• This year's IWD theme is #InspireInclusion. What does ‘inspiring inclusion’ mean to you?

Growing up in two different cultures, I always felt like an outsider. When starting A&M, I wanted to ensure I'm building a workplace and a community where everyone feels included and empowered. So inspiring inclusion feels so aligned with the inspiration behind the Astrid & Miyu founding story.

• As a woman, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from your career?

That it's ok to embrace the feminine way of leading and doing business. Early on in my career, I was always somewhat insecure about my "soft" ways, but I have over the years learnt to embrace my feminine energy and realised how powerful this is.

• What makes you proud to be a leader at A&M?

Being surrounded by such talented and kind people, who are striving to do better every day!

As a woman, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from your career?

Only you can make things happen, take risks and always trust your gut…. It’s usually right.

What’s the most important part of workplace culture?

Everyone being their authentic self at work. Ensuring that everyone has an equal voice and the opportunity to share their opinion no matter their role or title. 

What’s a piece of advice you’d give for women at the beginning of their career?

Say yes to every opportunity that comes your way and don’t let the loudest person in the room doubt your confidence or sway your contribution.

What makes you proud to be a leader at A&M?

Proving that women can have a successful career alongside having a family. I feel so lucky to work alongside so many talented and inspiring women and mothers.

What’s the most important part of workplace culture?

Empowerment - a culture where teams and individuals feel empowered to fulfil their full potential 

What’s a piece of advice you’d give for women at the beginning of their career?

There may be times where you will feel imposter syndrome. Know that this is completely normal and most other women feel this too. It's not a bad thing, it will keep you curious and humble and eager to learn. Just don't let it get in your way. 

What makes you proud to be a leader at A&M?

I am proud for what we stand for as a team of leaders at A&M and the business we are growing and leading. One defined by innovation, empowerment and integrity. I am proud that our brand values aren't just words on a piece of paper, they are alive across the entire business and get stronger as we grow. I am proud that we do things differently, are creating our own definition of leadership and are inspiring a very talented team of young (mostly) women to grow into their best selves.

What does ‘inspiring inclusion’ mean to you?

To me Inspiring Inclusion means celebrating diversity in all its forms. From a business perspective it is about creating environment where different perspectives are valued.

As a woman, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from your career?

Don’t stay in your comfort zone for too long, it will slow down your growth and progression.

What’s a piece of advice you’d give for women at the beginning of their career?

Embrace challenge and don’t be afraid of making mistakes – they are fundamental part of learning.

This year's IWD theme is #InspireInclusion. What does ‘inspiring inclusion’ mean to you?

To me, inspiring inclusion means approaching everything with an open mind, giving space to all opinions and listening with genuine curiosity. 

As a woman, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from your career?

I learned that I can define for myself what balance looks like to me, that my definition of work life synergy could be very different to someone else's and that it is OK. 

What’s a piece of advice you’d give for women at the beginning of their career?

It is hard to know your career path when you are just at the start of your journey. Stay curious, follow what feels right and explore opportunities that give you a true sense of joy and excitement.

As a woman, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from your career?

Women supporting each other is very powerful! 

What’s the most important part of workplace culture?

Breaking boundaries as an individual and as a team brings empowerment. It helps create connection and makes sure that everyone has a space to be heard and shine.

What’s a piece of advice you’d give for women at the beginning of their career?

It's important that you see challenges as ways to learn different skills. Resilience and integrity are such important skills and will take you far on your journey.

What makes you proud to be a leader at A&M?

People are at the heart of everything we do!