Being “The First” isn’t just about achievement - it’s about challenge, courage, and change. In this reflection for International Women’s Day 2025, Vicki shares her experiences as one of the few women in a male-dominated industry and the lessons learned from breaking barriers, asking for what didn’t yet exist and leading the way for others to follow.

These experts explain how corporate retreats target company culture, prioritising team unity, revitalising communication and sharpening decision-making abilities. 

According to Makinex chair Anthony Moss GAICD, corporate retreats are a tool to help boards and management gain new perspectives and thus make better decisions. Moss is also founder and chair of the CEO Advisory Board, the Executive Leaders Group, and founder and director of strategy consultancy Lead Your Industry.

Even at an early age, we begin to absorb the messages around us about who we should be and what’s possible. This articles explores how subtle social conditioning shapes our sense of identity, work, and gender often without us realising. A timely reflection on bias, balance and the quiet power of awareness at any age.

True leadership starts with awareness; of ourselves, of others, and of the signals in between. In this story from an EQiLead workshop, a simple interaction between a participant and a horse reveals how curiosity, empathy and attention build stronger connections in teams. It’s a reminder that perfection isn’t the goal, presence is.