March 8th 2022 marks International Women’s Day, with this year’s campaign theme of #BreakTheBias.

“Whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead. Knowing that bias exists isn’t enough, action is needed to level the playing field.

Are you in? Will you actively call out gender bias, discrimination and stereotyping each time you see it?

Will you help break the bias?” – International Women’s Day

At Red Tiger we have each decided to share some of our inspirational women, both famous people and those close to us. Who are the strong, inspirational women in your life? How are you working to break the bias in your work and daily life? Comment below your thoughts!

Steve’s Inspirational Women

• Steph Durbin An amazing inspirational woman who has successfully pivoted her career from a senior leader at Co-op to a well-established leadership coach.  I have had the privilege of calling her first a client, a colleague and a friend.  She has given me the courage and support on my journey to being a coach.

• Martine Wiltshire MBE (nee Wright) Martine unfortunately lost both her legs in the 2005 terrorist attacks in London.  I attended an Anytime conference where she was a keynote speaker and she showed an unbelievable level grit and determination to become a sitting volleyball player who went on to represent Great Britain in the 2012 Paralympic games in London.  In 2012 she won the BBC Sport Personality Helen Rollason Award.

Paul’s Inspirational Women

• Emotional one but Steve and my late Mum (Susan) who sadly passed away 3 years ago – unfortunately sometimes you only really realise what impact they had when they are gone – memories I have are of someone who would always be pleasant kind and loving, never say a bad word about anyone and always be there to help in any way she could – always smiling and a great Mum, wife and friend to everyone – sadly missed but very fondly remembered!

• My wife Vic great Mum to 4 girls and although I tease her about 3 changes of career in the last 10 years (Although she doesn’t think this) she excels at each one – the latest being a Chemistry teacher at a secondary school learning her trade initially during various lockdowns is not easy by any means but 20 years since she did Chemistry also meant there are huge challenges of regaining lots of knowledge!

• Kelly Holmes I was reminded of her a few months back when it turns out she had suffered with mental health problems during her build up to the 2004 Olympics (At which she won 2 gold medals) – injury in 2003 contributed to her being clinically depressed (And she was unable to take anti-depressants due to possible impact on her training) but she battled on (And unfortunately self-harmed) to enable a better chance of performing well at the 2004 Olympics.  She is inspiring given her determination and also how open she is with the problems she faced in an effort to help others.

Chloe’s Inspirational Women

• My mum (Barbara) She has always been there for me and supported me in everything I have wanted to do in life. My mum has taught me to be strong, to make my own choices for myself, and to know that I am capable of anything I put my mind to. She inspires me for her work ethic and commitment to get where she is now in her career and in life in spite of any difficulties faced along the way (though now I am sure she is looking forward to retirement and focusing more on herself!).

• Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time. Dabbling in gymnastics growing up and having always had a strong interest in watching gymnastics at the Olympics, Biles is incredibly inspirational to me for her talent, strength and passion for what she does. Perhaps most recently as well, when she withdrew from the 2020 Summer Olympics to prioritise her mental health, I felt this was really important to see from such a high-performing athlete in helping overcome the stigma that surrounds mental health in sports and putting your own needs first.