At NSCG we believe in the power of people, and on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the remarkable contributions of women who shape our world, both within our organisation and beyond. As a People Advisory Consultancy, we understand that fostering a workplace where equality thrives is not just a moral imperative, but a catalyst for innovation and success.
Today, we’re honoured to share the wisdom of six of our inspiring female leaders, who have generously reflected on their own career journeys. Through their insights, encapsulated in the theme “what I wish I knew,” we hope to support future generations, and reinforce our commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive future for all.
Anna Cleland, who leads our Operations team said
People might underestimate you right now, but it won’t be forever. Pay attention to when you feel most excited and passionate about your work. Spend time getting good at these things and they will become your strengths. Capability plus passion is a strong combination! Stay close to people who see your abilities and appreciate them. Listen to them and believe them when they tell you how awesome you are, even when you don’t feel like you deserve the praise. Work hard for what you believe to be right, stick to your values and you will make an impact. There will be challenges along the way, but when you look back on them in the years ahead, you will realise you learnt such a lot by experiencing them and they weren’t as big as they felt at the time. Enjoy the ride!
Debbie Norman, our HR Director said
My advice to my younger self would be, control what you can and accept what you can’t, you cannot control every person, situation, or decision. This can be difficult, but how you react is key. Each challenge is an opportunity to learn—so embrace these opportunities with resilience. If you stay true to your personal values and ethics, you’ll move forward without regrets.
There’s nothing wrong with being selfish, too often it’s given a negative connotation, look after number 1, it’s important if you’re going to hold onto your personal values and ethics.
Denise Raw, a Director in our Interim Management business said
Embrace, every day and learn from every mistake. Listen to those around you who have experience, and support those around you that have not and believe in yourself.
Creating goals that are specific, measurable, and achievable, and breaking them into smaller, manageable steps. Each small goal accomplished becomes evidence of your capability and gives you self-belief so then you can practice positive self- talk
Recognise your existing strengths and unique qualities, understand that self-belief is a skill you can develop over time, not a fixed trait.
Keep a journal to track your thoughts and identify negative self-talk patterns. When you reach your milestone and goals – take a step back and celebrate your achievements!
Lubna Haq, a Director in our Leadership Consulting business said
As you step into the world of work, know that your success will not just be defined by your skills, but by the resilience you build and the values you stand by. I know this because I have lived it. As an Asian Muslim woman, I grew up with the weight of expectations—of family, of culture, of a community where reputation and tradition often mattered more than personal happiness. At 21, I entered an arranged marriage, believing it was the right path. But when it didn’t work out, I faced a choice: stay in a situation that went against my values or find the strength to walk away, knowing the judgment I would face. I chose the harder path, raising my daughter alone while battling not just societal expectations but my own fears of failure.
I worked relentlessly, earning my master’s and MBA, building a career in spaces where women like me were rarely seen—let alone heard. I fought for equality, not just for myself but for others, refusing to be limited by cultural norms or the bias I encountered. There were moments of deep doubt—times when imposter syndrome told me I didn’t belong in corporate boardrooms, as a partner in a global company, or as a leader in my field. But I reminded myself why I started: to be a role model for my daughter, because I believed in my own worth, in fairness, and in a future where women—especially women of colour—would no longer be expected to shrink themselves to fit in.
And despite the struggles, there was joy. The joy of building a life on my terms. Of seeing my daughter thrive as a successful career woman and mother. Of finding love again with a man who chose Islam for me, not out of obligation but out of genuine respect and devotion.
So as you begin your journey, seek mentors who uplift you, who challenge you to grow. Trust yourself, even when the world makes you question your place. Stand by what you believe in, even when it feels like the hardest choice. And know that despite the obstacles, the life you build with courage, integrity, and passion will be one you are truly proud of.
Rianne Silvey, a Director in our Leadership Consulting business said
I would tell my younger self, and any young woman embarking on her career, that despite seeing many family members struggle with the dreaded Sunday night blues, it’s possible to carve out a fulfilling path where work is not just a job but a genuine passion. I would say that one day you’ll have a career that not only brings you joy but also allows you to positively impact others by helping them find the right work opportunities and grow professionally and personally.
Also, the long hours and hard work, like pursuing a MSc degree while working full time and studying at 5am before a full day at work, will indeed pay off.
Most importantly, “feel the fear and do it anyway”. Don’t let anxiety over making mistakes hold you back, remember, everyone is learning as they go – you’ll see a lot of people are actually making it up as they go and A LOT of confidence masquerading as competence. You have just as much right to succeed and be a Director as anyone else.
Sarah Stevenson, a Partner in our Interim Management business said
When I was 29 years old, I made a promise to myself on new years’ eve. My resolution that year, was to care less about what people thought of me in the workplace; and be more ‘me’. I was a young director on a board of a highly profitable, medium sized company that I had grown up in. I had many of my professional ‘firsts’; in the business – client wins, losses, faux pas’, public speaking slots, promotions and learning the art of navigating politics. Before this point I had all the classic episodes of overthinking, performance anxiety, imposter syndrome; it comes with the territory of early success. I was lucky; I was able to make the intentional decision to be authentic, or ‘the best version of myself’; early on in my career. This is because I had sturdy guard rails provided by my boss, Helen of 8 years. I’m naturally messy, curious, energetic, at times chaotic; and only do things well which I’m genuinely interested in – the rest falls behind the wayside. At points in my career, these characteristics have had me sail close to the wind of performance issues!! Helen taught me to use these qualities to my advantage to lead authentically; and luckily for me, she firmly recognised where I thrived. She also taught me about the red lines that I had to be careful not to cross, because of my characteristics. She also taught me how important humour is, not to take work too seriously and to have fun at work; most importantly when the chips are down. I’m so thankful for these lessons I had early on in my career. lf you’re not lucky enough to have a Helen early on in your career, then my best advice would be to make sure you chose roles which align most closely to your personal strengths and energy. The place where work is closest to play, where you’re least likely to suffer from imposter syndrome and be able to be your authentic self. Be intentional about nurturing your strengths, practice them, watch out where they may be overplayed; and use them to navigate round your weaker points.
As we reflect on the powerful words shared by our leaders, it’s clear that the journey towards equality is ongoing. It’s important that we all remain dedicated to championing women’s voices and creating environments where everyone can thrive. We hope these insights inspire you to embrace your potential, challenge the status quo, and accelerate action to building a more equitable and inclusive workplace for all, today and every day.