The 8th March marked International Women’s Day, a time to celebrate the achievements of women across the world and reinforce the commitment to stop gender inequality. The theme this year is #AccelerateAction, which serves as powerful notice that while progress is continually being made, there is still more we can do to strive for a more inclusive community.
Through the wise words of advice that follow in this blog, you’ll meet women at different stages in their career – some are just getting started, some are trailblazers in the data centre industry, and all of them are making an impact in paving the way for the next generation for women. Welcome to the discussion.
The question: You meet up with your younger self for coffee, what’s one piece of advice you give them about the future?
Mandy Flashman-Wells
Mandy is co-Founder and Financial Director at Spa Communications. While also leading the organisation’s vision, Mandy is also creating positive change through her work with Mbedza, a charity which aims to help improve the lives of the people of Malawi.
“I’d tell my younger self to have more confidence, trust my instincts, make my own decisions, believe in myself and ignore voices that put me down. We’re all unique individuals with spark, purpose and initiative and I’d tell myself to grab life and live every day to the full.”
Hannah Ramsey
Starting her first role as, Junior Account Executive, Hannah is one of 12 women at Spa Communications.
“Stop worrying about where you’re ‘supposed’ to be! You will face obstacles and question yourself but never let the fear of going after something hold you back.”
Laura Thorpe
Laura has gone through the ranks at Spa Communications, starting as Social Media Executive in 2020, while completing a degree. She is now Digital PR and Social Media Manager.
“Nobody knows your potential better than you. Ignore the people who try to define your limits, better yet, work hard and prove them wrong.”
Eloise Shenton
As Social Media Manager, Eloise supports in leading an all-female social media team at Spa Communications.
“It’s okay to change direction, what you want at one stage in life isn’t always what’s right in the long run. Growth comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone, so trust yourself, your abilities, and that you’re on the right path – I promise it all works out!! ”
Charlotte Wood
Account Director at Spa Communications, Charlotte works directly with MD Rory Flashman to help the agency grow and across several of our global clients.
“You might think you need to have all the answers, but the truth is, the world (and technology) is always evolving. The most successful people are those who are willing to learn. You might not know everything right from the jump, and that’s okay.”
Annabel Thompson
Annabel is a Senior Account Manager at Spa Communications and since joining the PR agency has developed relationships with key female influencers in the data centre industry.
“I am stealing this advice from a film, but from the moment I heard it, I wished I had lived by it in my younger years: ‘Everything will be alright in the end, so if it is not alright, it is not the end. The only real failure is the failure to try, and the measure of success is how we cope with disappointment.’ ”
Phuong Le
After moving to the UK from Vietnam to study Business Management in Marketing, Phuong was Spa Communications first work placement student and is since making a name for herself in the PR and data centre sector as Senior PR and Social Media Executive at Spa Communications.
“Do things you don’t like to do frequently. Getting comfortable being uncomfortable will serve you well. Growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone, and pushing yourself to do things you don’t like or challenge you will shape you into the person you’re meant to be.”
Jessica Bell
A Marketing with Advertising and Digital Communication student has seen Jessica become a sought-after PR and Social Media Executive among many data centre organisations.
“You know more than you think you do, trust and stop doubting yourself. Make decisions on what you actually want to do, not what you think you should be doing. And above all, look after yourself, it’s okay to take time for you.”
From our clients, Iceotope, RNA Analytics, AVK, and Clean Energy Capital shared their advice for their younger selves:
Amy Young
As Director at Clean Energy Capital, Amy has helped to challenge and change the data centre sector, has been recognized globally, and has been included in Data Centre Magazine’s Top 10 women in Data Centres.
Trust and believe in yourself. The path ahead won’t always be clear, but every challenge will shape you into the leader you’re meant to be. Speak up, be fearless, and never let doubt hold you back—your voice and perspective matter more than you know.
Joyce Wady
From the sunny state of California, Joyce now leads marketing at Iceotope as Director of Marketing, where she has supported rebrands and led the campaign of KUL AI.
“Embrace your strengths and what makes you unique. If an organisation doesn’t see value in that, then it’s not the right place for you. Find a company that enables you to be your authentic self. ”
Lynsey Partlow
Lynsey is Service Director at AVK and holds a strong passion for mentorship and coaching. Throughout her career, Lynsey has trained and supported women to reach their full potential within the technology sector.
“Trust your instincts, challenge boundaries, and never be afraid to question the status quo. Each step you take will build resilience and inspire others, fostering positive change for women in the data centre sector and beyond.”
Vicky Daniels
Vicky is Global Marketing Manager at RNA Analytics and a respected leader of diverse, creative teams, multimedia divisions, product and communications departments.
“Trust yourself more—most of your doubts are just overthinking in disguise. Take risks, embrace change, and don’t be afraid to fail. Every mistake teaches you something valuable. The future’s not scary; it’s just a really messy first draft.”
Lizzy McDowell
Lizzy started in the Women’s Contemporary Fashion Department and is now Marketing Manager at Kao Data. Lizzy has helped to encourage young men and women to join the tech sector via her work at Kao Data, and recently became a member of the Charted Institute of Marketing.
“Say yes. Say yes to the job, the trip, the event, the dinner… Sometimes you might not know what you are saying yes to…and that’s ok. It’s scary and you might feel unqualified, but you are just as entitled to be there as everyone else. ”
Laetitia Cousin
Laetitia has many marketing accolades under her belt, but today, she is Strategic Communications Manager Secure Power Europe at the World’s Most Sustainable company, Schneider Electric.
“Believe in yourself. Trust your abilities, embrace your creativity, and take risks, this will take you far. Never stop learning or… having fun along the way! The marketing world in IT is constantly evolving, and the best way to stay ahead is to be agile and open to new ideas. And remember, building genuine relationships is key.”
As we continue to celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s not just look back at how far we’ve come, but how far we still have to go and take action. Every challenge and success helps to shape the leaders we become!
Happy International Women’s Day!