Give to Gain: The Moments That Shape Us

International Women’s Day can sometimes feel like it comes with big statements and bold promises that don’t always come to fruition. But in reality, it’s the smaller, quieter, everyday moments that can make the biggest difference to women and ultimately help shape our careers.

It’s the moment when someone backs your idea in a meeting. When someone gives you the stretch brief. When someone takes the time to really listen. And it’s those moments that really matter and have long-lasting effects.

Which is why this year’s theme – Give to Gain – feels like such an important one. It isn’t about the big, bold promises, it’s about intentional action. Giving time, advocacy, opportunity, visibility and credit. And recognising that when we do, we don’t lose anything – in fact, we build strong people and teams, which results in stronger businesses.

For this International Women’s Day, we asked SMGers across our business what this year’s theme means to them and how to put it into practice…

The power of feeling backed

Esther Carista, Product Manager, has seen how much difference small acts of support can make – especially as a woman in tech.

“When people feel supported, they’re more comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas, and growing in confidence,” she says. “Even small moments of encouragement or advocacy can make a real difference in helping someone feel included and heard.”

The feeling of being heard changes how you show up. And when more people feel confident enough to contribute, teams don’t just become more inclusive – they become better.

The small things that build belief

For Genevieve Albooye, Senior Strategy Executive, giving doesn’t have to mean something dramatic. It can be simple.

“I look at giving through the lens of small acts – giving credit to bold ideas or creating the space for more creative thinking.”

In her team, weekly shoutouts celebrate wins from the week before – big and small. It’s not complicated, but it reinforces that your work is seen. Being seen builds belief. Belief encourages people to take risks, and that ignites innovation.

Moving from support to sponsorship

Encouragement matters, but advocacy can hold even more importance. For Kat Jones, Group Axis Director, “Give to Gain” is about what happens in the rooms where decisions are made.

“It’s about using your voice to advocate for women to take on stretch roles, lead visible projects, and shape strategy,” she says. “When we share access and opportunity, not just advice, we build stronger organisations and create momentum that benefits everyone.”

Cheering someone on has huge benefits, but putting their name forward and taking it further by advocating for someone else can have an even bigger impact – and that’s when we see real change happening.

Opening doors – without conditions

Real opportunity isn’t about ticking every box or fitting a rigid mould. It’s about leaders choosing to back potential – without attaching conditions.

Tara Hekmat, Client Director, reflects on creating space to grow, stretch and learn along the way.

“With enough barriers already facing women, we have to be intentional about opening doors and offering opportunity – without conditions and rigid expectations,” she says. “When we do, we don’t just grow talent – we unlock fresh thinking, more diverse leadership and stronger results.”

It’s about being intentional in how we offer opportunity – making sure it’s based on capability, not convenience. Not filtered through assumptions about caring responsibilities, flexibility, or who “looks” ready. Because when opportunity is truly open, we don’t just support individuals – we strengthen the whole organisation.

The gift of time

And then there’s something even more fundamental: time. Charlotte Malbasa, Business Director, puts it beautifully:

“Time is perhaps the most useful and most respectful gift that you pass on to those around you – because it’s so precious.”

Time to explain, to mentor, to listen properly – not half-listening between meetings.

So maybe Give to Gain isn’t about the big, bold, sweeping gestures. Maybe it’s about the small choices we make every day. Giving doesn’t reduce what’s available to us – it expands what’s possible for everyone.

And if enough of us choose to do that – intentionally, consistently, without conditions – we don’t just support women. We shape workplaces and cultures where people feel seen, valued, and able to show up as their whole selves. When people feel that, they give their best. They stretch further. They stay longer. And that’s not only good for people – it’s good for business too.

This International Women’s Day, let’s think about the moments that shaped us. And then let’s choose to create more of those moments for someone else.