.

This International Women’s Day, we’re proud of the women on our team and the next generation of women whose potential they help unlock.