This International Women’s Day, Impact Recruitment Group Ltd I B Corp co-Founder Jules Dosne had the privilege of attending an inspiring conversation at London’s historic Mansion House, where female entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and changemakers gathered to accelerate action toward gender parity. Hosted by Social Pantry and The Lady Mayoress of the City of London, the event sparked powerful discussions on confidence, resilience, and the road ahead for women in business.
Key Takeaways
Breaking Barriers and Backing Women – One of the most compelling themes? The idea that women don’t lack confidence—society lacks confidence in them. The call to action was clear: women must champion one another, invest in female-led businesses, and rewrite the narrative that so often holds them back. Resilience was another key driver—true confidence isn’t about never doubting yourself, but about pushing forward, learning from failures, and surrounding yourself with the right people.
Failure as Fuel – In some cultures, failure is a badge of honour; in others, it’s a stigma. The panel challenged this mindset, emphasising that setbacks are stepping stones, not roadblocks. The pandemic, for example, forced many entrepreneurs to pivot, revealing that adaptability is just as crucial as ambition. The takeaway? Detach emotionally from setbacks, treat them as lessons, and keep moving forward.
Allies, Advocates, and Action – No one succeeds in isolation. Finding a community that aligns with your values, seeking out mentors, and trusting in the power of networking can be game-changers. Putting your ambitions out into the world—without waiting for perfection—can open unexpected doors. And when it comes to building a team? The advice was blunt: it’s better to have a gap in your staff than to hire the wrong person. Culture and values matter.
The Road Ahead – Despite the strides made, only 19% of businesses are female-led. Events like this aren’t just about celebrating progress—they’re about accelerating it. The path forward requires action: supporting women-led enterprises, fostering inclusive workplaces, and challenging outdated perceptions.
This isn’t just a conversation for International Women’s Day—it’s a movement that must continue every day. Let’s keep pushing for change.
Thank you to Gaby Huddart for leading the discussion and to the wonderful panel for sharing your stories and advice – Holly Tucker MBE – Founder, Not On The High Street & Holly & Co; Thomasina Miers, Co-founder of Wahaca; Micaela Sharp, Founder of Micaela Sharp Design; Toria Smith, Founder of Grape & Fig; Alex Head – Founder & CEO of Social Pantry
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