As we approach International Women’s Day on 8th March 2025, we are celebrating the achievements of some of the exceptional women within our community.
These inspiring professionals have shared their experiences in the business world, giving insight into the challenges they have overcome and offering valuable advice for those starting out in their careers. You can read their stories below and, for those visiting Gilbanks, we will also be displaying their profiles in the Club Lounge – offering a great opportunity to get to know your business neighbours and connect.
At Gilbanks, we take pride in fostering a strong, supportive, and professional community. We would like to thank the inspiring women who took the time to share their experiences, and we hope you find their stories as inspiring as we did.
Michelle Davies | DPP Planning
Michelle is a Director and one of the owners of DPP Planning, a Town Planning Consultancy that navigates complex planning processes and helps clients secure planning permission for various developments. The role involves site visits and meetings with clients and Councils nationwide.
How did you get to where you are today – did you need any specific qualifications or experience?
To become a Chartered Town Planner, you typically need a degree accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), followed by at least two years of on-the-job experience. Most people choose either an undergraduate or master’s degree in Town Planning. On top of relevant qualifications, strong people skills are essential, as planning can be a highly emotive issue. For example, local residents may object to a development, or the Council might challenge it, so effective negotiation and conflict resolution is key.
What challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
An ongoing challenge has been learning a multitude of skills that have little to do with Town Planning, but have everything to do with running a business. Things like effective leadership, people management, and good financial planning. Keeping the company going during Covid was a challenge that many will relate to. But we managed it with no redundancies and only one short-term furlough. Another major challenge, one many women will recognise, was balancing work with raising two children as a single mother, without family support nearby, and in a time before remote working made things a little easier.
What is the most important piece of advice you would give to young professionals starting their careers?
Listen and learn as much as you can – there’s always something valuable to take away from every conversation and experience. Make a habit of taking notes, whether on paper or electronically, as it helps retain information and demonstrates professionalism. If you don’t know the answer to a question, be honest and say you’ll look into it and revert back – people respect this far more than receiving incorrect or misleading information. Above all, try not to be intimidated. Confidence comes with time, and showing a willingness to learn and adapt is far more important than knowing all the answers straight away.
Estella Prince | Hägen Wolf
Estella is a specialist solicitor and legal director at award-winning, property-litigation law firm Hägen Wolf. In her role, she covers a full range of contentious land and real estate disputes across the UK.
How did you get to where you are today – did you need any specific qualifications or experience?
My first degree is in European business administration and languages. I had to go back to university to get the relevant qualifications to become a solicitor. I converted to law via the CPE (Common Professional Examination) route and then did the Legal Practice Course, both of which I studied part-time. At the same time, I worked as a paralegal at a law firm to gain experience. I was fortunate to be offered a training contract with them – that’s how it all started and here I am!
What challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
Getting on the solicitor ladder has always been challenging – there are so many talented graduates, yet so few trainee places. I gave up a successful non-legal career and started again from scratch to do law, literally making the tea and taking dictation. It was humbling and made me question my decision. Back then, there was little sympathy for those juggling families. I recall a supervising partner telling me that even if his child had broken an arm and been taken to the hospital, he would still attend his court hearing. Many excellent litigators I knew left the profession because achieving any kind of balance felt impossible. Thankfully, things are improving. Forward-thinking firms like Hägen Wolf embrace flexibility and remote working. Teams meetings and online court hearings also reduce the need for constant country-wide travel.
What is the most important piece of advice you would give to young professionals starting their careers?
Find a supportive mentor – they don’t need to be legally qualified, just someone who has your back and lifts you up when things aren’t going so well. And they won’t believe me, because success isn’t linear – my career was (and still is) like a sine wave! If your workplace makes you feel your inner lights are being dimmed – leave. Trust your gut instinct. Nothing drains self-esteem more than people who sap your motivation and enthusiasm (aka the dementors). You’re left exhausted trying to please the unpleasable. I wish I had told my younger self this. Find a firm that aligns with your values, respects what matters to you, and supports you. A legal career is really hard work, but being in a supportive environment with great colleagues makes the days fly by. Build a strong network of contacts and friends — you’ll be amazed how often familiar faces pop up!
