“There is no force equal to a woman determined to rise” – Microsoft Inspire

The theme for IAMCP's (International Association of Microsoft Channel Partners) WIT Charity Luncheon at Microsoft Inspire 2017 was 'BE BOLD' – something many women face on a daily basis, whether looking to take the next step in their career or returning to work after a period away.

I was fortunate enough to receive a personal invite from Cindy Rose, Microsoft CEO and Clare Barclay, COO to be seated at a VIP table with a select group of UK partners.

As Diversity & Inclusion Chair for IAMCP UK, and advocate for Women in Sport, this is a subject area I am passionate about and relished the opportunity to join a community whom have shown anything is possible.

International Women’s Day this year highlighted courage as a key factor in bringing about gender parity, asking the world’s employees, regardless of their business seniority, to ‘be bold for change’ in the drive for workplace equality. With an inspiring agenda of speakers including Gavriella Schuster, Corporate Vice President for Microsoft's Worldwide Partner Group and Toni Townes Whitley, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Worldwide Public Sector, you couldn’t help but walk away inspired and passionate about the achievement of others in the industry.

So, what does being BOLD mean to me? Stepping outside of your comfort zone and standing up for something you believe in, no matter what barriers you are faced with – the harder the path to success, the greater the feeling of achievement at the end.

This led me to think, how can I 'BE BOLD' and make an impact in an industry I am still relatively new in….

• Challenge and Change, Women in Leadership – Leading on from this panel discussion at The House of Commons; being actively involved in the project groups and identifying strategies to increase diversity and opportunity within the work ecosystem, while also exploring the successful traits needed to move forward.
  
  
• 'A Diverse Perspective on Inclusion Leadership' study – Working with IAMCP UK and Microsoft; understanding where partners are in this area and helping build a framework for D&I (Diversity & Inclusion). My work in this area has been profiled globally with IAMCP as best practice which was a real honour and definitely a #BEBOLD moment!
  
  
• Supporting IAMCP WIT Charity 'Harvest for Humanity' - Empowering children to achieve their potential by ensuring they have a safe home, health, education and life skills. Meanwhile, also supporting the first ever Women in Technology Conference carrying a message of hope, inspiration and education for young women and girls in Haiti.

“We have to recognise that just because we have diversity doesn’t mean we have inclusion. It’s a challenge to get a seat at the table but nothing really happens until you have a voice at the table. It’s very important to help colleagues have a voice”. Billie Jean King, Tennis Professional

Everyone can reach their potential –  we all need to be able to give people the opportunity to have a voice and make waves. Be fierce, fearless, forgiving and #BeBoldforChange.