Give to Gain - International Women’s Day 2026 at Carpenters Group

This year, International Women’s Day is centred on the theme Give to Gain - the idea that progress accelerates when women invest in one another.

That investment takes many forms: sharing experience, using influence, creating opportunity, encouraging confidence, challenging the status quo, and shaping cultures where people can thrive.

To explore what Give to Gain looks like in practice at Carpenters Group, we reached out to women across the business and invited them to reflect on progression, development, challenge and advice. Their responses show that when women give with intention, the gains are collective - shaping careers, strengthening teams, and influencing the way we work together.

How investment in people changes progression

Progress rarely happens in isolation. Across the business, women spoke about the impact of active investment, such as mentoring, sponsorship, guidance and advocacy that goes beyond encouragement and becomes momentum.

Sarah Pickerill, Head of People, said: “We rise faster when we lift others. Giving support, guidance and sponsorship over time doesn’t just help individuals; it builds confidence, creates stronger teams and develops a sense of shared progress.”

That investment often shows up in everyday moments, such as sharing insight that isn’t written down, backing someone in a meeting, or encouraging someone to put themselves forward before they feel completely ready.

Rhea Johnson, Finance Assistant, said: “I’ve learned so much from colleagues who are willing to share knowledge, offer guidance and champion growth. That willingness to invest time and experience has made a real difference to my confidence and progression, and it’s something I now try to pass on.”

When investment is shared deliberately, the gain is tangible. People move sooner, speak with more assurance, and feel better equipped to take the next step.

Frankie Jackson, Paralegal Apprentice, said: “I am extremely inspired daily by women who have progressed internally. Seeing progression around you makes such a path feel in reach for me. It shows me that with consistency and resilience I can move forward step by step.”

The role of culture in creating confidence

Beyond individual investment, many responses spoke of culture and the everyday environment that enables people to perform at their best. Confidence grows more quickly in workplaces built on trust and belonging.

Abbie Jones, Legal Admin Apprentice, said: “There is an overwhelming sense of care and consideration from my female colleagues. Help is always a mere second away, personal conversation is easy, and you know that these women will have your back.”

That sense of security allows people to ask questions, admit uncertainty and learn out loud - all of which are essential to development.

Sue McCready, Business Analyst, said: “Believe in your place in the room. Speak up early, ask questions without apology, and don’t wait for permission to take on opportunities. Build a network of people who champion you and make sure you champion others in return.”

Sam Nicholson, Head of Insurance Services, said: “Never let anyone detract you from your aspirations. You know yourself best. No matter how many disappointments you receive, keep working towards your goal.”

A culture of advocacy ensures that confidence doesn’t stop with one person, but continues to circulate.

Experience, balance and purpose

Experience plays a vital role in Give to Gain, not simply as tenure or technical expertise, but as perspective shaped by real life. Navigating complexity, balancing ambition with responsibility and leading through pressure all contribute to more empathetic and resilient leadership.

Allana Kerr, Recoveries Team Manager, said: “Everyone has different life experiences, and being able to share these with each other in the workplace can give you great insight.”

Carol Hopwood, Head of Serious & Catastrophic Injury, said: “I bring an ability to blend professionalism with the human touch. Experience has given me resilience, empathy and the ability to problem solve calmly under pressure. When women work together, bringing different perspectives and strengths, it creates a formidable team focused on achieving the best outcomes for our clients.”

Alongside experience, many reflected on the importance of balance and the honesty required to acknowledge that balance is not static.

Lynda Thwaite, Head of Brand and Communications, said: “There is no such thing as work/life balance - it’s a moving target. You can have it all, but not all at the same time, and that’s ok. What matters is being intentional about where you spend your time and energy.”

With experience and balance as the foundation, progress depends on action. Momentum is built by moving forward before confidence feels complete.

Donna Scully, Owner/Director, said: “We often want to know something inside out before we try it. Don’t. Have a go. You learn far more from failure than you do from success, and confidence comes from doing, not waiting.”

Together, these perspectives highlight how experience gives clarity, balance sustains momentum, and action turns intention into impact.

Learning, challenge and shaping what comes next

Give to Gain is also about contribution and being willing to question and improve how things are done. Progress is strengthened when curiosity and challenge are welcomed.

Sabrina Ziahd, Trainee Solicitor, said: “Asking questions and challenging how things have ‘always been done’ in a respectful way adds real value. It improves outcomes and encourages better ways of working.”

At leadership level, those same principles translate into consistent standards, accountability and learning through change.

Donna Richards, CEO, said: “Reliability, attention to detail and resilience matter - turning up prepared, getting it right the first time, and seeing things through are what drive real progress, especially through change.”

Investment in learning plays a vital role here. When development is actively encouraged, the gains extend far beyond the individual.

Laura Atkinson, HR Advisor, said: “The workplace is constantly evolving, so investing in your own development is essential. Whether it’s through training, mentoring, shadowing or simply being curious, those opportunities build confidence and keep you adaptable.”

Many colleagues also highlighted the importance of moving away from competition and towards shared success.

Alex Deak, People Team Assistant, said: “The shift from competition to genuine support is inspiring. When women uplift and advocate for one another, the impact goes far beyond individual success.”

At Carpenters Group, Give to Gain is reflected in the way women invest in one another through experience, perspective, learning and encouragement. When women give with intention, the gains extend beyond individual careers, shaping stronger teams, a more inclusive culture and progress that lasts.

Happy International Women’s Day 2026.

Thank you to the many women across Carpenters Group who contributed to this article. Each voice and story helps shape our workplace: Laura Atkinson, Paula Black, Ciara Bolton, Diane Colbeck, Alex Deak, Kirsti Davis, Jessica Forbes, Keira Farrell, Camilla Greenhorn, Nicole Hartley, Dawn Howard, Carol Hopwood, Marie Ingoe, Frankie Jackson, Abbie Jones, Rhea Johnson, Allana Kerr, Georgia Murphy, Laura Minards, Andree Mpah, Heather McGowan, Sue McCready, Georgia Williams, Lynsey Roberts, Michelle Raimundo, Sarah Pickerill, Rachael Pulford, Sam Nicholson, Shona Radcliffe, Donna Richards, Donna Scully, Jeanette Smith, Freya Schumann, Lynda Thwaite, Emma McAvinchey and Sabrina Ziahd.