International Women’s Day 2025 is all about Accelerating Action – driving meaningful change and pushing forward progress. At Oban, we wanted to mark the occasion by sharing real stories from some of the amazing women in our Brighton HQ. Each of them has a moment in their career where action – whether their own or someone else’s – changed their path for the better. Here’s what they had to say.
Chartering as an accountant was my biggest professional milestone. Without a
university degree, I had no exemptions – I had to complete CIMA entirely in my own time. It was one of the toughest challenges I’ve faced, but I was determined. Throughout my career, the first question I was always asked was, “Are you qualified?” Finally being able to say yes was an incredible moment. It wasn’t just about the qualification – it was about proving to myself that I could do it and removing a barrier that had always stood in my way.
Networking can feel intimidating, especially for women. That’s why I co-founded the Women in International Marketing (WIIM) networking group – to create a space where women working in cross-border marketing could meet, share ideas, and support each other. What started as a single table of women at a restaurant on International Women’s Day has grown into a thriving community. Seeing how much people value these events – and hearing attendees call it the highlight of their calendar – makes me incredibly proud.
In my first media job, I had a brilliant boss who taught me how to look after clients and gave me the confidence to trust myself. Thanks to her, I progressed quickly. Then she went on maternity leave, and I ended up working for a new (also talented) male manager who wanted me to run everything past him before making any decision.
When my original boss came back, I kept going to her for approval – so much that I must have worn a path in the carpet between our desks. After two days, she’d had enough. “What’s happened while I’ve been away?” she asked. “You know how to do this. Stop checking in. Unless it’s something completely new, you’re not allowed to ask me or anyone else if your work is good enough. If it’s wrong, fix it. If it’s right, send it out.”
It was terrifying at first, but by the end of the week, I’d found my confidence again. I realised there’s a big difference between needing help and just wanting reassurance.
A few months ago, I worked on a first-party data strategy for a valued client. The audience was their senior leadership team, and initially I struggled with imposter syndrome. Was I the right person to develop this?
Niamh, my colleague, thought so – and she made sure I knew it. She encouraged me, championed my expertise, and pushed me forward. As I worked on the project, I realised I did know my stuff. By the end, I had more than a solid strategy – I had a new level of confidence. That experience reinforced the importance of mentorship and the power of believing in yourself.
Early in my career, I worked in media sales in central London. My team was mostly older, confident men, but at the top was our boss – a young woman in her late twenties who commanded the room with authority and intelligence. Seeing her lead in such a male-dominated space erased any doubts I had about whether women belonged at the top.
She also taught me an important lesson about professionalism. At an industry event, a group of us got carried away with the free-flowing drinks, leading to a not-so-professional display of piggy-back racing. The next morning, she made it clear: when you’re at an industry event, you’re representing the business. Having fun is fine, but making a spectacle is not. She held senior team members especially accountable, reminding them of their responsibility to set an example.
That lesson stuck with me: professionalism and reputation matter, and leaders have a duty to guide and support those coming up behind them.
A decade ago, I made a big career shift from social media strategy to client servicing. My first role in this new space was intense – I worked on a global client, regularly travelling to London, juggling high-pressure responsibilities. It was challenging, but I thrived in the fast-paced environment and soon realised this was where I was meant to be.
Joining Oban was another pivotal moment. A friend and former colleague, Chloe McKenna, recommended me for the role, and I settled in quickly. When Suzie Oakford joined a few months later, everything clicked. She challenged the status quo, introduced fresh ideas for client servicing and sales, and became an invaluable mentor. Her leadership helped me shape my career and reach my goals.
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At Oban, we know that real change comes from taking action, supporting each other, and pushing things forward. These stories show how small moments can lead to big shifts. If you’re looking to make your digital marketing more effective and impactful, get in touch with us. Let’s make it happen.
