It takes confidence and real guts to aim higher than we are often expected to do, to go beyond social, cultural, educational and self-limiting beliefs to achieve the best for ourselves. Girls, in particular, are often quashed at an early age by an expectation of behaviours and self-restrain that are sometimes old fashioned, sexist and potentially life limiting. Mairi McHaffie, Director of Scene Change Creative Consultants, a career development company, is passionate about people of all levels being recognised and rewarded for their efforts to excel, stand up and be visible and to become confident role models, as Mairi explains;
‘We are all a role model to someone and that’s a big responsibility and potentially very powerful. What always delights me is to hear stories about individuals who have challenged themselves to step out of their comfort zone and expand their skills and experiences – to invest in and share their talents with others and to give back. I am humbled to read about these amazing women, below senior management level, who are on the path to be our leaders of the future.’
Mairi is honoured to be asked, again, to join the judging panel of the UK’s premier WeAreTheCity Rising Stars Awards 2018.
The Rising Star Awards recognise the achievements of women, who are below Senior Management or Director level, therefore representing the female talent pipeline and the next generation of future leaders. The Awards also recognise the efforts of senior leaders, who are championing gender equality, as well as putting the spotlight on a ‘company of the year’ that is actively supporting its female talent pipeline above and beyond industry norms.
WeAreTheCity will add to their existing Rising Stars Awards winners alumni of 250 women by recognising the achievements of an additional 100 women and five champions in the UK throughout 2018.
By highlighting the accolades of inspirational female talent, WeAreTheCity hopes to encourage organisations and business leaders to invest in and recognise women as leaders of tomorrow and additionally, as individual contributors within their respective industries.
Founder of WeAreTheCity, Vanessa Vallely, has been a huge supporter of Scene Change’s Coaching Squared Programme over the years, which helps participants develop their careers. Vanessa has inspired participants, through her unique and inspirational talks on these programmes and Mairi states;
‘I am delighted that we have had some of our own Coaching Squared alumni win the Rising Stars Awards.’
The Rising Star awards are open for nominations from 1st February 2018. The Rising Star sponsors for 2018 will be announced on 11 January 2018. Nominate Now
