International Women’s Day 2026 celebrates the theme Give to Gain. It reminds us that stepping up, taking risks, and giving more than we are comfortable with often leads to the most growth, personally and professionally. At Oban, we asked women across our teams to share moments in their careers when they took a leap, faced discomfort, and gained something lasting in return. Here’s what they told us.
This International Women’s Day, I’m thinking about a time I moved alone to San Francisco at 25 to grow a US client base. Leaving home, family, and everything familiar was daunting. Weekend visits were impossible, and the time difference made staying in touch tricky. Professionally, it felt like a huge stretch. But it turned out to be the best decision I ever made. That move challenged me in ways I could not have experienced by staying comfortable. I grew in confidence, resilience, and independence. I also learned that just because two markets speak the same language, it does not mean they think, buy, or behave the same way.
– Charlotte Deacon, Client Services Director
For me, IWD 2026 reminds me of a challenge early in my career that shaped how I work today. I was asked to take on a tricky global account that no one else wanted. It meant coordinating multiple agencies, managing conflicting priorities, and dealing with tricky politics. My Media Director warned it would not be easy, but he said I would learn more by leaning in than by playing it safe. He was right. Taking on that challenge pushed me in ways I didn’t expect. I got to see different ways of working, meet people I wouldn’t have met otherwise, and figure out how to navigate difficult situations. I came away more confident, more resilient, and with connections that still shape my career.
– Sarah Jennings, CEO
This International Women’s Day, I’m remembering a time I took a leap at work. I started at Oban as an intern in Paid Media, but I soon realised that my real passion was in design. Telling our CEO felt nerve-wracking, but I was encouraged to join the internal marketing team. It was exciting but also a little scary. Over time, the imposter syndrome eased. From small design tasks to helping shape the Oban brand, I found that giving yourself a chance to try even when you don’t feel fully ready really pays off.
– Gabrielle Smith, Design & Social Media Manager
One of the most defining moments in my career was joining the Oban Board of Directors. At first, it felt intimidating. I leaned on the support of peers, listened and observed carefully, and asked questions to understand how decisions were made. Over time, I found my place and was able to contribute meaningfully. That experience shaped my growth as a leader and taught me that sometimes the “give” that stretches you the most is the one that transforms you.
– Susie Cox, Client Services Director
This International Women’s Day, I’m thinking about a career move that felt like a gamble. I’d spent several years in media sales and wanted a role closer to the work, the thinking, and the client partnerships. When I interviewed at a new agency, I clicked instantly with the Commercial Director, who was one of the few female leaders who would go on to shape my career. She was confident, thoughtful, and decisive, and I knew I wanted to learn from her.
The catch was that the only role available was pure business development. Taking it meant moving counties and stepping into something I hadn’t planned. On paper, it didn’t feel like progress – it felt sideways, maybe even backwards. Still, I decided to take the risk. I trusted her and focused on the chance to learn and grow. Six months later, I moved into the account management role I had wanted, arriving with a better understanding of the business and a perspective shaped by my time in sales.
Looking back, the role I hadn’t wanted at first was exactly what I needed. It taught me resilience, sharpened my commercial thinking, and showed me the value of good leadership, even when it’s uncomfortable. Sometimes the “give” isn’t what you expect, but it’s exactly what helps you grow.
– Suzie Oakford, Managing Director
This year, I’m thinking about what giving time and energy can achieve. A few years ago, I launched Oban’s Women in International Marketing networking group. The first event was nerve-wracking, and I worried if anyone would turn up. Today, the group has grown into a thriving community of female marketing leaders. By putting ourselves out there and stepping into the unknown, we’ve built real connections and grown in ways we could not have imagined.
– Chloë McKenna, Director of New Business
Across all these stories, one thing stands out. The times we had to step into the unknown taught us more than playing it safe did. In international digital marketing, that can mean figuring out how different markets behave, working with people in new ways, or just learning by doing. Those moments can be uncomfortable, but they also make you better at what you do.
Let’s accelerate action together
At Oban, we believe change happens when we act, support each other, and keep moving forward. These stories show how small steps can make a big difference. If you want to improve your digital marketing, get in touch. Let’s get started.
