As part of this year’s International Women’s Day speaking engagements, I had the privilege of joining the team at SPARK North East Link for their IWD Lunch & Learn. With more than 150 people tuning in across construction sites and head office, it was a powerful reminder that when we come together with a shared purpose, real change becomes possible.

Showing up with purpose

There was something special about standing in front of the SPARK team onsite, in the office, and online. I could feel the commitment in the room. People were present, not just physically but emotionally. They weren’t there to tick a box or do the annual “IWD thing.” They were there to reflect, connect, and take action.

I believe real progress isn’t just about big statements, it’s built through everyday actions, conversations and leadership at all levels.

That moment reinforced why I do this work. It’s not just about celebrating one day, it’s about using that moment to spark something that lives on well beyond the 8th of March.

A culture of commitment 

What really struck me about SPARK was how much is already in motion. This is a team that’s doing the work and backing it up with tangible action:

• They’ve doubled their mentoring program in just a year – from 40 to 83 participants – with more women stepping into both mentoring and mentee roles.
• The Women of SPARK group is driving meaningful initiatives that support education, connection, and visibility across the organisation.
• They’re taking inclusion beyond their walls by visiting schools and inspiring the next generation to explore careers in construction.

These aren’t just nice-to-haves. They’re evidence of a culture that’s actively shifting, through shared responsibility, everyday leadership and the courage to challenge what’s always been.

Practical tools for change

During our session, I introduced my Reveal, Decode, Recode framework, a practical tool designed to help teams uncover invisible codes, challenge outdated thinking, and shift into intentional leadership.

The response was incredible.

People resonated with the idea that inclusion isn’t a “women’s issue”, it’s a shared responsibility. They saw the value in moving away from autopilot and into action. And most importantly, they saw how they could each play a role in shaping a more inclusive and high-performing culture.

Not just a one-off. 

My time with SPARK was just one of six keynotes I delivered to recognise International Women’s Day 2025, connecting with over 1,200 people around the country – from Seiko and CHEP to Mars, Export Finance, MaxCap and beyond. And while each event had its own flavour, the common thread was clear: this work is only just beginning.

This isn’t a one-off. It’s the start of something bigger.

People are ready. Organisations are hungry for more than surface-level celebration. And I’m here for the ripple effect, where real stories, practical tools, and shared accountability come together to create lasting change.

What’s next?

To the SPARK team, my heartfelt thanks. Thank you for showing up with such presence and purpose. Thank you to the Women of SPARK, People & Culture, and everyone who made this event possible. I’m honoured to be part of your journey.

To anyone reading this: If you’re ready to move beyond good intentions and into high-impact action, let’s talk. I’m now taking bookings for keynotes, workshops, and Code Conversations.

Because inclusion isn’t just an International Women’s Day topic, it’s a daily practice.

Let’s start a conversation.