Women Who Inspire Us

We're reflecting on incredible women, both modern and throughout history, in support of International Women's Day. We asked our own team to tell us about the women who have impacted their own lives, both personally and professionally. Keep reading to find out their answers, and please make sure you get in touch with your own thoughts on our Linkedin, Facebook, and Twitter! 

Sarah Fae, Digital and Ecommerce Manager, has reflected on the many trailblazers throughout history:

It would take me countless hours to include all the influential women who not only have inspired me today but have fought for me to have the rights and privileges that allow me to be here, today, working in a job I enjoy, in a house I own, feeling empowered to make decisions and shape my life how I wish to. Therefore, I will focus on just two women who have shocked and shaped society around them in more recent times. 

These are Sophie Scholl, an active member of the non-violent, intellectual resistance group in Nazi Germany, called the White Rose, and Nilde Lotti, the first woman in the history of the Italian Republic to become President of the Chamber of Deputies, an office she held for three consecutive legislatures, becoming the longest-serving post-war President of the Chamber, no mean feat!

Paula, Senior Resource Coordinator, has been blown away by our very own Diane Fisher's achievements:

"Diane Fisher is the Resource Manager; she is a fantastic person who goes the extra mile to ensure her team is supported. Diane has supported each one of us with any work issues in a warm and personable manner. Diane is also a valued member of the Astutis family, who has been with the company from the start. Diane is always seen to support anyone in need of help in every department."

Adam Cooper, Account Manager, reflected on the outstanding achievements of Marie Curie:

Maria Curie was a physicist and chemist who dedicated her life to pioneering research in the field of radioactivity. In addition to discovering the elements Radium and Polonium and isolating Radium as a pure metal, she coined the term 'radioactivity'. She established that diseased tumour-forming cells were destroyed faster than healthy cells when exposed to Radium. Her work led to the development of cancer cells' treatment using radioactive isotopes, which has since been used to save millions of lives.

She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, the only woman to win it twice, and the only person to win the Nobel Prize in two scientific fields (Physics and Chemistry). During the First World War, she developed small mobile X-ray units that could be used to diagnose injuries near the battlefront. It is estimated that over a million wounded soldiers were treated with her X-ray units. In the 1920s and 1930s, she founded the Curie Institutes in Paris and Warsaw, both of which are still world-leading medical, biological and biophysical research centres.

Ruth Williams, Head of Marketing and E-Commerce, wanted to nominate several key influences on her career:

Mary Barra, Chairman and CEO, General Motors Company

I personally have a keen interest in motorsports, and I am also a car collector of sorts. I continue to be impressed with the strides taken by Mary Barra, General Motors first female CEO and the first woman to lead any major automaker, an accomplishment in a historically male-dominated sector. I was fortunate to have once attended a conference where she spoke about her drive to take a leadership position and change the global impact of the automotive industry. Her words inspired me and helped to fuel my own drive to enhance my own career. Mary has been leading the transformation of personal mobility through advanced technologies like connectivity, electrification, autonomous driving, and car-sharing initiatives in major cities.

Rosie Thomas, Global Brand and Campaign Manager, Astutis

It is not often that I meet someone who is constantly driven to make a positive difference in the workplace. No matter what the task or the project, Rosie turns up with a measured approach, a plan of action, a high level of intelligence and just gets the job done. Since working with Rosie over the last two years, she has positively impacted my career in marketing. She has inspired me to learn more, to upskill and evaluate every piece of data available to make an informed decision. I am honoured to work alongside her and have her as a work colleague.

Sarah Fea, Digital and Ecommerce Manager, Astutis

In a world of marketing technical evolution, Sarah Fea stands out of the crowd. An excellent project manager, holding herself in a steady state of calm. Sarah takes the bull by the horns and inspires others by powering through and delivering projects on time and on budget. Never one to hold onto the latest technological update, Sarah is always looking to transform business processes to make them more efficient, leaner and deliver a positive return for the business shareholders. I am honoured to work alongside her and have her as my work colleague.

Hilary Grey, International Training Solutions Advisor, wanted to recognise two women who directly impacted her career:

In my time at Astutis I have been so impressed with Natalie Robinson and just love working with her. She responds to issues quickly, has endless patience with learners who do not have English as a first language, and is the team's oracle. I never have to chase or follow up on issues raised – they always are. What an asset she is to this business.

My very first management role back in 1979 saw me being mentored by a German woman called Anke Dietzen, who was a real powerhouse without dropping the female traits of empathy, support and caring. She left me understanding that strong women are firm, fair and consistent, and that has stayed with me all my working career. She was spontaneous and a lot of fun, and you were not afraid to take risks as she always had your back. She retired growing vines and flowers with the same Teutonic focus, and they never failed to bear fruit.

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