Fran
The workplace isn’t just where we earn a living – it’s where we learn, grow, and find inspiration in those around us. After all, we all have different personalities, backgrounds, and ways of approaching challenges, which means there’s always something new to learn from one another. This is very much the case here at Capsule Marketing, where I’m surrounded by a group of women, all of whom have different strengths and continue to inspire me every day.
Laura’s confidence in networking is something I truly admire. She makes meaningful connections that drive our business growth every day, and she just has an eye for spotting opportunities.
Whether it’s at her own dance academy, or at work, Georgia always gives 110% to deliver exceptional service that meets deadlines, time and time again – all while being incredibly considerate of others every step of the way, ensuring everyone feels supported and valued.
Bes is the helping hand everyone needs – always willing to give things a go, step in where she can, and support the team with a positive attitude that makes a real difference every day.
Freya’s ability to write with confidence and flair across any industry is truly admirable. She dives headfirst into her research and effortlessly adapts her tone and style to craft compelling content that resonates with every audience.
Sakura is the ultimate boss lady, keeping all the plates spinning with ease. She can jump in and support in any scenario and goes above and beyond to ensure Capsule remains a fantastic and enjoyable place to work.
And finally, Debbie inspires me with her kindness, care, and genuine compassion for the entire team. She always looks out for everyone, creating a supportive environment on our meet-up days.
Georgia
Generally speaking, I don’t take much interest in celebrities or the latest news stories going viral, but in the last few years or so, the story emerging with Simone Biles really inspired and I think shocked others with a reminder that at the end of the day, we are all human.
What sets Biles apart is not just her medal count, but the sheer difficulty and innovation of the skills she performs. She is known for executing the most complex routines with flawless precision, often introducing elements that no one else in the sport can replicate. Biles’s ability to push the
boundaries of what is physically possible in gymnastics has left a lasting mark on the sport. She has even had moves named after her, such as the “Biles”—a double layout with a half twist, which no other gymnast has yet mastered.
An athlete, who is the best of the best, known as the greatest of all time in her sport, made headlines when she made the courageous decision to prioritise her mental health over competing in a high-pressure environment. Her decision to step back from competition, even in the face of overwhelming pressure, was a pivotal moment in the sports world.
By choosing to speak openly about her mental health struggles, Biles became a trailblazer in advocating for the well-being of athletes. Her vulnerability resonated with millions, especially at a time when mental health was still a taboo topic in many competitive sports. Biles’s bravery sparked important conversations about the importance of mental health, not just in gymnastics, but across all fields. She reminded the world that taking care of one’s mental health is just as crucial as physical strength and that it is okay to seek help and rest when necessary.
Sakura
When I first started my marketing career, I was introduced to a colleague whom I immediately connected with – Kat Lourenco. She then became my direct-line manager, and over 121s, coffee chats and watching her lead, I learned so much not only about project and people management but also about how to think about my place at work and what I really wanted from my career.
At her advice, I first read Brene Brown’s books, whose words resonated so deeply, that I began putting quotes all around my house! Books like Daring Greatly and Daring to Lead pushed me to think about what kind of leader I wanted to be and why. They continue to impact my thinking and approach to work and leadership to this day.
Freya
As a marketer and ice hockey fan, the work of PWHL executives Kanan Bhatt-Shah, Alessandra Bologna, and Amy Scheer in shaping the PWHL’s brand identity is truly inspiring. While the NHL has had decades to build a legacy, the PWHL has had to establish itself from the ground up, crafting a compelling narrative that not only resonates with dedicated hockey fans but also introduces the league to a broader audience. Furthermore, they had to prove success against a general judgement of women’s sports. Bhatt-Shah’s leadership in branding and marketing has been instrumental in defining the league’s distinct visual identity, ensuring that PWHL teams are instantly recognisable and striking in a crowded sports landscape. Unlike the NHL, which leans heavily on its long history and established franchises, the PWHL has had to create its story from scratch—and they’ve done it with remarkable clarity and impact.
Alessandra Bologna’s “Here’s to the Bold” campaign is another standout example of how the PWHL differentiates itself from traditional hockey marketing. Without traditional storylines, rivalries and club loyalty, the marketing team looked elsewhere. Their strategy wasn’t just about growing a new league; it was about positioning women’s hockey as a force in the sports industry. Amy Scheer’s support in sports business operations has helped ensure that the PWHL isn’t just a great brand—it’s a commercially viable league with the infrastructure to grow and succeed long-term. Her work is setting the stage for the PWHL to become a sustainable, competitive entity in professional sports.
