International Women's Day 2026

For International Women’s Day 2026, we’re celebrating the inspiration of women who play such a key role in shaping the future of leadership across Wales. At Goodson Thomas, founded over 10 years ago with the mission of addressing gender balance at a senior level in Wales, we have the privilege of supporting organisations in finding exceptional senior leaders, many of whom are supporting pathways for the next generation of women in the workforce.

Across boardrooms, public bodies, and major institutions, female leaders are driving progress. Their influence stretches to building a more inclusive and dynamic leadership landscape for Wales, where diverse perspectives are valued and where tomorrow’s leaders can make their way to the top.

At Goodson Thomas, we see the impact that women bring to the organisations they serve. They lead with clarity and purpose, balancing strategic decision‑making with empathy and collaboration. They champion innovation, shape organisational culture, and break down barriers. These leaders demonstrate the breadth and depth of leadership that enriches our futures.

To mark International Women’s Day 2026, we reached out to women we’ve had the privilege of placing in leadership positions and asked them one question:

“What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to the next generation of women in the workforce?”

The insight we received reflects the philosophy we see amongst women at the forefront of leadership. That progress is built on confidence, clarity, and a desire to champion others along the way.

Our aim throughout this was to champion and amplify the voices of female leaders across Wales, and to share their guidance with the future leaders who will follow in their footsteps.

Catrin Taylor

Director, Goodson Thomas

For me, it’s this: use every experience - personal or professional - to make you stronger for the next one.

Sometimes it will be an exciting opportunity. Sometimes it will be disappointment. It could be a win. And sometimes it will be a mistake - because we all make them. It all counts.

Early in my career, I faced a situation that felt daunting. A colleague said to me: “Wear a suit tomorrow” to help me walk into the client meeting with confidence. However, the suit wasn’t what got me through it - it was the belief that colleague had in me.

Believe in yourself. Be yourself. And keep going. You’ve absolutely got this.

Helen Rowland

Partner, Eversheds Sutherland

Trustee, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama

My advice to the next generation of women in the workforce is this: 

Decide early what you stand for, and stand by it. 

Hold yourself to a high bar of integrity, preparation and professionalism but expect the same in return.

Be ambitious. Be excellent. But also be clear about your values. If something undermines respect, fairness or integrity, don’t feel obliged to quietly absorb it. True professionalism requires courage.

The most inspiring leaders aren’t just successful, they are principled.

Dr Gwenllian Lansdown Davies

Prif Weithredwr, Dysgu

Fy nghyngor i fyddai i fod yn hyderus yn eich gallu eich hun gan dderbyn nad allwch blesio pawb o hyd ac fod bod yn deg yn holl-bwysig. O ran datblygu’n broffesiynol, mae chwilio am gyfleon i ehangu’ch cylch profiad yn bwysig fel mae derbyn pob gwahoddiad a phob cynnig o gymorth neu gyngor ddaw i’ch rhan.

Mae modd darganfod ysbrydoliaeth mewn llefydd annisgwyl felly darllenwch yn eang, byddwch yn chwilfrydig a bod yn barod i ddysgu gan eraill.

Dr Hushneara Begum

Director, Centre for Sustainability

Non-Executive Director, Natural Resources Wales, Industry Wales

Lecturer, De Montfort University

What we do today will shape the workplace for you, the next generation of women tomorrow. I remember that deeply in my own actions. Our generation of women remember you every day. May your journey into the workplace and up the career ladder be smoother than those who went before you.

When that baton is passed and you begin to find your way through the workplace, please remember to find ways to give back; keep the door open for others to follow, mentor, advocate, speak on topics, speak up and/or uplift others.

The journey may not always be smooth and there will be times when things get tough. In those quiet tough moments remember what you are really made of and show them exactly that.

We all have a role to play with gender equity!

Lisa Winstone

Chief Executive Officer, Education Workforce Council

Don’t wait until you feel completely ready. I almost didn’t step forward because of self-doubt, but confidence often follows action, not the other way around.

Say yes to the stretch opportunity, you don’t need to feel ready to do a great job.

Bethan Evans

Cyfarwyddwr Gweithredol Rheoleiddio a Dadansoddi, Medr

Gwna waith pwrpasol, efo pobl da. Does dim lot yn cael ei gyflawni heb gefnogaeth tîm, felly gwna’n siŵr dy fod ti’n datblygu rhwydweithiau proffesiynol a phersonol cryf, fydd yn gymorth trwy gydol dy yrfa.