At Cavendish, International Women’s Day is more than a date in the diary it’s a moment to pause and celebrate the women who shape our culture, strengthen our work, and influence our future.
This year’s global theme “Give to Gain” speaks directly to who we are. We know that when we give our time, share our knowledge, use our voice, or support one another, we all gain. Across our teams, the women of Cavendish embody this daily through mentoring colleagues, building community, showing leadership, and sharing insights.
Today we will be spotlighting the women using their platforms to the wider industry.
Using voice to expand what leadership looks like
Head of Tech, Steph MacLeod reminds us that progress doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when women step forward, and when organisations make space for them to do so:
“I strongly believe that you can’t be what you can’t see. For me, showing up, speaking at or hosting events is never about visibility for its own sake; it’s about a deeper sense of responsibility. Far too often, female leaders remain underrepresented on the stages where decisions are made, narratives are shaped and futures are forged. When we step forward, we don’t simply share our expertise, we actively broaden the definition of leadership.
“Our presence and voices help expand what leadership looks and sounds like, offering an example to other women – especially younger ones – that they too can take their place at the table. On International Women’s Day, I am reminded that progress is not something that happens by accident. It requires us to use our voices, share our stories, challenge the status quo, and foster a culture where others can do the same. By doing so, we help shape a future that is more inclusive, representative and inevitably better.”
Showing up online and in-person
Leadership isn’t always a big stage. Sometimes it’s a LinkedIn post that sparks debate, or a panel that inspires a room. Creative Director, Charli Edwards, reflects on the power of using her platform intentionally:
“Using my voice, whether it’s through an online post, a panel discussion or a moment of thought leadership, isn’t about filling space, it’s about shaping it. Every time I speak up, I’m reminded that our industry moves forward when we share openly, challenge gently and connect honestly.
“If I’ve learnt anything, it’s that showing up with my perspective matters; it invites others to do the same, and that’s how real change begins.”
Championing stories that matter
At the recent PRCA ‘Storytelling unconference’, Head of Northern Ireland, Dawn Hesketh-Guilfoyle, highlighted the impact of elevating others:
“This week I spoke at a PRCA storytelling event about a campaign that has real, tangible social impact. While the event itself wasn’t to do with IWD, it wasn’t lost on me that timing wise, it aligned. Using speaking platforms to share our own voices, or the voices of those we represent can be a powerful tool for change.”
Raising standards and representation through awards
Judging isn’t just about celebrating excellence. It’s also about shaping the narrative of who gets seen and celebrated in our industry, as explained by Head of BrandComms, Verity Barr:
“Recognising and celebrating success across our industry is really important. It shows the impact of what we can achieve and the value of what we do. Through my role as an awards judge, I play a small but vital role in ensuring that the best work, carried out by the best people is rewarded, and that the winners are representative of our sector as a whole.”
Why representation matters
When women at Cavendish take the lead, they make it easier for more voices to be heard and ensure that the next generation of women see a place for themselves here.
The impact is real, measurable, and something we’re proud of:
- Cavendish Women Internal Impact Group mentorship programme now has 40 women taking part across 8 regional offices.
- 60% of our new hires this year have been women.
- Senior-level hires have been a 50/50 gender split across the year.
- 48% of our overall promotions this year were women.
- 71% of the promotions to Director this year were women.
These numbers reflect more than progress, they reflect intention. When women can see themselves represented at every level, pathways widen.
To find out more about our culture and opportunities at Cavendish visit our careers page here.
