You know some days; you just have a feeling it’s going to be a really good day? Yesterday was one of those days. 

Back in early 2020, before anyone had heard of Covid and before my first baby was born, I took part in a Springboard training programme for women which helps them take control of their lives and build confidence. The programme provided a safe space to work on our personal and professional development and sharing the experience with other women with similar outlooks and similar goals has clearly left its mark. 

Without a doubt, that programme has helped me get where I am today. In the four years since I joined the programme, I have had two promotions at work despite one global pandemic and two lots of maternity leave.  

Inspiring Women Panel

If you regularly read my blog, you may remember that back in the of summer 2023 I had the privilege of participating in a panel for Inspiring Women at my workplace. This gave me the opportunity to reconnect with some of my fellow Springboard alumni who I hadn’t seen in person since early 2020. It seemed kind of crazy that the programme had created such a buzz and positive atmosphere but thanks to two lockdowns and two lots of maternity leave on my part, we hadn’t continued that support network. 

I felt like we’d contributed so much to each other’s wellbeing and professional development but somehow not seen each other. Not only that but there have now been three more cohorts and another one is planned for spring 2024. By the time that fifth cohort finishes, over 100 women will have been through the programme. The support for each other and the comradery experienced on the programme has helped many of us secure promotions but back in the summer, there wasn’t anything in place to make sure those relationships and networking opportunities continued. 

An idea is born

To hold Springboard Alumni events for everyone who’s taken part in the programme at my workplace to get together, catch up with their cohort and network with other women who have also done the programme. Today was the second one of these events and it went better than I could ever have hoped for.  

Expanding the impact

Not only did we have a room full of women who have benefitted from doing Springboard, but people from the Springboard Consultancy got wind of what was happening and asked if they could come along. They really appreciated meeting so many people who’ve done the programme and we now have blog posts and case studies planned with them. They’re even considering holding some of their own Springboard Alumni events. And I don’t feel like it’s too far a stretch to say that that thought has come from my initial idea.

Inspiring Leadership

In addition to people from Springboard joining us, we had an inspiring talk from Clare Swift, one of my managers. She gave us an insight into her career and how the workplace has changed since she started out. When I joined the team, I will never forget her telling us that she lives by the motto “Be a radiator, not a drain”, suggesting that you should be the person that supports people and fires them up. Don’t be the Negative Nellie who drains the energy out of every meeting they attend. And the talk she gave definitely embodied that spirit! 

Clare fought for me when my previous manager was reluctant to let me go on secondment and has even set up her own development programme for women in my department. 

Anne Wilson undoubtedly also deserves a mention here. She is responsible for bringing the programme to my workplace and has already helped nearly 100 women on their journey to more successful careers. This year, she has been recognised with a very well deserved Gender Equality Award. 

Today was fantastic. It was a great reminder of what women can achieve when we support each other.  

It has been a great week all round, with my trip earlier this week to meet another group of incredible women at the Birmingham Birth Workers Forum. Another group that reinforces the idea that when women support each other, extraordinary achievements are possible. 

Beyond the day job, I am passionate about supporting women in their journey through childbirth. Imagine if we all understood a little bit more about birth. A little bit more about the physiology of it, the options available and what we can control. A little bit more about the impact a positive mindset can have when it comes to the big day. Hypnobirthing courses are a crucial part of empowering women for better birth outcomes and I’m here because I’m passionate about supporting you to have the best birth possible. 

Yesterday’s event was not just a reunion, it was a celebration of achievements, shared experiences and the enduring impact of the Springboard programme. It highlighted the power of unity among women, reinforcing the believe that supporting one another leads to success. 

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