When I think back to all the women that have shaped me and inspired me along the way, the inspired talent pool runs from school days up to the present… 

MY MUM

First off, my mother is a pretty special lady, who at 77 is still doing yoga, cycling, and seeing her girlfriends despite caring for my poorly Dad. She’s naturally a coach who inspires and cajoles me at all the right times, and is such a great role model for parenting and life.  

My Career Mum, Rhian was my boss when I was in my 20s, and if I’m honest I didn’t like her in the beginning, but she is warm, engaging, and pushes me to be more and do more. She is never failing in her encouragement, and has ALWAYS had my back, and she scoops me up when I need rescuing, and has mentored me through my career in the choppy waters in the worlds of radio and TV. 

Who is the mother figure that has inspired YOU, and changed your view of the world? 

MY GRANNY

My Granny was a rather special lady too. She lived until she was 94, and although born into a rather refined London life, married my working class grandfather, and ran away to a farm in Herefordshire with a cow and a milking machine. This elegant lady took to country life with aplomb and enjoyed the adventure of being a farmer’s wife. 

I’m lucky enough to say that I have, and had brilliant relationships with both my Mum and my Gran. They shaped my identity, and the way that I relate to women, and helped me navigate my relationships, and my place in the world. 

But this post isn’t really about my family, it’s about giving praise and gratitude to some of the amazing women who have inspired me in my working life, and beyond too. 

THE FRIEND

When I first started working in radio, I worked in an office with a bunch of “creatives”.

One of the them was Rae, one of my dearest friends to this day, and a constant source of wit and entertainment. To this day, if I need a person to bounce ideas or thoughts off, it’s Rae I turn to… She’s now a brilliantly successful author, and to buy her latest book (which is wonderful, click here). 

My dear friend Emma, is the person I’ve known since I was five, and I can tell her my silly exploits and she’ll tinkle with laughter and forgive my mayhem.

Or my smart, sexy, brilliant friend Jess, who is so astoundingly brave and fearless…. She’ll disappear off to Afghanistan without flinching, and now juggles a career at the United Nations with 3 babies. She has such belief and love and adoration for me, I sometimes listen to her, and think… is she talking about me?

Or Wise and Wonderful Claire, who will willingly create a wedding bouquet of flowers for me when I hated the bouquet that arrived! (true story, and you would hate them too, and love Claire’s twisted twine red roses with blackberries and garden flowers for decoration).

These women in my life have helped me become a better partner, and friend, and mother and daughter. Today, just spend a moment to thank the wonderful women that have shaped your life.

THE STRANGER: 

When I was backpacking through Burma, I met a nun that changed my life forever. She inspired me to be fearless, and fight for what is right, and have the courage to change the world. Here’s more on Sister Bea.

Who’s changed your world? Who’s inspired you?