Inspiration from 5 female leaders driving positive change
March 8, 2024 
Share This PostThis International Women’s Day, we want to celebrate the inspiring women we work with, amplify their voices and turn the spotlight on the impactful work they are doing.
Read on for unique insights and advice from 5 female leaders driving positive change around the globe.
Sarah Carr, CEO, Naturewatch Foundation
Who inspires you?
I’m inspired by people who are determined to make a positive impact on our world and improve lives for everyone. I am inspired by the yoga teacher and activist Adriene Mishler, who has shared thousands of free yoga and mindfulness practices at no cost to support and inspire people of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds across the globe. Her dog Benji is amazing too! On the political stage, I have been hugely inspired by Michelle Obama for her persistence, resilience, kindness and intellect.
What do you love about the work you do
I want to do my bit to make the world a kinder and fairer place, so I love being able to make a difference and help innocent animals and people through our work at Naturewatch Foundation. There is such a strong link between how people treat animals and people.
What are you working on right now and how can people show their support?
At Naturewatch Foundation we coordinate World Animal Day on October 4 around the world. We are so proud of our growing family of voluntary global Ambassadors connecting millions of animal advocates and successfully motivating people to take action and create a better future for all animals. We inspire people to get involved here.
What’s your favourite piece of advice
As Michelle Obama said “Am I good enough? Yes, I am.”
Sophie Edwards, Social Media Officer (Communities), Samaritans
What do you love about the work you do
I love that I work in a team of talented women. We all lift each other up and support each other through all the highs and lows. Each and every one of them inspires me to become a better person and I feel so grateful to be surrounded by a team of strong women.
Lynn Snyder, Community Systems Lead, SuperAwesome
What inspires you?
Younger people entering the workforce and pushing back against the status quo inspire me. They’ve shown us that collaboration works, that mental health matters, that leaders who prioritise relationships can make a huge difference, and that bottom lines can benefit from a more holistic approach.
Favourite piece of advice:
I don’t know where I saw this (a meme, a tee shirt?) but “Don’t believe everything you think” has stuck with me.. It’s a reminder that we have to go through a lot of bad ideas before we find the gem, that credit is meaningless without it being shared, and that good ideas are their own reward. This may seem as though it runs counter to self-advocacy for women in the workplace, but really, it just reminds us that it’s harder to listen to others when the voice in our own head is too dug-in. People do great work when they’re not feeling the need to constantly look over their own shoulder, and confidence is contagious.
Kylie Petitt, Digital Engagement Lead, Dementia UK
Who inspires you?
My mum has been a huge inspiration to me. She has always been incredibly independent and constantly learning new skills, like French and expanding her work skillset. Her passion is contagious, and it’s made me realise the importance of setting challenging goals for myself and striving to learn and grow. Her independence inspires me to be self-sufficient and chase my own dreams, no matter how difficult they may seem.
Favourite piece of advice
The best advice I ever got is to focus on the journey, not just the destination. Everyone starts somewhere, and progress is what matters most.
What do you love about the work you do
My grandparents all had dementia, and witnessing their struggles first-hand is why I love being part of a team that makes a difference to people going through what my family and I did.
Corinne Clark, Head of Social Media, Sightsavers
Who or what inspires you?
At Sightsavers, I’m lucky to work with some incredible women who are changing the future for millions in areas like health, education and inclusion. Outside of work I volunteer with environmental charities where women are leading the charge in delivering more sustainable communities. Knowing my work helps amplify their voices and contribute to a better tomorrow inspires me to work hard every day!
What do you love about the work you do
I love working with people – sharing their stories, amplifying their voices and collaborating with creative individuals. It’s why I got into social media!
What are you working on right now and how can people show their support?
This year on International Women’s Day Sightsavers is working harder than ever to tackle discrimination and make health care fairer for women. Find out more here or follow our stories on Instagram.
Favourite piece of advice
Someone once told me that you need to look after yourself in order to give 100% to others. When life gets busy or stressful I really try to remember that!
Social media can be a busy job to work in. I really believe in striking a good work/life balance as a social media manager so you don’t burn out – you can’t do your job effectively if you never take a break.