To All The Women In My Life.
This week is a celebration of women, we have International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day. It’s a day, or collection of days, where women are recognised. I don’t know about you, but it always lands kind of uneasy with me. In one sense I love it, let's shout from the rooftops, let’s break those glass ceilings, let’s be acknowledged for the work that we do no matter if it's in the home or workplace or both. On the other hand, why just one day? Shouldn’t we strive to not need an International Women’s Day? Where women are appreciated for the work that they do every day. It’s something I think about often.
As the female founder, I strive for Outwest to be an equal playing field for both men and women. I want to build a company that values women every day, not just once a year. And yes, I see the irony here for me writing this blog post this week. I don’t want this blog to be a cookie-cutter blog about women in business and how amazing we are. I know we are amazing and we can do incredible things.
What I want this to be is a thank you. A thank you to each and every woman who has had an impact in my life with your presence, guidance, support, and love.
To my Mum, technically the first woman I ever knew. You have been my biggest supporter in everything I have done. From sitting on the sidelines at 8-hour-long gymnastics competitions to your unwavering belief and support in me that I can turn Outwest into what I know it can be. When people ask me who my heroes are, it is and will always be you. You showed me from a young age that it is to feel empowered and to set your dreams high because if you don’t no one else will. You taught me empathy and compassion and to always show up when someone is in need. They say a mother is never done teaching and I hope that is true because I have a lot more life to live and lessons to learn.
To my friends who feel like sisters, both old and new. You are the family I chose. You are my closest allies and my fiercest critics and I wouldn’t change that for the world. You have listened to my dreams and fears, celebrated my victories, and lifted me up when things go wrong. Thank you for always being understanding when plans change at the last minute because work gets in the way and always knowing you are a phone call or 10-minute voice note away. You are my unofficial board of advisors who guide me through life both business and personal.
To the women who have mentored and inspired me, you have shown me what it means to lead with integrity and compassion. You have shown me there is no such thing as glass ceilings. Thank you for creating a path for the next generation of women like me coming up behind you. Without knowing you have made our path just a little smoother and I hope that I leave the path a little smoother for the generation behind me. There was a phrase I heard once that said as you climb the ladder in your career, don’t ever forget to lower it back down to help the people behind you. Women need to champion women because if we don’t do it for each other no one else will.
To all the women in my life, past, present, and future, thank you for every lesson you have taught me and will teach me, for every piece of advice you have given me and will give me, and most importantly thank you for being role models not only for me but for each other.
Bec x
