January is often a time for reflection — looking back at what has been, and turning our attention towards what could be. Recently, I’ve spent some time reflecting on a new initiative we launched in October: In Her Words: Women Leading in Wales.
The concept grew out of many conversations held over several years between colleagues at USW Commercial Services — particularly Sharon Mott and Kate Slowinski — and members of The Professional Development Centre, including Sally Crompton and Gaynor Lewis.
Those conversations consistently began with the same questions:
- Why don’t we see more women in senior leadership roles?
- What challenges and barriers do women leaders continue to face?
- Why is there still a need to address the gender balance in leadership?
- And ultimately, what can we do to help move things forward?
For the past eight years, we have had the privilege of facilitating the Women’s Development Programme at USW. We are now working with our ninth cohort and, once again, are inspired by the talent, commitment, and enthusiasm of the women taking part from across the organisation.
The programme continually leaves us asking: How do we build on this momentum?
That question led us here.
In Her Words: Women Leading in Wales is our commitment to sharing one story each month — interviewing one woman leader, showcasing the depth and breadth of senior women leaders across Wales, and demonstrating to others what is possible.
Voices We’ve Heard So Far
To date, we have had the privilege of hearing from three remarkable women leaders:
- Professor Louise Bright, Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of South Wales. Louise holds a strategic role in forging partnerships with business and industry and is the founder of the Wales Women in STEM Network. She is also the sponsor of the Women’s Development Programme at USW.
- Shavanah Taj, General Secretary of TUC Cymru. Shavanah describes herself as the first working-class Muslim woman to hold this role. She has used her voice to take a clear and courageous lead on issues such as pay inequality, inclusion, and workers’ rights.
- Carol Shillabeer, Chief Executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. Carol has driven significant strategic transformation, championed collaborative leadership across the NHS in Wales, and taken a leading role in advancing women’s health in Wales.
What incredible stories these women were willing to share.
No two stories were the same, yet each offered powerful lessons — the passion, resilience, and focus they have drawn upon; the setbacks, pressures, and challenges they have faced along the way. Importantly, they were authentic enough to share not just their successes, but the realities of leadership.
If there was one common thread running through all of their stories, it was this: their commitment to helping others succeed — not just succeeding themselves.
Looking Ahead
We have received such enthusiastic feedback after each event – I know many of you who have attended have sent us such positive comments and gratitude that these women have taken time out to tell their stories.
On a personal level, conducting these interviews has rekindled my own passion for driving forward development opportunities for women in leadership. I am deeply grateful to each of our contributors and want to say, once again, what incredible role models they are.
As I said at the beginning of this blog, the New Year is also about looking forward — building on the past and embracing the future.
Our next guest, Leanne Wood, will be joining us on 23 January for the next In Her Words: Women Leading in Wales.
Leanne hardly needs an introduction, but briefly: she is a Welsh politician, activist, and former leader of Plaid Cymru, widely known for her advocacy of social justice, sustainability, and Welsh independence. She is currently working as a leader with Community Energy Wales.
Call to Action
If you are interested in women’s leadership, equality, and shaping the future of work in Wales, we’d love you to join the conversation.
Attend an upcoming In Her Words: Women Leading in Wales session
- Follow and share these stories to help amplify women’s voices
- Reflect on how you can support and champion women leaders within your own organisation
Because change happens not just through individual success — but through collective action.
