WELCOME
The statement I hear the most often , or that is framed as the most common rhetorical question ?
“ I don ’ t know how you do it …”
The frenetic pace of my life sees me fill various roles : managing director , editor-in-chief , creative director , education consultant , design consultant … the majority of which fall under the very inaptly named ‘ small business ownership ’ remit . FYI , there is nothing ‘ small ’ about the responsibility and workload of running a small business ! Which also has to coexist alongside the monumental lifetime job of being a wife and a mother of three .
Yep I ’ m tired just typing it , let alone living it !
But the simple answer - even though it often kills me , makes me tired , has me teetering rather precariously close to burnout , and occasionally sees me neglecting downtime , my friends , and social endeavours - is simply because I can , so I do .
I don ’ t mean that in some kind of stubborn , feetstomping ‘ ner ner ner ner ner ’ type stampede of toxic showboating greatness , far from it . I mean , more crudely , that holding high ranking positions of power , decision-making , responsibility , leadership , accountability and management are still , even in 2023 , not the norm for women . Therefore , it is ( still !) essential that those of us that can , actually do . And not just ‘ do ’ it for ourselves , but ‘ do ’ it for other women too …
It ’ s important for those who can learn from us , those who aspire to be us , those that look up to us , those who may feel that it is not yet possible , and even those that are intimidated by us .
And it ’ s important for gender equality .
This International Women ’ s Day , and every day in fact , I am proud to challenge gender stereotypes ; to try to influence others ’ beliefs , and , arguably most importantly , to celebrate the success of other women .
And rather than just talking the talk , this is demonstrated across the businesses that I run , corun and consult in , where I have successfully appointed women to a variety of managerial and leadership positions , where I have created routes into underrepresented industries , and where I have been the voice for those not able to have one .
Not because of their gender , but in spite of it .
Proudly publishing insideKENT has given me a great platform too , and I am delighted that within the pages of this month ’ s issue , which , as always , is showcasing the very best of our county from exceptional educational establishments on p159 , to exquisite dining from p88 , inspired interiors from p135 , and the triumph that is Tunbridge Wells on p72 , my team and I have provided the opportunity to showcase a plethora of successful business women from fe : entrepreneurs to small business start ups , dedicated employees , magnificent middle managers , literary heroines and powerhouse creatives … they , and you , should rightly feel proud .
I am also proud of and oh so grateful to those who work with me and who continuously lift me up : my wonderful mum , Ann , and mother-in-law , Joy ; my ( chaotic yet brilliant entrepreneurial ) husband , Adam ; my incredible children , Madison , Lyla and Jaxon ; my amazing team , particularly my editors Polly and Charlie who swim against the deadline tide at my side , and GM Lexi who leads with quiet determination .
For those of you flying the flag for women in business I salute you .
For those feeling a little trepidation , find your people who can help raise you up .
For those women , like myself , that find themselves proud finalists in this year ’ s Kent Women in Business Awards , congratulations !
Don ’ t underplay your achievement . Don ’ t underestimate your impact . Don ’ t forget to promote those who are doing well .
# EmbraceEquity Kent !
www . insidekentmagazine . co . uk
@ insideKENT
Publisher Adam Ready Editor-in-Chief Samantha Ready Features Editor & Administration Manager Karlene Gannon Editor Polly Humphris Features Writer Ashleigh Britten Features Writer Olivia Riccini Senior Designer Dave Leo Yogore Graphic Designer Lorna Morris Graphic Designer Kareena Ross-Cumming Sales Manager Jen Crisp Senior Account Manager Jerry Barrett Senior Account Manager Alex Perseval Intern Mia Chapman Contributors Alex Payne - Room Unlocked , Bertie Hubbard - My Tutor , Ed Dickie , Eddi Taylor , FCS Talking Therapies , Laura Willan , Proritas Health Cover : St Edmund ’ s School
insideKENT Magazine is published by Sideways Media Ltd , Coachworks , Dover Place , Ashford , Kent TN23 1HU www . sidewaysmedia . co . uk For general enquiries , please contact hello @ sidewaysmedia . co . uk or 01233 226519
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© Copyright 2023 . The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher . Neither the publisher nor any other person associated with the production and publication of this magazine make any guarantees , warranties or claims as to the accuracy , currency or truthfulness of any of the contents of this magazine . No part of this magazine may be copied , reproduced or transmitted in any form without the publisher ’ s written consent . No responsibility is taken for unsolicited editorial , images or photographs published . While every care is taken , prices and details are subject to change and the publisher takes no responsibility for omissions or errors . Publisher is not responsible for any variation in image colour due to printing processes .
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