Guest Speaker Spotlight – International Womens Day 2025

Izabela Skarzynska

Sharing my story as a guest speaker in the women’s development programme was incredibly important to me.

I believe that personal experiences have the power to inspire, encourage growth, transformation and lead to meaningful change. By opening up, I aimed to help others gain confidence, embrace their potential, and take bold steps toward a more fulfilling life.

Jaspreet Kalley

As an immigrant from Tanzania, a mother of three, and co-founder of Mixala, I share my story to inspire and empower other women. Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship hasn’t been easy, but it has shown me that ambition and family can thrive together.

Representation matters. I want women to feel seen, heard, and inspired to embrace their journeys. Mixala is more than a luxury chai brand, it’s a celebration of heritage, resilience, and connection. By sharing my experiences, I hope to remind women that their backgrounds and stories are their greatest strengths.

Risa Lloyd

Growing up with parents who struggled with addiction was challenging, but it also shaped me into the resilient and empathetic person I choose to be. Sharing my lived experience has empowered me to transform those early hardships into a force for positive change. I understand the power of stigma and how it can hold people back, but I also know that we can rise above it.

By telling my story for the Women’s development programme, it empowered me to inspire others to see beyond their stigmas and realise their potential.

Our past does not define us; our actions and choices do. I am committed to fostering an environment where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to overcome their challenges. Together, we can build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background.

JEEVA BOSTIC-BRADLEY

I chose to be a guest speaker on the Springboard Programme because I aspire to inspire other women. I hope that my participation serves as a reminder to women of the true value of supporting and lifting each other up.

Representation is also vital and I want young black or minority group women to see their reflections in women who are thriving, so that they know it’s also possible for them!

Sophie Luminara

There is so much I’ve learnt about life since hitting my 40s. Things I wish I’d known as a girl and a younger woman. As a mother of daughters, it is my greatest joy seeing my girls grow up knowing their worth and embracing self-love.

It is an honour and a pleasure to be able to share that knowledge with other girls and women, so they can live their best life.

Rai Broadway

I started my journey with Springboard in 2023 as a participant, and this has now come full circle – returning as a guest speaker to inspire the next group of women.

I am passionate about using my story to help others and this has also helped me find meaning in my own difficult experiences. It’s not always easy to share hard life lessons with strangers but the feedback I get from the amazing women on the programme makes it all worthwhile. 

Jessica Paul

What aspects of your work are you most proud of?

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is showing other women (especially working mums) that it is possible to pursue a fulfilling career while balancing family life. Returning to work after maternity leave can feel daunting, but being part of a company that truly values flexibility and supports parents has allowed me to thrive. I’m proud to contribute to a culture where women can succeed without compromising their personal responsibilities.

What barriers have you witnessed or experienced in your career that you believe are tied to being a woman?

A barrier I have experienced is the lack of part-time or flexible roles that still offer progression and meaningful opportunities. Too often, talented women are forced to take a step back or pivot into alternative careers simply because the right roles aren’t available. That’s why I’m so grateful to be part of a company like Instructus who understand this value and provides opportunities for women to continue growing in their careers. Expanding access to flexible, high-quality part-time positions would allow more women to contribute their skills and experience without having to compromise on career growth – I’m proud to be in a workplace that recognises that.

What changes in our workplaces, communities, and society as a whole are necessary to ensure women—regardless of background—can fully thrive in their careers?

Creating environments where everyone can thrive starts with celebrating diverse experiences and championing inclusivity. At Instructus, I admire how we empower individuals to lead change through learning and growth. I’m incredibly grateful to be part of a company that not only recognises the importance of women’s development but actively invests in it. Programmes like the Springboard Development Programme for women provide the confidence, skills, and leadership to progress in their careers, and it’s fantastic be part of a company supporting initiatives like this. To truly support women, we need more opportunities for mentorship and a workplace culture that values outcomes over hours.

Jane Pratt

What aspects of your work are you most proud of?

I was recently asked to contribute to continuous improvement projects after my manager recognised that my skills were valuable beyond my current role. It was really rewarding to have someone acknowledge my strengths and to consider me as being the best person to support in the project.   

Have you ever felt judged for your career choices as a woman in the workplace?

For me, administration just fits. It does feel like it’s an incredibly undervalued skill. I take a lot of pride in my work and have recently stepped up to help with continuous improvement projects in this area. So, it’s not that I lack ambition – for me, success has been about recognising what I do best and excelling in it, whether that involves promotion or not. Growth is still growth, even if it’s sideways!

What changes in our workplaces, communities, and society as a whole are necessary to ensure women—regardless of background—can fully thrive in their careers?

I think the most important thing is supporting women in whatever choices they make. No one should feel restricted in their career just because they’re a woman, but at the same time, they shouldn’t feel pressured to “have it all”. 

Vicky Wichard

What aspects of your work are you most proud of?

To be honest, I think I am most proud of the fact that if I can help someone, whether it’s easing their job role or taking pressure off their day, I will do it without hesitation.   

What barriers have you witnessed or experienced in your career that you believe are tied to being a woman? 
 
I’ve faced challenges and been undermined in my career because I’m a woman, but I’ve always strived to prove that I can succeed, regardless of gender. Of course, everyone has their own opinion, but they will not have a lasting impact on me or my career choices.  
 
But without a shadow of a doubt, becoming a mother was the moment when I started to experience significant barriers in my career. I had to step away from what I loved doing, because my family needs were not taken into consideration. I felt expected to work like I wasn’t a mother and then mother like I did not work. That caused friction, frustration, and other strains on my career and my family life, so I had to do what was best for my family. I realised that if I’m putting my all into my career and am still not being heard, seen or even thought of, then my hard work and dedication doesn’t need to be wasted there. 

What changes in our workplaces, communities, and society as a whole are necessary to ensure women, regardless of background, can fully thrive in their careers? 

Equality, being heard, and being seen. As a mother, I am no less capable of thriving in my job. In fact, I believe I have more fire and dedication because I want to show my daughters that hard work is key, regardless of whether you are supporting a family or not.   

I’m good at my job and I enjoy what I do, and I’m able to maintain a balance because my employer recognises that I’m both a dedicated and hardworking employee and a mother. Neither should be questioned.

I believe all workplaces should embrace this balance, where you work hard, exceed expectations, and deliver, but if you need to leave for a school play or sports day, you can do so, knowing your work won’t falter, and you can pick up the slack later.