Think Women:
small changes can have profound effects
Marianne Curphey reports back on Relocate’s Think Women workshop and lunch, which celebrated International Women’s Day and brought together inspiring speakers to share their stories of overcoming personal and professional challenges to achieve success.
each of us and making small changes to the way we speak and
T
act can have profound effects. That was the message of the Think Women workshop and lunch held at the Institute of Directors in London on 6 March. Featuring inspirational speakers from the world of global mobility, leadership, aviation and HR, the occasion was an opportunity for women and men to discuss the opportunities and challenges in today’s global workforce.
TAKING RISKS AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE Ann Ellis, co-founder of global expansion expert and business services provider Mauve, began by sharing the story of how her childhood dream of running her own business and travelling the world came true. After growing up on a Welsh farm, she went on to study modern languages and become a teacher. Later, while caring for two young children, she founded Mauve in Italy, which now has offices in 70 countries and helps workers across the globe. “I was brought up in a close-knit community where we all supported each other,” she told the audience. “I took opportunities as they arose and took chances. I often feel like I am standing on the edge of a precipice, but I say to people, just accept the risk and go for it.” Mauve started very small – in a broom cupboard in her Italian
home, to be precise. “It had just enough space for a desk, chair and bookshelf, but it had no windows,” Ms Ellis explained. Setting up the company meant juggling the care of two young children with learning how to support freelance workers in the days before the Internet and with only a fax machine to hand. Yet from small beginnings, the company now helps workers in 150 countries and has made a profound difference to the lives of
he power to change society and even the world lies within
many people. Without Mauve, many individuals would not have had the support and advice that has enabled them to be globally mobile. “Twenty years ago when I set off to Italy with our two children and all our essential belongings in two cars, I felt as though I were on an adventure,” she said. “Today, I still do. It has been a wonderful experience.”
FINDING INSPIRATION IN EVERYDAY LIFE The next speaker was Teresa Boughey, who discussed the power of “ordinary people” to enthuse and inspire us, and how we can act as role models and inspiration to other people. Making small changes to the way we act – for example, by using active listening in our personal and professional relationships – can create big changes, she explained. Teresa Boughey is CEO of award-winning Jungle HR and
works with executive boards and leadership teams during times of change and business transformations. Throughout her career, Ms Boughey has gained vast strategic HR experience and has worked at a senior level within a variety of industries and sectors. She explained how, as a mother at age 16, she had to overcome
prejudice and judgement in her quest to care for her daughter and make a better life for herself. “I was determined not to be restricted by those judgements that were levelled at me,” she said. “There were things that I had to sacrifice and do differently. You can do anything you want. Surround yourself with cheerleaders, dig deep and hold onto those dreams.”
36 | RELOCATE | SPRING 2020
Below: Carrie Clark and Teresa Boughey at the Think Women workshop and lunch.
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