Jade Burgess Miller | AC Legal
Jade is an Associate Director at AC Legal, advising clients on legal and governance matters while mentoring junior colleagues. From drafting agreements to attending Board Meetings – no two days are ever the same. After work, Jade enjoys cooking, watching TV, and walking their mini dachshund, Richmond, with her husband. Despite his size, Richmond runs the house!
How did you get to where you are today – did you need any specific qualifications or experience?
I knew I wanted to be a lawyer from the age of 13, so I made a plan and never gave up. I completed an undergraduate law degree, followed by the LPC, and secured a training contract. Gaining work experience was crucial – I first had an opportunity with my colleague, Rick Almond, almost 10 years ago, and I never left! Persistence, dedication, and continuous skill development have been key to my success. Corporate law and governance require sharp analytical thinking, problem-solving, and resilience, so staying adaptable and proactive has helped me progress in my career.
What challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
The business world is competitive and fairly male-dominated, which comes with its challenges. Early on, I had to prove myself in high-pressure environments while managing demanding workloads. I have learnt to set boundaries, manage stress and prioritise effectively to maintain a healthy balance. Confidence and resilience are essential – I own my space, stay polite and professional and always bring my A-game. Having a strong support network, including mentors and like-minded colleagues, has also been invaluable in helping me navigate challenges and grow in my career.
What is the most important piece of advice you would give to young professionals starting their careers?
Know your worth, trust yourself, and never downplay your achievements. Speak up, seek opportunities, and don’t be afraid to push for what you deserve. You can’t control what others think, so don’t dwell on it. Instead, focus on showing up, doing your best, and surrounding yourself with mentors and peers who support, uplift, and inspire you. Success is built on consistency – always bring your best effort and trust in your abilities. The right people will recognise your value, and your hard work will pay off.
Lucy Barnes | Havas Media Network
As Joint General Manager at Havas, an award-winning media agency partnering with clients like the BBC and Matalan, Lucy leads operations, performance, and growth initiatives, blending strategic leadership with hands-on management. She strives to bring her best self to both her professional and personal commitments by setting mindful boundaries, ensuring she can spend quality time with her two young daughters, who are involved in all kinds of activities!
How did you get to where you are today – did you need any specific qualifications or experience?
Our industry has moved thankfully towards inclusivity. When I began, a degree was essential for entry into media. Today, I’m proud that Havas and the broader industry have adopted more inclusive approaches that don’t always require degrees, instead building teams with diverse backgrounds that better reflect the UK population. I started my career in London, in TV production as a PA and then Contestant Researcher, gaining invaluable insights into content creation before transitioning to agency side. This foundation allowed me to apply creative understanding to commercial media strategy, bridging two complementary perspectives in media. Throughout my career, I’ve found that attitude truly trumps qualifications—curiosity, resilience, and adaptability prove more valuable than any credential. My progression to leadership came through consistently delivering results while developing others, demonstrating that impact matters more than the traditional ladder. I’m a firm believer in continuous learning and adaptation, essential in the ever-evolving media landscape. Staying curious and open to new approaches is key to keeping ahead of the curve.
What challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my career has been building my confidence, particularly in the early years. As a woman in the media industry, I sometimes found myself second-guessing my decisions or feeling hesitant to speak up in rooms dominated by more senior or outspoken colleagues. To overcome this I practiced stepping outside my comfort zone regularly – volunteering for presentations, actively contributing to meetings, and seeking feedback. Over time, I have learned that confidence isn’t about knowing everything but rather trusting your abilities and experiences, being willing to learn from mistakes and having a great team around you. Building a strong network of supportive colleagues and industry connections has been invaluable too.
What is the most important piece of advice you would give to young professionals starting their careers?