What inspires me most about these women is their ability to leverage marketing to drive cultural change. The NHL markets itself as the pinnacle of hockey, but the PWHL has positioned itself as something even bigger—a movement. They aren’t just selling tickets; they’re selling a vision of the future of women’s sports, one that demands attention, respect, and commercial viability. Their work shows that marketing isn’t just about visibility—it’s about shaping perceptions, creating demand, and, ultimately, rewriting the rules of an industry that has historically overlooked women’s sports.
Laura
Reflecting on a diverse career spanning the last 25 years (am I really that old?!) I feel incredibly grateful for the inspiring female colleagues who I have met on my career path. They have passed on their skills and experiences, shaping both my working and personal life.
My early career was spent as a wedding and events planner. I had to learn to think on my feet, provide exceptional customer service, dealing with problems discreetly and staying calm under pressure. My colleague Lorraine was the master of reassurance in stressful situations and I found myself adopting her calm and clear communication style when working with customers, staff and suppliers.
My next challenge was launching a wedding venue from the ground up with my colleague Michelle. We worked together for long, antisocial hours, with endless to-do lists, juggling multiple priorities and constant distractions. Michelle taught me how to prioritise and manage my time efficiently, to develop my confidence and ultimately how to sell. We tackled challenges together, supporting one another with our combined skills and a sense of humour when times got tough. She helped me craft difficult emails with tact and how to handle the highs and lows of business and the pressure of planning and coordinating high-budget events whilst managing multiple accounts.
The next significant female to influence my career journey was Catherine – a brilliant marketer and leader. I admired her intelligence and ability to inspire and motivate a team. She was so inquisitive and curious, always asking questions and pushing for better. Catherine gave me a job in marketing when I left the wedding industry. I knew I had transferable skills, but it was still such a leap and learning curve for me. Catherine provided mentoring and training sessions and helped me find my feet and adopt my own approach to my role. Now, I’m proud to be part of the strong female team at Capsule, led by Sakura. It’s rewarding to pass on the lessons I’ve learned, helping to build confidence in our younger team members—just as these amazing women did for me.
Here’s to the women who lift others up, lead with kindness, and inspire us every day. 💜
Besjona
It’s difficult to talk about just one person when discussing the women who inspire me, as I find inspiration from many different women who I have met throughout life. However, I want to highlight the main source of my inspiration and support…my mother. Although she hasn’t had the opportunity to complete her education or pursue a career due to personal circumstances, she has inspired me in so many different ways and different aspects of life. The way she carries herself and navigates life with a positive attitude, even in the face of trials and tribulations. Her young and carefree soul which always makes me so happy. Most importantly her kindness, honesty and the way she treats others, always quick to forgive and never to judge.
Whenever I experience self-doubt or anxious thoughts, she is always the first to encourage and support me. She has consistently been my number one supporter, motivating me to become the best version of myself, a gift for which I will always be grateful. At the beginning of my career, I often struggled with impostor syndrome, doubting myself and feeling less than my peers but my mother’s encouraging words and reminders of my strengths helped me work through those feelings and have contributed to where I am today. There are so many inspiring women around the world who have contributed to society, who have guided us and taught us so many things, and one day I hope to be one of those women who inspires another young girl or woman just like my mother has inspired me.
Charlotte
After quitting a job of four years and going through a season of “soul searching”, I am incredibly grateful to my friend Leanne who helped me plug gaps within myself, which made me mentally and emotionally stronger. With the silent expectation and stress of climbing the corporate ladder, she reminded me that I can find my passions and pursue them. That encouraged me to start Commune Crew, where I aim to organise intimate gatherings and educational webinars, creating space for women to have meaningful conversations and a sense of belonging. Having better mental clarity also led me to join Capsule Marketing, where I know I’ll be able to thrive as a creative introvert through working on various marketing campaigns and having a team that’s very open and encouraging to brainstorm with. Grateful for women who act as cheerleaders in our lives and encourage us to embark on things we otherwise wouldn’t have!
