This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the power of generosity through this year’s theme: ‘Give to Gain‘.
At its heart, the message is simple: when we give our time, knowledge, encouragement and opportunity, we don’t lose anything. Instead, we create more, more confidence, more connection and more possibility.
Across the Aspire community, we’re fortunate to work alongside inspiring women who live this mindset every day. Through mentorship, visibility, collaboration and simply showing up for others when it matters most, their experiences show how generosity can create lasting impact.
Here, members of our community share what Give to Gain means to them.
For Linda Agyemang, Community Lead at Black Girls Do Run UK, giving is about creating space where others can feel supported and belong.
“I give my time, my knowledge and my lived experience to support and uplift women in my community (Black Girls Do Run UK). Whether it’s mentoring, sharing lessons I’ve learned, encouraging someone to start their running journey or simply holding space, I show up with intention.
In giving, I gain so much more than I ever expected. I gain connection, sisterhood and the joy of seeing women grow in confidence and strength. I gain purpose, knowing that my contribution helps create representation and belonging where it is deeply needed. I gain inspiration from the resilience and brilliance of the women around me.
By pouring into others, I am constantly refilled. That is the true power of giving – it comes back as growth, community and collective empowerment.”
The impact of shared experience is something Layla Smith, Founder and Managing Director of Aspire, has seen time and again.
“I’d like to thank all the women who have said yes to a call or a coffee with me over the years to share their business and career journeys. So often, when I reach out to connect and ask for their stories or advice, I’m met with generosity, honesty and genuine encouragement. Those conversations have gifted me countless nuggets of wisdom – lessons in leadership, resilience and self-belief that I carry with me every day. It’s a powerful reminder that when women openly share their experiences, we don’t just support one another, we strengthen the whole community.”
For Izzy Wedderburn, Independent Publisher of New Mountain Magazine, giving is about opening doors for others to be seen and heard.
“For me, giving is about creating space for others through independent publishing. As a female founder working in both the outdoor and magazine industries, I’m conscious of how powerful visibility can be. Through New Mountain Magazine I try to offer a platform where a wide range of voices can author their own stories, while actively ensuring that women’s perspectives – as writers, photographers and adventurers – are part of that landscape.
That often means giving time, trust and opportunity without expecting immediate return. What comes back is a genuine community. When we support one another and make space, the stories we share grow bigger, stronger and more meaningful for everyone.”
Mentorship is another powerful example of the Give to Gain mindset in action. For Lotty Campbell-Bird, Account Director at Aspire, being part of the OIA Mentor Programme has been transformative.
“Being selected as part of the OIA Mentor Programme has been invaluable, and it’s a real example of how generosity creates growth. Having access to a mentor with decades of experience has given me a perspective I simply couldn’t have gained on my own.
Through honest conversations, thoughtful challenge and shared wisdom, I’ve gained confidence in my decision-making, clarity in moments of uncertainty, and reassurance that progress doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. The time and openness my mentor has given so freely have accelerated my development in ways that would have taken years otherwise.”
Creative Director and Storyteller Tilly GW shares her perspective on the power of collaboration and collective generosity:
“Not much would happen without those who inspire, support, listen, challenge and build around us. A goal, shared by people who come from different perspectives, is a recipe for the most productive and enjoyable experiences. I have gained a huge amount through collaborations like these, and am grateful for all who have given a piece of themselves to make them happen! Another thought in relation to this prompt: For one of us to gain, somebody else doesn’t necessarily lose. Giving and gaining are not at the expense of each other.”
Aspire Director Monica Poncelas, reflects on the early experiences that helped shape her career and her approach to supporting others.
“It’s reminded me that when women open doors, share knowledge and invest in each other, we all rise faster and stronger. That ripple effect of support is powerful, and I feel incredibly grateful to be on the receiving end of it.
While waitressing after uni and trying hard to find my dream job, a regular female customer took the time to take interest about my career ambitions. She gave her time, advice, and even scoured PR Week job ads to point me toward a placement I landed. Later, that employer shared my CV with other agencies, helping me secure my next role. I’ve always vowed to pay it forward, offering advice, breaks, and guidance wherever I can, and that brings me great personal joy. What’s more, with a 17-year-old who isn’t too far away from entering the workforce, I’m even more mindful of helping the next generation find their first chance to shine!”
For Mara Hafezi, Race Director at Legacy Races and Sports Co-Lead for South Asian Heritage Month, giving also means creating lasting opportunities for underrepresented communities.
“South Asian Heritage Month (1–31 July) is an opportunity for us to create even more meaningful opportunities for British South Asian women in the wellness and sports sector. It helps with increasing visibility, connection and confidence.
As the Sports Co-Lead, part of my role means I work with brands and organisations to help spotlight British South Asian women from across different sports across the UK. This representation strengthens our own self-belief. It inspires both older and younger generations.
Events and panel discussions offer networking and mentorship opportunities, helping women build social capital and expand career prospects, particularly in the wellness and sports sector where they are underrepresented.
The month creates space to address structural challenges such as barriers to entry to sport, educating on the South Asian roots of activities (like yoga) and balancing the complexities of growing up with dual heritage identities in the UK, which many British South Asian women and girls so often face.
For women-led brands and creatives, increased exposure can translate into commercial growth and new collaborations. Beyond professional gains, the celebration of heritage fosters cultural pride and intergenerational understanding, supporting identity confidence.
Its impact is strongest when organisations move beyond tokenistic gestures and invest in sustained, meaningful support for South Asian women year-round – whether that’s including them in brand activations or learning how events like Vaisakhi, Holi or Ramadan fit into people’s fitness training.”
After returning to work following maternity leave, Marika Trembath, Account Director at Aspire shares how the support, encouragement and mentorship of other women helped her navigate the balance between career and motherhood.
“Re-joining the workplace after an extended maternity leave with my son due to Covid, I found a daunting time, as I re-adjusted to being a working mother. In Aspire PR, I found an extremely supportive workplace, where I was working alongside other brilliant and talented women who gave their time, knowledge, encouragement and opportunity to support and guide, helping to navigate the unique challenges of balancing a career with parenting. A true example of women supporting women, as when we are each other’s biggest cheerleaders we can effect the most powerful and positive change and make sure women continue to smash those glass ceilings. Something that I keep in the back of my mind and vow to give back to other women around me whenever I can.”
Becky Hepworth, Account Director at Aspire, adds:
“Looking back, some of the biggest gains in my life have come from amazing women who’ve simply shown up for me without hesitation, giving their time, advice and encouragement. Their support has given me confidence and reassurance in moments I’ve really needed it and reminded me that I’m not doing life alone. That kind of giving stays with you and it’s something I try to carry forward every day.”
Across every story shared here, a common thread emerges: when women support one another – through mentorship, advocacy, opportunity or encouragement – the impact extends far beyond a single moment.
Giving creates momentum. It builds confidence, strengthens communities and opens doors for the next generation.
And perhaps that’s the real meaning behind Give to Gain – when generosity becomes part of how we work and live, everyone moves forward together.
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