In celebration of International Women’s Day – this morning at Mansion House, I heard a panel of female founders talk honestly about the highs, lows, and everything in between of building a business. It was a reminder that the real story behind success is rarely polished.
Hearing Dame Susan Langley, the Lady Mayor of the City of London, open the event was inspiring. She reminded us of the importance of raising and inspiring the next generation of female leaders – a point that resonated throughout the morning.
The panel featured Alex Head (Social Pantry), Henrietta Rix (Rixo), Cath Kidston (C. Atherley) and Ann Elliott (Boardwalk), who shared candid insights from their journeys. A few things really stood out to me:
There’s rarely a perfect moment to start. Most of them began without a detailed plan – just an idea and the willingness to get on with it.
Resilience is the real superpower. Every founder spoke about setbacks, tough decisions, cost pressures, and wrong hires. Persistence is what carries you through.
Ask for help early. Mentors, networks, and sponsors who actively champion you make a huge difference. Sometimes, it’s not another mentor you need – it’s someone who will open doors.
Know your customer and trust your instincts. One speaker realised that what she thought was instinct was actually a deep understanding of her market.
Be yourself. Trying to fit someone else’s version of leadership rarely works – authenticity pays off.
After 24 years of running my own company, this conversation reminded me of one thing I’d add: building a business is a marathon, not a sprint. Early years are about hustle; later years are about endurance, judgement, and surrounding yourself with the right people.
Thanks to the organisers for putting together such a thoughtful event to mark International Women’s Day. I left energised and inspired by the energy, passion, and authenticity of these founders – and reminded why community and support are everything in entrepreneurship.