# choosetochallenge
Denise O ’ Leary , Purpol Marketing
Marketing Expert & Founder
Denise O ’ Leary is the founder of Purpol Marketing based in Chippenham . She ’ s an expert in marketing , a multiple award-winning business owner , an author and in 2020 became the first person in the UK to launch a Kickstarter programme with 50 young people remotely .
What do you choose to challenge ? I # choosetochallenge the belief that small businesses cannot gain global recognition .
Why is International Women ’ s Day important to you ? It is a day of focus , to allow women to be celebrated for their varied achievements .
What do we still need to do for gender equality ? We need to alter our perception and ensure that all effort is equally rewarded , regardless of who did it . Everyone needs to know they are valued and their contribution is worthy .
What did you want to be as a kid and did being female hold you back at all ? I always loved ‘ making things ’ and had numerous roles which led to marketing . Marketing is a role where you are constantly adjusting .
Some historic jobs were cruel to me yet this built resilience and the will to make changes later in life .
What is your advice to your younger self ? And to empower other young women … Don ’ t worry so much , especially about things going wrong – you always have another chance . I would tell girls today to give yourself time , don ’ t try to be what others want of you , know yourself .
Emma Gee , Swindon Borough Council
Head Of Town Centre Development
Emma Gee has been in planning and regeneration for 20 years and is Head of Town Centre Development for Swindon Borough Council , a role which allows her to actively help shape the future of her home town . She has two girls aged five and three with husband Dave .
What do you choose to challenge ? I # choosetochallenge myself ! To be a better mother , friend , leader and never stop learning and developing myself .
Why is International Women ’ s Day important to you ? Women ’ s voices and experiences should inform decisions and shape places , allowing for stronger innovation and growth .
What do we still need to do for gender equality ? Create an environment where everybody is comfortable to challenge inequality and discrimination .
What did you want to be as a kid and did being female hold you back at all ? I wanted to be a landscape architect , and as it happens a town planner isn ’ t a million miles from that . I work in a typically male dominated industry which was challenging as a graduate . I am seeing signs that women are making breakthroughs .
What is your advice to your younger self ? And to empower other young women … I will teach my girls to speak up . Their voice matters , their opinions and views add value . To be bold and confident . Lastly , to always do what they think is right , even when that ’ s difficult .
Sarah Watts , Not Just Travel
Travel Consultant & Business Owner
Sarah Watts set up her business , Not Just Travel , four years ago . She lives and works in Devizes with her wife Lian ( they married on Valentine ’ s Day in Central Park , New York in 2020 ) and two rescue cats , Marvel & Harley .
What do you choose to challenge ? I # choosetochallenge inauthenticity - I believe it is important to be your authentic self .
Why is International Women ’ s Day important to you ? IWD is important , this year more than ever , as whilst I believe great strides have been made in gender equality , the challenges Covid-19 has presented have been immense and proves how much more needs to be done .
The requirement for home schooling whilst working from home has highlighted the disproportionate burden women face .
What do we still need to do for gender equality ? Greater representation of women at all levels in public sector and private sector organisations .
What did you want to be as a kid and did being female hold you back at all ? My dream was to be a police officer and I achieved this at the grand old age of 34 and served for eight years . Before I left I was lucky enough to study for a leadership and management qualification and wrote a dissertation ‘ why female police officers fail to realise their full potential ’ - I interviewed female officers and found too little had changed .
What is your advice to your younger self ? And what are your tips to nurture the strong independent girls of the future ? Go for it ! Don ’ t be afraid . You will definitely regret the things you didn ’ t do more than the things you did .
THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2021 11