Fast forward to today, Northern PoWEr Women has grown into Europe’s largest celebration of gender equality, and We Are PoWEr is creating spaces for connection, learning, and recognition. This journey wasn’t always smooth, but it was packed with lessons I’m sharing here to help you start and sustain your own movement, business, or project.

Whether you’re a founder, leader, or changemaker, these lessons highlight the importance of building a community, asking for help, and supporting each other to achieve something bigger than yourself.

Why It Matters: At the heart of Northern PoWEr Women is a community of advocates, allies, and trailblazers. No founder or leader can succeed alone—community is your backbone.

Practical Actions:
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1) Go Big or Go Home: 

Northern PoWEr Women began with a sell-out conference for over 300 leaders, advocates and emerging talent. That first step grew into an ecosystem of support, including the PoWEr Collective CIC and We Are PoWEr programme of activity and of course the Northern PoWEr Women Awards – the largest celebration of gender equality in Europe.

2) Engage Regularly

The PoWEr Up networking sessions and PoWEr Exchange events are designed to keep the community connected. Whether in person or online, consistency is key.

3) Create Safe Spaces

People thrive in environments where they feel seen and heard. We Are PoWEr’s platforms provide opportunities for open conversations about societal issues, role models, and professional growth.

Key Takeaway: A community isn’t just a group of people; it’s a source of energy, ideas, and resilience. Create spaces where people can come together and thrive.

Why It Matters: Over the years, I’ve learned that asking for help isn’t just practical—it’s transformational. It allows you to collaborate, innovate, and grow beyond your own limitations.

Practical Actions:🔗

1) Be Brave

Early on, I reached out to many large organisations through my London network to support Northern PoWEr Women. The PoWEr of a network and relationships like these has been invaluable in amplifying our mission.

Lesson Learned: Don’t be afraid to approach those who inspire you. Many are willing to help if your vision aligns with their values.

2) Leverage Existing Expertise

Partnering with the further and higher education has allowed us to integrate academic insights into our work, strengthening our impact.

Tip: Look for institutions, organisations, or individuals with expertise that complements your goals.

3) Ask Specific Questions

A focused ask is more likely to get you the help you need.

Instead of: “Can you support my project?”

Say: “Could you advise on how to grow community engagement for an event series?”

Key Takeaway: Collaboration is a superPoWEr. Ask for help, listen, and don’t shy away from building mutually beneficial relationships.

Why It Matters: Supporting others has been the cornerstone of everything we do at Northern PoWEr Women and We Are PoWEr. It’s not just about what you achieve; it’s about who you bring with you.

Practical Actions:🔗

1) Spotlight Others

Through awards and our digital hub we’ve showcased and celebrated hundreds of individuals making an impact. Recognising others creates a ripple effect of positivity and motivation.

Lesson Learned: Shine a light on others’ achievements—it strengthens your community and inspires action.

2) Mentor When You Can

Mentoring has been a key part of my journey, and it’s something I encourage others to do. It doesn’t have to be formal—sometimes, a coffee and conversation are enough.

3) Build a Culture of Gratitude

Celebrate wins, big and small. A simple acknowledgment can build lasting loyalty and connection.

Key Takeaway: When you support others, you’re not just building their success—you’re enriching your own journey.

Why It Matters: Over the last decade, I’ve faced moments of doubt, missteps, and lessons learned the hard way. The key is to keep going.

Practical Actions:🔗

1) Experiment, Evaluate, Evolve

 Not every idea will succeed. Some of our events have exceeded expectations; others taught us what not to do.

Lesson Learned: Treat every initiative as an experiment. Collect feedback and adapt.

2) Celebrate Milestones

Reflecting on how far you’ve come fuels motivation. Northern PoWEr Women didn’t grow overnight; it was years of consistent effort.

3) Be Open to Change

Your vision may evolve, and that’s okay. We Are PoWEr wasn’t part of the original plan—it grew naturally from the needs of our community.

Key Takeaway: Progress isn’t linear, and that’s part of the beauty. Stay curious, flexible, and persistent.

Why It Matters: Leading a movement is rewarding but exhausting. Taking care of yourself is non-negotiable.

Practical Actions:🔗

1) Delegate and Trust: 

Over the years, I’ve built a brilliant team that shares the workload and drives the mission forward.

Tip: Letting go isn’t easy, but it’s essential for growth.

2) Set Boundaries

Define your limits, and don’t be afraid to say no when needed.

3) Celebrate the Joys

Whether it’s a successful event or a heartfelt thank-you from someone impacted by your work, take time to savour the wins.

Key Takeaway: Your energy fuels your mission. Protect it.

Whether you’re starting a business, building a movement, or creating space for change, remember these lessons: Build a community, ask for help, support others, embrace the process, and take care of yourself.

You don’t have to have all the answers to begin. The journey is where the magic happens.