To mark International Women’s Day, we have interviewed just a few of the many incredible women working across Brackmills Industrial Estate. Many women discover unexpected strengths throughout their careers and in the first of four spotlight features we ask the question ‘What’s one surprising skill or trait you’ve found yourself using in your career that you didn’t expect when you first started?
Holly Philip, Operations Manager, Delivery – Northampton, John Lewis & Partners
“The amount of pleasure and satisfaction I find in supporting other people's success. Helping my team achieve their potential has become integral to my own career success. Understanding that their skills, abilities, and talents are just as important as my own has allowed me to lead high-performing teams and achieve my own goals. Leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about lifting others up and watching them succeed.”
Rebekah Broady, Marketing Executive, Rushlift
“Resilience is just as important as creativity, strategy, and communication. Marketing is full of experimentation, and not every campaign or idea will work as planned. The ability to handle setbacks in your stride, learn from them, and adjust accordingly is essential. It’s not always easy, but those moments of failure often lead to the biggest lessons and most creative solutions.”
Marzena Spiewak, Branch Manager, Ziegler UK Limited
“Persistence - without this, you cannot succeed. Especially in our male-driven industry. There are times when you feel like you have to prove yourself twice as much, but I’ve learned that staying determined and never giving up is what makes the difference.”
Bianca Cruceru, Business Development Manager UK, Active Ants
“Adaptability has been one of the most surprising yet essential skills I’ve developed. The business world, especially logistics, is constantly evolving. Being open to new ideas, shifting strategies, and learning from setbacks has helped me grow in ways I never anticipated. Change is inevitable, and those who can adapt thrive.”
Gemma Osborne, Safety, Health and Environmental Technician, igus UK
“Upon joining igus at 18, I doubted my ability to effect change. However, my proposals—such as reducing single-use plastics and introducing wellbeing initiatives—were welcomed. This built my confidence massively and showed me that young professionals can make a real impact. Never underestimate the power of fresh ideas and the willingness to challenge the norm.”
Sara Homer, CEO, Brackmills BID
“How to multitask and to lean on other people to get what you want and to get the job done. I’ve learned that delegation isn’t about passing off work—it’s about trusting people and recognising that collaboration often leads to the best results.”
International Women's Day is marked on 8th March each year. It was first recognised by the United Nations in 1977, though it has earlier roots in the labour movements of the early 20th century. According to data from the World Economic Forum, it will take until the year 2158 to reach full gender parity. This is roughly five generations from now. The theme for this year’s #IWD2025 is #AccelerateAction, with calls for ‘increased momentum and urgency to address the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres’. Find out more here: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Theme