Value who you are. Don’t try to conform to what you think others expect – your unique perspective is your greatest asset. Seek out mentors who support your growth, while simultaneously being that person for others. Build meaningful relationships across your organisation and industry – not just with those who can advance your career, but with peers too. Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks, whether that’s pursuing a new role, advocating for an innovative approach, or taking on challenges outside your comfort zone. You are unique so your career path doesn’t need to be linear to be successful.
Joanna Pawlikowski | Gilbanks
Joanna oversees all commercial aspects at Gilbanks, with a primary focus on selling our premium spaces. Engaging daily with potential tenants and referral partners, no two days are the same, especially with new spaces on the horizon keeping the sales team busy. Outside of work, she’s in full-on mum mode, juggling a 2-year-old and a 1-year-old. Life is hectic, filled with little sleep, lots of mess, and plenty of noise—but she wouldn’t change a thing.
How did you get to where you are today – did you need any specific qualifications or experience?
Although I have a degree, it wasn’t directly related to my current industry. To be completely honest, I stumbled into this sector by chance, but quickly fell in love with it and the people. I’ve reached where I am today through building meaningful relationships and staying open to new opportunities. It’s not something I ever imagined I would be doing, but now I can’t imagine doing anything else!
What challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
One of the toughest challenges I’ve faced in my career was moving back to the UK during the COVID lockdown. My career in Sydney was going really well – I had a fantastic team and was excelling – however, circumstances forced me to return to the UK. This meant leaving my job and starting from scratch in an entirely new market, with no contacts or connections. It was an incredibly difficult time to land a job in the office industry, especially when the country was being advised to stop going to offices and work from home instead. After a lot of perseverance and patience, I managed to break into the Manchester market, and here I am today.
What is the most important piece of advice you would give to young professionals starting their careers?
Confidence. Network. Adaptability.
Be confident in your value. It’s important to have the self-assurance to advocate for your skills, achievements, and aspirations. It’s easy to fall into the trap of waiting for recognition or assuming your hard work will speak for itself. So taking the initiative to share your goals, pursue leadership roles, and actively seek out opportunities is key to standing out. Building a strong support network. Many industries are prioritising diversity and inclusion, which means there are mentorship programs, women’s networks, and initiatives available to provide guidance, support, and open new doors. My last bit of advice would be to remain adaptable, open to learning, growing and meeting new people. This will help you navigate the constantly evolving professional world while staying true to your values and goals.
Stevie Leigh | Michael Laird Architects
Stevie is a Company Director at MLA – an architectural, interior design, and workplace consultancy practice. Her role involves managing the office, developing the growing team, driving business development, securing new work, and overseeing projects. Outside of work, she enjoys travelling, cooking, and house renovations. She is currently on maternity leave.
How did you get to where you are today – did you need any specific qualifications or experience?
Yes, I went to university, but at the time, I didn’t give much thought to my career progression. It wasn’t until I was promoted to my first managerial role a few years ago that I realised how much I enjoyed the inner workings of running a business. I became particularly interested in the commercial, cultural, financial, and strategic aspects. That’s when I started to do more business development, marketing, and management as opposed to design and architecture, which I was trained to do.
What challenges have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?
I have been very fortunate to work with some incredibly talented people who have taught me a lot. Since graduating, I’ve worked in Manchester, Sydney, and the Isle of Man, which I feel has helped accelerate my career. There are some obvious challenges for women in architecture, construction, and property, as these fields have historically been male-dominated. Many women in construction have had to develop a thick skin from spending time on-site and in meetings where they’re the only woman in the room. For example, I used to do a lot of work for a premier league football team, and I was always the only woman in the meetings and on-site. It pushed me to work even harder to prove myself and my skill set to gain respect in those environments, something that maybe my male counterparts wouldn’t have had to do. However, I feel this is slowly improving within the profession.
What is the most important piece of advice you would give to young professionals starting their careers?
You don’t know everything, especially when you’ve just graduated, and nor do you need to! You learn on the job. Soak up everything from your older and more experienced colleagues. Don’t try to peak too soon; you have a long career ahead of you to progress. And try to enjoy it, remember this is what you’re going to be doing with your life for many years to come, so make sure you choose something you enjoy doing!
