My idea of starting Rise Up stemmed from the desire to see more female founders represented across industries. What if we could live in a world where there is true gender equity in both business and society, where every business woman could be the best and most confident version of herself and have the right support to succeed?

With a corporate career spanning over 12 years in Financial Services, I have always worked in predominantly male-driven environments. That often meant I had to shift and adapt in order to have a seat at the table. Once I became a 'working mum', achieving the right work-life balance, defying long-engrained stereotypes, breaking barriers and climbing up the corporate ladder became even more challenging. Women often accept their harsh reality in resignation, while very few corporates do enough to raise awareness and encourage change. Women are still under-represented as business leaders due to stigma, old-fashioned mentality and the lack of support, mentorship and up-skilling opportunities, among many other factors.

My upcoming book on the topic of Building Resilience and Redefining Success as Working Mums (2025) explores the challenges and stereotypes faced and offers strategies to overcome these.

It brings together the most essential conversations surrounding working motherhood and looks to inspire a change in perspective for both the business world and working mums everywhere.