Our Social Media Manager Isabel Jennings sat down with Forum Events & Media Group’s Managing Director Sarah Beall to discuss women in business ahead of the International Women’s Day on March 8th. Sarah joined Forum in 1999 as a Sales Executive and moved up the roles into business development taking on new challenges to then be appointed as MD and shareholder in 2014.
Which women inspire you the most?
Marilyn Monroe was one of my inspirations as a child, she taught me to become my authentic self, have confidence and have no boundaries. This is one of my favourite quotes by her: “Give a girl the right pair of shoes and she will conquer the world.”
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
At Forum Events & Media Group it’s important that we continue to recognise diversity and encourage women to make choices based on their aspirations without the pressure of stereotypes. If you want a career, or you are planning on becoming a mum, or maybe travel around the world, it’s your choice. I did all three and will continue to support women to live the life on their own terms.
And why do you feel that it is important to recognise the International Women’s Day?
It’s important to recognise this day, and all the different event dates that highlight diversity. We need to continue to encourage, educate and support women as we still have a long way to go to achieve full equality in many areas, including equal pay.
What do you think has helped you get this far in your career?
Having a clear and focused mind and being my authentic self, living in the present day. Running a business can be stressful at times, worrying about the future or going over the past is not productive, you can only make a difference in the now.
How can we mentor young girls to dream bigger?
I wouldn’t encourage young women to have a set dream or set a goal for 5 years’ time. In 5 years, you will be a completely different person. I would encourage the younger generation to look after their mental health, find out who they really are and become their authentic self.
What is your best advice to all women who are juggling between home and work?
Look after yourself, assign time for you. Do not carry guilt, it is the least productive emotion we, as women, experience.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
As a young woman working in the 21st century, I did experience forms of discrimination being a woman in business. My advice now, would be to respect yourself, have confidence that you deserve where you are in your career and continue be a strong woman in business.
Forum Events team supporting International Women’s Day
Join us to celebrate International Women’s Day
Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. The United Nations Observance of IWD recognizes and celebrates the women and girls who are championing the advancement of transformative technology and digital education. IWD 2023 will explore the impact of the digital gender gap on widening economic and social inequalities. The event will also spotlight the importance of protecting the rights of women and girls in digital spaces and addressing online and ICT-facilitated gender-based violence.
The United Nations Observance of International Women’s Day 2023,DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender quality highlights the need for inclusive and transformative technology and digital education. Follow #DigitAll and #IWD23.
International Women’s Day organisation celebrates women’s rights by bringing attention to gender equality, violence against women and girls, reproductive rights, and urges us all, regardless of gender, to work together for a fairer world. Lots of events take place on the day and there is something for most of us from education, culture and politics as well as many in-house events organised by companies.
#IWD2023 #EmbraceEquity
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