Accelerate action: Real talk from women leading the way

As International Women’s Day 2025 approaches, the theme ‘Accelerate Action’ challenges us to move beyond conversations and into meaningful change. Women across various industries continue to drive progress, but what does action really look like in the workplace today? 

To find out, we spoke with three women in leadership: Priya Kanniappan (Marketing Director, Easy Weddings & Venue Crew), Jaymee Calnin (National Events Consultant, Professional Services), and Nat McNamara (Group Director of Sales and Marketing at Lancemore Hotels). Their insights offer a powerful look at what’s changing, what still needs work, and how future generations can continue pushing forward.

What ‘Accelerate Action’ really means

For some, accelerating action means tackling long-standing industry challenges head-on. For others, it’s about fostering an environment where future leaders can thrive. Nat McNamara, Group Director of Sales and Marketing at Lancemore Hotels, sees it as a call to dismantle barriers that have held women back for too long.

“In the boutique hotel industry, “Accelerate Action” is a call to push past tradition and actively create space for women at all levels—not just in guest-facing roles but in leadership, strategy, and ownership. Hospitality has long been seen as an industry where women thrive, yet the highest positions of influence are still largely male-dominated, and none of this has to do with lack of capability; it’s more about self and peer to peer advocacy. The old adage of ‘women will only put themselves forward for a role if they can do 100% of the role, whereas men I will put themselves forward if they can do 50% of the role’. To me, accelerating action means moving beyond conversations about diversity and driving tangible change—whether that’s through mentorship programs, flexible work policies, or actively advocating for female representation in boardrooms. It’s about ensuring that talented women aren’t just participating but leading the decisions that shape the future of hospitality.”

Meanwhile, Priya Kanniappan, Marketing Director at Easy Weddings & Venue Crew, highlights the importance of efficiency and empowerment in the event planning industry:

“It’s about breaking barriers and making things happen—fast. That means giving all our clients the tools, support, and opportunities to lead with confidence. At Easy Weddings and Venue Crew, we help connect planners to the right venues and suppliers quickly, so they can focus on creating moments that truly matter.”

Jaymee, National Events Consultant, Professional Services, sees “Accelerate Action” as a call for tangible progress:

“Less talk, more do!”

Accelerating progress for women in business

While strides have been made, there’s still work to be done to create a truly level playing field for women in business. From increasing representation in leadership to closing the gender pay gap, meaningful change requires action, not just conversation. We asked our leaders: If you could accelerate progress in one area for women in business, what would it be, and why?

Priya said:

“I’d accelerate women’s access to leadership roles. Particularly when working in the automotive industry, I’ve seen talented women overlooked. When women are in decision-making positions, businesses thrive. By creating more opportunities for female-led teams—whether in corporate event planning or supplier partnerships—we drive better, more inclusive experiences for everyone.”

Jaymee highlights how many highly intelligent women in her industry hesitate to speak up in meetings, often softening their voices or holding back their insights:

“I find so many extremely intelligent women in my industry speak softly, timidly, or barely speak at all in meetings. I feel that if women were empowered on how to speak up, and speak confidently, they could accelerate their influence within their business and make progress happen.”

Another key driver of progress is shifting from mentorship to sponsorship, as Nat explains: 

“Women in business often receive guidance and encouragement, but what truly moves the needle is sponsorship and advocacy — having someone in a position of influence advocate for your career growth, put your name forward for key opportunities, and champion your leadership potential. Throughout my career, my biggest leaps forward came when leaders actively backed me for roles that stretched my capabilities. If more businesses committed to intentional sponsorship of women, whether this be exposure to different conversations at higher levels, or involving them in problem solving  (because let’s face it, we can solve problems like no one else), we’d see a significant shift in leadership demographics across industries.”

How women are overcoming these challenges

Rather than accepting limitations, women are finding ways to push forward. Priya took a proactive approach by seeking mentorship and surrounding herself with people who championed her growth.

“In male-dominated industries, I often had to prove my expertise before being heard. I overcame this by delivering results and building strong networks. At Easy Weddings and Venue Crew, we ensure women in events have the right tools, connections, and venues to create moments that matter—without barriers.”

Meanwhile, Jaymee embraced a different approach, choosing to acknowledge past challenges while recognising progress in her current industry:

“Luckily, I don’t feel I have personally faced barriers in my current industry. However, in past jobs—particularly pick-pack roles in warehouses—middle-aged men frequently made inappropriate comments about my appearance while at work.”

Nat tackled the challenge of being underestimated by focusing on results, building strategic alliances, and shifting her approach to communication with confidence:

“One of the biggest barriers I faced was being underestimated. Early in my career, there were moments when I felt my voice carried less weight in rooms where key decisions were being made. Rather than allowing that to deter me, I focused on consistently delivering results and making strategic contributions that spoke for themselves. I also sought out allies—both male and female—who valued my perspective and helped amplify my voice. Over time, I learned that confidence isn’t just about self-belief; it’s about making your impact undeniable. That confidence then has a profound change in communication styles – a lot happens subconsciously, moving from a ‘should I speak up, am I invited into that room etc..’, to ‘voicing opinions and having a healthy two way conversation aiming for best idea wins result’. You string a few wins together and the ball rolls relatively quickly.”

Advice for the next generation

With more women breaking barriers, what’s the best advice for those looking to accelerate their success? Nat McNamara emphasises the importance of self-belief:

“Own your ambition unapologetically. Women are often conditioned to downplay their aspirations to avoid seeming too assertive, but the most successful women I know set bold goals and pursue them with clarity and conviction. Speak up for the opportunities you want, advocate for your worth, and don’t wait for permission to lead or take on the next challenge. And most importantly, lift as you climb—success is more meaningful when you bring others along with you.”

Jaymee Calnin offers a reminder that leadership is about  knowing your worth and making bold choices:

“If it ain’t serving you, move along. Don’t be afraid of a new start. Choose to work with people who believe in you.”

Priya Kanniappan adds:

“Own your expertise and take up space. In the events world, confidence is key—whether pitching a big idea or selecting the perfect venue. Don’t wait for permission; step forward, trust your instincts, and create experiences that leave a lasting impact.”

The road ahead

As we celebrate International Women’s Day in 2025, it’s clear that accelerating action isn’t just about talking—it’s about doing. Progress happens when women take the lead, create opportunities, and challenge the status quo.

The question now is: how will you accelerate change in 2025 and beyond?