"I am delighted to be celebrating 18 years of leading our amazing charity. Having the opportunity to shape the culture of an organisation is a huge privilege. I believe it's about personal relationships and how we do things. If we are kind and tolerant, we can achieve more. I also believe that as a leader, it's important to acknowledge when you've got it wrong or don't know the answer. It's a good thing to be determined and have your own opinions and not be worried or discouraged if people disagree. Just remember to have the same strength of character to change your mind. It could be that someone else is better at some things, and that's ok too. I think it demonstrates real strength when we can ask for support. I believe that in my role as director, but also in the way Key delivers its services. When people reach out to Key for support, we want to celebrate that first step and then support people to recognise their own strengths while guiding them to a brighter future.

"Growing up, I lived in an environment where I was always told I was ridiculous if I thought differently. This made me even more determined because people can only be genuinely happy when they are who they are meant to be. If I'm honest, I was a little rebellious, but as I got older, I was able to harness my rebellious nature to be more persuasive instead. I want to change people's minds in some cases, but at the same time, I passionately believe there must be tolerance about different points of view and a willingness to learn from others. It's not ok for there to be just one right way of thinking, but disagreeing doesn't have to mean conflict if it's done in a kind way.

"I've had many positive influences along my work journey. Lynne, Key's former chair, taught me you can be strong and kind. Having her own point of view was always grounded in kindness and generosity for others to be heard. This was in such contrast to many of my earlier life experience. Rosie, a former therapist from Key, is another strong influencer. She would challenge me to think differently, sowing seeds and planting them with kindness so I could hear. 

"I believe society has changed for women over the years and for the better. As a mum of three, I've also taught my children to be themselves and not shy away from speaking their minds. A proud moment for me was when my son was asked by a teacher whether I and his dad were still married, as we have different surnames. My son said that yes, we were still married, but that I was keen to keep my own name as I am a feminist. My son told his teacher that he is a feminist, too.

"International Women's Day isn't just about celebrating women; it is about celebrating those men too who continue to advocate and support women's rights and are also fighting for gender equality."