International Women’s Day is always a moment of reflection for me. It’s a day to celebrate progress, acknowledge challenges, and recognise the incredible women paving the way in every industry. But for me, leadership and empowerment aren’t just about one day – they are the foundation of how I run my business, raise my family, and show up in the world.

I lead an all-female team – not by design, but by circumstance. I never set out to build a women-only team, and I certainly don’t believe that gender should be a determining factor in hiring. What I do believe in is surrounding myself with people who are driven, creative, and capable. The fact that this has resulted in a powerhouse team of women is incidental, but it’s also something I deeply respect and admire.

For me, success isn’t measured by revenue or industry accolades (they do help though 😊). It’s measured by the growth and achievements of the people around me. Watching my team succeed – whether that’s delivering a game-changing campaign, stepping into leadership roles, or simply finding confidence in their craft – is the ultimate marker of my own success. If I can help create an environment where people feel empowered to take risks, develop their skills, and achieve their own version of success, then I’ve done my job well.

As a mother of four (two biological and two that didn’t give me stretch marks), my motivation runs deeper than just business. I want my girls to grow up knowing that leadership, ambition, and resilience are not gendered traits. They don’t need to be a ‘Girlboss’ – they can just be boss. They can lead, innovate, and build without needing a qualifier in front of their achievements. The best way I can show them that is to lead by example.

International Women’s Day is a reminder that while we have come a long way, true equality means normalising women in leadership, not just celebrating it. It’s not about making space – it’s about recognising that the space was always ours to take, and to have the confidence to step into it.

International Women's Day matters, despite progress, women still face barriers – whether it’s in the boardroom, on the factory floor, or in creative industries. Pay gaps persist, leadership roles remain disproportionately male, and unconscious bias still plays a role in hiring and promotion decisions. International Women’s Day isn’t just about celebrating women; it’s about continuing the conversation and driving meaningful change.

True equality is about more than just representation – it’s about opportunity, support, and the ability to thrive without limitations. That’s why I focus on empowerment over hierarchy. If my team feels strong, capable, and ready to take on the world, then I’ve done something right.

I encourage other leaders – men and women alike – to redefine success. Instead of focusing solely on the bottom line, look at the people around you. Are they growing? Are they stepping into new challenges with confidence? Are they thriving?

Success should never be a solo pursuit. If we lift each other up, support one another, and lead without limits, we build stronger teams, businesses, and communities.

So this International Women’s Day, let’s move beyond the hashtags and recognition. Let’s continue to create workplaces where success is measured by the impact we have on others. Because when we do that, we all win.

Carla Forbes - Director of Naked Creative